THE world’s last seagoing paddle steamer will set sail from Llandudno Pier this week for the first time in five years.
The unique vessel has undergone a £3million refurbishment.
She will make two trips [both sold out] from Llandudno on Tuesday (June 20) and Wednesday (June 21).
On the Tuesday, she will sail from Llandudno Pier and will cruise around the Great Orme and Puffin Island and on the Wednesday, she will take passengers on a cruise of Anglesey Coast.
She will sail from Liverpool to Llandudno and Llandudno to Liverpool.
More than 1,800 passengers are booked to travel over the next two days.
Paul Semple, General Manager, said: "We are delighted to be returning Waverley to Liverpool and Llandudno for the first time since 2018. When we announced Waverley would make a brief visit to the Mersey tickets sold out very quickly such was the level of interest in the ship.
"We are grateful to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co for being able to provide a berth for Waverley in Liverpool. This season sees the ship operating her most ambitious sailing programme for over a decade, Liverpool therefore had to feature."
Where is the Waverley currently?
The Waverley (June 19) is on her way to Liverpool and is currently off Anglesey having left Milford Haven about 11.30pm on the evening of Sunday, June 18.
She has just completed one of the most successful operating periods on the Bristol Channel since her very first visit in 1979; more than 14,000 passengers have stepped aboard over the past couple of weeks.
Mr Semple said the "highlight" was cruising into Tenby on Saturday evening when thousands lined the hillside, beach and streets to see Waverley arrive.
Departure times
The ship departs from the Isle of Man Steam Packet berth, L3 1DL, on Tuesday, June 20 and Wednesday, June 21 at 9.15am.
Passengers heading out on these journeys should arrive at 8.45am at the latest so they can go through security and board the Waverley in time for her departure.
The majority of Liverpool passengers are set to step ashore at Llandudno in order to spend some time in the popular resort.
At Llandudno, passengers will join for the afternoon cruise: Tuesday - Great Orme and Puffin Island, Wednesday – Anglesey Coast.
The ship will be alongside the pier between 12.30pm and 1.15pm. Passengers joining at Llandudno for the afternoon cruises are advised to be at Llandudno Pier in plenty of time to board Waverley and sail at 1.15pm.
The Waverley is due to arrive back in Liverpool at 7.30pm on Tuesday and 8.15pm on Wednesday.
Eating and drinking
The Waverley offers a range of eating and drinking options that passengers can enjoy throughout sailings.
Waverley’s Dining Saloon is situated on the Main Deck and is open throughout the cruises. Hot breakfast rolls are available until 11am and from 12pm, a selection of fresh soups, sandwiches, snacks and full meals.
Passengers can sit in the Dining Saloon or take away to other areas of the ship. Hot drinks, soft drinks and cakes are also available.
The Caledonia Tea Bar on the Promenade Deck offers a range of hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and ice cream.
The Jeanie Deans Lounge on the Main Deck offers a relaxing atmosphere with excellent views of the passing scenery. A selection of hot and cold drinks are available as well as stronger refreshments.
The Talisman Bar located beneath the Dining Saloon also serves a range of stronger refreshments.
Passengers are welcome to bring packed lunches on board but these cannot be eaten in the ship’s Dining Saloon.
No alcohol can be carried aboard.
Souvenir Shop
Passengers can take advantage of the gift shop on board. On offer will be "exclusive souvenir items" for the 2023 season.
Safety information
Passengers should take care when moving around the ship. Decks may be wet due to spray or effects of the weather and sea conditions may make the ship roll or pitch. Passengers are advised that there may be sudden movements as the ship berths.
Public address announcements will be made throughout the voyage.
Children should be supervised. They should not be permitted to run around the decks, climb on seats or the guardrails at the side of the ship.
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Handrails should be held onto when going up or downstairs.
Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. The ship’s captain has powers to refuse to embark passengers he judges to be intoxicated or to remove them from the ship.
Passengers that are disabled, have impaired mobility, are infirm, or have difficulty in moving around the ship, should ask the purser or any other crew member for assistance.
The Waverley has a toilet for the disabled. Passengers with restricted mobility are also requested to check access facilities at the respective port or pier of embarkation.
History
In 1974, at the end of her working life, the Waverley was gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society.
Waverley Steam Navigation Co Ltd, a charity registered in Scotland, was set up to own and operate the ship. Waverley then began a second career as one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions.
Since she has been in operational preservation, she has been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland, an engineering heritage award, and has carried over six-million passengers from more than 60 ports around the UK.
Since Waverley’s last visit in 2018, the ship has received new boilers and other refurbishments totalling more than £3 million.
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