2024 Programme              (Updated 29th Jan 2024) 

The programme of events for 2024 is shown below.

Please note that all events in the 2024 programme are subject to change.

Saturday 20th April 2024 - Solent Cruise (12:00 - 18:00)

We have booked a Solent Cruise, which will have something for everyone with the prospect of seeing almost all types of ships ranging from the largest container vessels, tankers, cruise ships, down to tugs, coasters and ferries. Bring your partner, even if they are not particularly interested in ships, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The cruise will depart from Town Quay in Southampton, on board a Solent and Wightline Cruises "Cat" type vessel as used previously. This cruise will cover Southampton, the Solent including St. Helen's Anchorage and possibly part of the Nab Anchorage(vessel, weather and tides permitting) and possibly Portsmouth Harbour. The trip will last for six hours.

The "Cat" vessels have an open deck area as well as a large enclosed saloon with toilets, and are an excellent platform for photography. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks and light refreshments at cost.

Date confirmed.

Photos from our July 2023 Solent Cruise.

The new JASMINE LEADER in the Eastern Docks.

HMS DEFENDER was at Portsmouth.

ESSEX STAR was in St. Helen's anchorage.

Photos by Chris Brooks

Saturday 11th May 2024 - Rotterdam and Europoort Cruise (10:00 - 19:30)

Following our cruise in 2023 on board the Rotterdam based vessel Nehalennia, we will be organising a similar 9.5 hour trip around the Port of Rotterdam and out to Europoort. A buffet lunch will be served during the cruise.

In order to try to cover as many harbours as possible, we have booked the vessel for 9.5 hours and she will depart from the Boompjeskade at 10:00 CEST and return at around 19:30.

Please come and join us for a relaxing day cruising around Europe’s largest port. Bring your partner, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday on the water looking and photographing some of the largest ships in the world at close quarters.

Depending on the circumstances on the day, this trip will cover the same areas as the previous boat trips, ie - Europoort, Caland Canal, Maasvlakte, Botlek and the upper Rotterdam dock system, subject to timing, weather, tides and the Captain’s instructions.

Nehalennia was built in 1908 and was recently overhauled. She is licensed to carry 170 persons and similar to the Diane, the public area is spread over two decks. The toilets and kitchen are located on the lower deck, however, there is no disabled toilet or access for wheelchair users. The stairs between the decks are reasonably steep but easily negotiable.

On the main deck, there are two inside saloon areas with a catering / drinks service area between. There is a small open area forward, a large open deck to the stern, with side access, although with a handrail rather than plating. The top deck has another bar area, a comfortable saloon, and more open deck space. There is ample seating and tables, but with more than enough open space for photography on the upper deck. The wheelhouse area is located on a higher level, so there are unrestricted 360 degree views for photography from the upper deck.

Date confirmed - bookings being taken.

Photos from our July 2023 Solent Cruise.

MEIN SCHIFF 3 in Portsmouth Harbour.

Bulk carrier KUJAWY outbound in the Solent.

The Hapag-Lloyd container ship TIRUA outbound off Cowes.

Photos by Chris Brooks

We will be organising a Solent Cruise in conjunction with the World Ship Society (WSS).

This trip will have something for everyone with the prospect of seeing almost all types of ships ranging from the largest container vessels, tankers, cruise ships, down to tugs, coasters and ferries. Bring your partner, even if they are not particularly interested in ships, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The cruise will depart from Town Quay in Southampton, on board a Solent and Wightline Cruises "Cat" type vessel as used previously. This cruise will last for seven hours and cover Southampton, the Solent including St. Helen's Anchorage and possibly part of the Nab Anchorage(vessel, weather and tides permitting) and possibly Portsmouth Harbour.

The "Cat" vessels have an open deck area as well as a large enclosed saloon with toilets, and are an excellent platform for photography. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks and light refreshments at cost.

Date confirmed.

August 2024 - River Orwell Sailing Barge Trip (12:30 - 17:00)

We are planning a 4.5 hour trip on a Thames sailing barge embarking at Harwich and covering Ipswich and Felixstowe ports.

More information will be made available when plans have been finalised.

Photos from our September 2023 Solent Cruise.

HMM LE HAVRE dominated the container terminal.

Chemical tanker ST SARA was in St Helen's Anchorage.

VENTURA departing Southampton for Vigo.

Photos by Chris Brooks

We have booked a third Solent Cruise, which will have something for everyone with the prospect of seeing almost all types of ships ranging from the largest container vessels, tankers, cruise ships, down to tugs, coasters and ferries. Bring your partner, even if they are not particularly interested in ships, as this is a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The cruise will depart from Town Quay in Southampton, on board a Solent and Wightline Cruises "Cat" type vessel as used previously. This cruise will cover Southampton, the Solent including St. Helen's Anchorage and possibly part of the Nab Anchorage(vessel, weather and tides permitting) and possibly Portsmouth Harbour. The trip will last for six hours.

The "Cat" vessels have an open deck area as well as a large enclosed saloon with toilets, and are an excellent platform for photography. The bar will be open for the purchase of drinks and light refreshments at cost.

Date Confirmed.

September 2024 - North West Ship Show

The TSS will have a table at the North West Ship Show.

The show will be held in Liverpool - venue to be advised.

TSS Committee members will be on hand to answer questions, so come along and have a chat with us.

Date to be confirmed, location to be advised.

September / Early October 2024 - Northern Spain

We are investigating the possibility of a trip to Northern Spain, centred around the ports of Bilbao and Santander. Participants will make their own travel arrangements.

Date to be confirmed, details to be advised.

16th November 2024 - Ocean Liner Society Ship Show

The TSS will have a table at the Ocean Liner Society Ship Show.

The show will take place in Alton Community Centre, Alton, Hampshire.

TSS Committee members will be on hand to answer questions, so come along and have a chat with us.

Further details to be advised when available.