Local residents and visitors will have the chance to climb aboard from Monday September 1 until Tuesday September 23, with sailings calling at a range of ports and piers across the region.
The historic steamship will stop at Southampton, Portsmouth, Weymouth, Poole, Swanage, Yarmouth, Gosport, Ryde, Shoreham, Eastbourne and Folkestone, giving passengers the opportunity to see the coastline from a unique perspective.
Waverley’s visits to the area have become a familiar annual event since her first arrival at Newhaven almost 47 years ago on April 17, 1978.
This year’s return marks another chapter in her long history of offering excursions on the South Coast and Isle of Wight.
Waverley and Shieldhall paddle steamers. (Image: Paddle Steamer Waverley) Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley’s master, said: “It’s always a pleasure to bring Waverley back to the South Coast and Isle of Wight as she receives such a warm welcome year after year.
“This year’s timetable includes more variety than ever, from round the Island cruises and sunset sailings to steam train connections on Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Swanage Railway.
“One highlight I’m looking forward to is our special sailing to mark the 70th anniversary of Steamship Shieldhall on Saturday 13th September, as it will be a truly unique moment to see two historic Clyde built steamships meeting once again.
“There’s no better way to take in the stunning scenery of the Dorset, Hampshire, and Isle of Wight coastlines than from the decks of Waverley, and I look forward to welcoming passengers aboard.”
Waverley’s timetable this September features the popular ‘Steam Round Isle of Wight’ cruises.
These will run on Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, Saturday 6th, Wednesday 10th, Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th and Saturday 20th September.
Passengers on these trips will be able to take in views of the Island’s well-known landmarks, including Alum Bay, the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, St Catherine’s Lighthouse, and the seaside towns of Shanklin, Sandown and Cowes.
For those interested in heritage railways, the ‘Ultimate Steam Day Out’ offers the chance to combine a Waverley sailing with a trip on a historic steam train.
The Waverley will sail from Eastbourne Pier. (Image: Paddle Steamer Waverley) On certain dates, cruises connect with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, including during the Cider & Cheese Festival on Saturday 6th September.
Connections with Swanage Railway are also available, with passengers disembarking at Swanage Pier and walking to the station, and several combined trips scheduled through September.
Waverley will also sail from Eastbourne Pier, following a successful visit last year.
On Tuesday 16th September, there will be an afternoon cruise along the coastline to Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters cliffs.
The sailing season will end on Tuesday 23rd September with a full-day cruise from Eastbourne and Folkestone to London.
For the first time in over 20 years, the paddle steamer will cruise past Dungeness and the White Cliffs of Dover into the Thames Estuary, steaming upriver and witnessing Tower Bridge open especially for her.
Aboard Waverley, passengers can experience the sights and sounds of a real steamship, visit the Engine Room, and watch the massive paddles turning.
Catering is available throughout, with options including snacks, tea and cake, hot meals, and refreshments in period lounges.
Visitors can also stop by the souvenir shop.
Waverley is currently in dry dock for her annual survey, repairs, and repaint, with more than £1 million invested over winter.
Tickets for all sailings can be booked at the Waverley Excursions website or by calling 0141 243 2224.
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