Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise, passing Osborne House, Ryde and the Solent Forts

The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size, the defences remained important military structures for almost 100 years after they were built and many on the mainland are still in service today. The defence of Portsmouth was central to these installations and today the evidence of this massive programme can still be seen around the Solent.Join the SS Shieldhall on this extended cruise into the Eastern Solent, passing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s favourite home Osborne House, and the delightful town of Ryde. We will steam close to the mighty No Man’s Land, Spitbank, St Helens and Horse Sand Forts, accompanied with an expert commentary. On our journey we will pass the cruise ships Independence of the Seas, Marina and Norwegian Prima in berth, and on our return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!