Will the Waverley return to Llandudno again in 2026?
More than 3,000 passengers took a trip on the vessel; this year, the Waverley returned to North Wales as part of a four-day visit. Cruises took in the Great Orme and Puffin Island and the Anglesey Coast.
There was also a 'special Captain's Choice' evening cruise.
Talking about the 2025 season, Samuel Brown, Marketing Manager at Waverley Excursions Ltd, told the Pioneer and its coastal titles, said: "We had a fantastic return to North Wales this year and were absolutely delighted to sail once again from Llandudno Pier - especially in the same year it's been named Pier of the Year 2025 by the National Piers Society.
"Across four days of sailings, we welcomed over 3,000 passengers on board for a variety of sailings including the Great Orme, Puffin Island, and along the stunning Anglesey Coast. There truly is no better way to explore the beautiful coastline of North Wales than from the decks of Waverley.
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"We want to extend a special thank you to the management and pier staff at Llandudno Pier who were excellent in assisting our passengers over the extended four day visit."
Samuel added: "Waverley will certainly return to North Wales in 2026, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who sailed with us and supported our return – in particular, Llandudno Pier and Holyhead Port."
The Waverley returned to Llandudno in 2023, marking the first time the vessel had set sail from Llandudno Pier in five years.
This followed a £3million refurbishment.
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Times
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The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Waverley set for 'rare' trip around Arran next month
The special sailing will allow passengers to experience the full coastline of Arran from the unique perspective of Waverley's decks. The ship will allow those on board to take in the 'breathtaking' coastal scenery, mountainous landscape to the north and the picturesque villages dotted along the coastline on one sailing. The ship will cruise past the remote northwest coast with views of Goatfell, Glen Sannox and Lochranza before steaming past Lamlash Bay, passing close to Holy Isle with its ancient heritage and aroudn the southern coastline where passengers will also be able to spot the pear-shaped island of Pladda and its historic lighthouse, which was first lit in 1790. Read More Waverley honoured with water cannon salute to mark major milestone Captain Dominic McCall, Waverley's Master, is excited to take the steamer around the isle as he said: 'The Steam Round Arran sailing is always a highlight both personally and professionally. Waverley's circumnavigation of the island is one of the most unique cruises in the Glasgow & Clyde Coast Summer timetable, offering a rare chance to see the island in its entirety from the sea. 'The coastline offers ever changing scenery and some of the most dramatic views anywhere in Scotland. I already know which way round the island we'll go this year, but I'll be keeping that as a surprise until the day. It's something for passengers to look forward to.' Passengers who decided to go on the sailing will be able to board the Waverley at Glasgow with the paddle steamer departing at 9.45am before returning by coach from Largs at 9.15pm. It will also pick up at Greenock, departing at 11.30am and returning by coach at 9pm. The final two pick ups will be at [[Largs]] at 12.55pm before returning at 7.30pm and Keppel Pier at Millport at 1.15pm and returning at 7.45pm. The final people on board at Brodrick will join the boat at 2.30pm before returning at 6.30pm. The special sailing takes place as Waverley reaches the halfway point of its 2025 summer season to mark 50 years of sailing in preservation. Earlier this year, the major milestone was celebrated with a water cannon salute by tug CMS Thundererer. The salute took place near Oban on Tuesday as a mark of respect for Waverley's remarkable preservation journey and as a warm welcome back to the west coast of Scotland. Waverley, the World's last seagoing paddle steamer, has been preserved thanks to the continued dedication of passengers, supporters, volunteers, and organisations over five decades. Clyde Marine Services has played a vital role in her preservation, regularly providing tug support, including for dry dock operations. Waverley's 50th year in preservation officially begins with a special thank you sailing on May 22 for invited guests, recognising those who have played a part in keeping her sailing since she was famously gifted for £1 in 1974.
