Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton have released details of the ship’s 2026 sailing progamme, with groups able to take advantage of discounts.
Starting on Saturday 23rd May, with a final sailing on Sunday 13rd September, there are a variety of trip durations, including all-day sailings as well as some returning favourite cruises and new trips.
Commentary on board will reflect significant anniversaries that will be marked on the water. It will include reference to the 90th anniversary of the maiden flight of the Spitfire; the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week and the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Shieldhall chairman Martin Phipps said: “We are delighted to launch our 2026 sailing programme, full of returning favourite excursions, but with a number of new trips, including the marking of significant anniversary events; festivals and special occasions.
“We encourage people to keep an eye out in January too, as there will some additional, exciting announcements in the New Year. Our volunteers put in over 25,000 hours annually of voluntary commitment, and we like to think that Shieldhall has never looked better.”
Schedule highlights
The popular shanty themed cruises have been extended in 2026, with the first ever Shanty Weekend taking place on 13th and 14th June, featuring the Kings Pond Shantymen and Selsey Shantymen. There will also be the return of the popular Southampton Salty Dogs and Jim Splice and The Main Brace, while two cruises out of Poole will see the Dorset Mutineers and Wareham Whalers perform on board.
For 2026, Shieldhall will steam to the Solent to watch the Round the Island Race on 11th July and will enter Portsmouth Harbour on 9th August and 5th September, passing close to the shore.
Throughout the sailing season, Shieldhall will cruise to Poole, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, offering opportunities to see landmarks including the Jurassic Coast and the Needles.
Passengers can experience the heritage of steam power and are encouraged to visit the working engine room and boiler room, as well as meeting the captain on the bridge.
The vessel can also be visited on non-sailing days for guided tours of the bridge, engine and boiler rooms, with the opportunity to view the working docks of Southampton from the open decks. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served in the saloon and included in the introductory presentation.
Group bookings and packages
Groups of ten or more can enjoy discounts on all pre-booked excursions. There is a further discount available on Shieldhall’s ‘positioning’ sailings to Poole on Thursday 13th August and Southampton on Monday 17th August respectively.
Shieldhall also offers a series of all-day packages in Southampton on its shorter cruises incorporating a visit to one of Southampton’s Museums, a guided walk with a local guide and an afternoon cruise. Themed packages include ‘In the Footsteps of…’ The Titanic, The Spitfire, The Mayflower and Southampton’s Towers and Vaults.
For more information about Steamship Shieldhall, visit ss-shieldhall.co.uk.
