Waverley Excursions Reviews 47

I booked the Penarth, Clevedon, Ilfracombe and North Devon trip last week. It was only after booking that I read some of the negative reviews.

To pick up on some of the negative points. For us there was ample seating the food and drink were good, and the staff were friendly.

The weather was good and that undoubtedly makes a difference. The boat is beautifully restored and maintained and overall it was a really lovely and memorable day.

Will be looking to book another trip next year.

We joined Waverley’s Isle of Skye cruise on the 14th May 2026, circumnavigating the Isle from Kyle of Lochalsh, expected time 11.5 hours. We had booked in advance, in February, as soon as the itinerary was launched, and was so looking forward to the day.
Alas, it was miserable, we couldn’t wait to get off.
In our opinion they should have made the decision to cancel the trip based on the weather forecast, this was intended to be a pleasure cruise but it was far from such. The weather was poor with bitterly cold northerly winds, rain and rough waters, so much so that we could not dock at Portree and with the slow going we still arrived back 45 minutes late. The sun came out only occasionally and not for long enough to thaw anyone.
The inadequate indoor seating was fully occupied from the time we set sail and people were reluctant to give others an opportunity to sit out from the cold. Late into the day the Captain actually requested that people offer to give up their seats for a while to allow others a chance to dine and/or get a hot drink. We spent the whole of the 12.25 hours outside on the promenade deck, shifting from port to starboard in an effort to find the warmest most sheltered side.
We were aware it was not going to be a day of glorious sunshine and had dressed appropriately, we are used to spending time on the seas; rain jackets, layers, hats, gloves, scarves but the bitterly cold day took its toll on us.
The scenery, disappointingly, was nothing memorable and we were so far offshore on the northwest peninsula we were closer to Uist than Skye. We saw a few Puffins and common sea birds, nothing else.
Also, the coffee they serve is just terrible and the toilets are filthy which is not great when you’re stuck on board for over 12 hours.
I must add that we thoroughly enjoyed a trip on the Waverley last year, a short afternoon from Armadale. The weather was good, the water was calm. The lesson for us therefore is to keep it short and don’t go in poor weather. It is, after all, a pleasure boat. We have planned to join them again in June from Llandudno. Will we go? Yes if it’s a nice day.

Went from Clevedon in June.
Last went on her about 70 years ago when she sailed the Clyde;so really looking forward to the trip.
Sadly the ship was considerably overcrowded which meant you had to stay seated otherwise you lost seat!
Very overrated and a most disappointing trip

Me and my Nan had planned to go on this it was stated it would be at Whitstable harbour at 12pm, for me then to google it and it then say it was boarding at 11:15, we were there on time for that and nothing showed. I then call the number they provided to then be told it’s not going to Whitstable at all and to board at Rochester. There was nothing said about this anywhere, we weren’t told anything at all it is disgusting we were just left there with no information, my Nan had planned this day for us and has left her very upset she was really looking forward to this but has really upset her. Disgraceful

A boring trip
Took a trip from Gravesend to Clacton.
Scheduled to start at 10:30 am, but it was delayed until 11:05.
And the ship has to go inland for 15 mins before it turned to head towards Southend direction.
A lot of time was wasted.
In the end the Clacton stop was abandoned due to weather and the ongoing cruise to sealand was also cancelled.
We spent 8 hours on the boat, not mych to do or see. And the food choice is very limited.
Eventually they sent us to a container service area in Ipswich to be picked up by coach back to Gravesend, another 2 hour on a coach.
A very long day and a boring trip on Waverley.
Never again!

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the ship. The food was outstanding and the staff were lovely. Thanks again for a memorable day.

Honestly shaking my head in disbelief reading some of the negative reviews on this site for Waverley Excursions. Some people, must just be really hard to please.

Felt genuinely privileged to have been part of the Excursion from Glasgow to Dunoon, and back, on Saturday 16th August.

From the exterior the boat is absolutely stunning. You can really sense the love and care that has gone into her. And the views just get better when you board. Boarding, incidentally, was quick and efficient and dealt with very well by the abundance of helpful staff.

We decided to camp ourselves in the Jeanie Dean's Bar area for the first part of our trip. It does get very busy (understandably so) in there so if you would like a drink I'd recommend doing the same. The service from Cieran, and others (including even at one point the ship's Captain no less) was absolutely superb. Worked their socks off all day as the bar got busier, but never stopped smiling. Sure the prices are a little higher than ideal, but because of the whole experience you just can't grudge them.

There was also a live band on in the bar (wish I'd got their name now) and they were absolutely brilliant. Belted out classics all journey long (both ways) and had everybody engaging with them. Truly added to the whole experience.

Walking round the boat felt like one "wow" moment after another too. Could have stood and watched in the engine room for hours. It really is a special area and not to be missed. If you're tall, like me though, be careful and not bump your head as I did on a few occasions!

Bought myself a cracking Waverley cap from the small store on board. Behind the counter was a lovely lady called Beverley - who works there on a voluntary basis - and like every other staff member on the boat is an absolute credit to the Waverley.

Had a really enjoyable couple of hours in Dunoon, taking in some live music and enjoying a pint in the late summer sunshine before the boat picked us all up - bang on time - for the return trip to Glasgow.

One of the most special things of all was seeing how many people were on the shore, families waving to us all as we sailed past - even people hanging out their house and flat windows doing the same. You really do feel like you're part of an experience when you see things like that.

We arrived back in Glasgow, right on schedule where again disembarking was dealt with in the same friendly way as boarding. Again, all the staff are an absolute credit.

Our faces were sore from smiling the whole time we were on board, although at the end of it all we did feel sad that the day was over.

Will treasure every memory we made on the Waverley on Saturday and already looking forward to doing it again next year.

Take my advice, ignore the moaners on here, book it and have one of the best days of your life.

The Ship, the Staff (particularly in the bar, just the right guys in the right job), the Cowal Hills…..and vitally the Weather……. Combined potentially with exceptional Company make this something not to be missed.

Don’t forget the fishn’ chips.

Go on a Saturday and there’s a music gig.

The cruise around the Clyde Coast would have been great if we weren’t packed onboard like sardines with too few seats.

The crew seemed very friendly and helpful. The ship itself was interesting, immaculately preserved and provided most of the facilities that you would expect (except for enough seats).

Food was good but the hot drinks were awful and there was no catering for alternative diets, allergies or intolerances.

I would say that it was definitely a worthwhile experience but perhaps better to do the short trips rather than the full cruises as, unfortunately, there were far too many people getting drunk rather than enjoying the cruise so, probably, not a suitable day out for young families.

Had a lovely trip to Ilfracombe yesterday.
In total it was 12 hours and the boat itself is remarkable. We enjoyed the scenery and the commentary. Learned alot about the area.
The food and drink on board was lovely.

My only criticism was the majority of the staff we really unwelcoming. Looked like they didn't want to be there and felt like we were a nuisance, while ordering food and drinks.
It was such a shame, seeing staff happy and enjoying thier surroundings would have definitely enhanced our trip.
Courtesy goes a long way.

Even though the weather was dreadful our day from penarth to ilfracombe was truly amazing it's a once in a lifetime experience which everyone has to try the staff were very welcoming and nothing is to much trouble, l can imagine it being even better on a sunny day l will most certainly take more trips in the future. I can only give this a full five stars.

What a fantastic day out. Traveling from Penarth to Ilfracombe and was such a wonderful day out. The crew were totally amazing and so polite and helpful I could not have asked for anymore. The made you feel special and you that you enjoyed your day out. This was my very first trip and I can't wait to go again.

As far as a boat trip in the Uk goes, ours was as good as it gets. I thought they crammed far too many people on the boat which caused big queues and there wasn’t enough seats for everyone especially as a lot of people put their bags on the seats. The trip probably would have been more interesting if we could hear the quietly spoken commentator. Otherwise it was well run and the food was okay and reasonably priced (apart from the coffee which was awful and they didn’t have milk alternatives).

Had a wonderful cruise from Penarth across to Clevedon where a coach picked us up and took us to Bishop Leyeard to journey on an the old railway line in quaint old carriages from my era back in the '60's, passing through beautiful countryside and stopping at quaint nostalgic stations, with station masters in smart uniforms of earlier times. After a delightful scenic journey lasting about an hour, we arrived in Minehead, where a few hours later the Waverley picked us up and returned us to Penarth. A trip on the Waverley is always a delight! The crew are so polite, friendly and helpful. The Waverley is a pleasure to behold, all freshly painted, varnished and brass polished. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Went on a Waverley excursion from Penarth to Minehead via Clevedon and West Somerset Rail. The whole experience was first class and enjoyable. The Waverley Crew were helpful, friendly and polite.
Thank you.

Our trip was cancelled due to the boat being damaged, I understand this could not be foreseen but we felt unable to rebook as we had booked a hotel in London for the weekend to take the trip and had to use that booking or loose the money. Did not want to chance that happening a second time.
I resounded to their email immediately asking for a refund as they stated but a month later still no refund. Not happy with this unreasonable time and now reading of others who have issues getting refunds.

We recently went on the Waverley on the castles cruise from Greenock. We had a brilliant day despite poor weather. The ship is beautiful and very well maintained, the kids love watching the engines. The food is always great quality, the crew are friendly and helpful at all times.

Excellent ship , spoilt by greedy indifferent passengers hogging the seats all trip , spoils it

I went on The Waverley Paddle Steamer on 31st August. Despite the weather once we went through the breakwater at Plymouth. It was my first time at sea or on any boat, and I would definitely go on it again. The staff could not have been more pleasant.

This was an amazing experience I remember being on the Waverley as a child so this was special. The engine room was the same as I remember and the rest of the steamer did not disappoint the staff were also friendly and professional All round brilliant.31