“Having cruised on the Edward Elgar many times, this weekend with the complete family, was way above any expectations my wife and i had. From initial discussions with Jay through to boarding, the process was flawless, despite CRT closing the docks. On board the food was, as usual superb, all dietary needs fulfilled, and the services and service impeccable. My family enjoyed it so much, mainly down to the crew becoming extended family, that nobody wanted to leave. Aged between 16 and 76 they were all catered for. My wife and i will be cruising again next year (23).
We consider this cruise has been the best family weekend we have had.
Big thanks to Louis, Ethan, Katie and Stu on board and Jay, Sam and Jess at base!
See you in the summer.”
“An excellent holiday thank you. All members of your staff worked tirelessly to ensure that we were looked after at all times. We will certainly recommend your company and The Edward Elgar to our friends and relatives.”
“What a great holiday. Hard working, friendly attentive staff who made everything run smoothly without us even noticing. So relaxing to cruise slowly and gently along the Severn Ship Canal - a calming different pace of life. The excursions were interesting and fun. Meals were delicious and particular dietary needs were well catered for. It was fantastic having teas and coffee on tap whenever we wanted them. Everything very comfortable. The cabins were small as expected and we had some concerns that they were tired, cluttered and not easy to spend time in - however, having spoken to the owner I am delighted to hear that the cabins are to be re-vamped this winter and their plans are exciting for less clutter, brighter and more comfort - this should make cruising next year an even better experience on top of what was already a trip I would strongly recommend and is real value for money.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our week on the Edward Elgar - the passengers were good company and the crew were amazing - and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and incredibly well fed. The weather and scenery was spectacular
Thanks especially to Captain Louis, Ethan, Katie and Cook Stuart who were a great team”
“I enjoyed everything about this cruise (especially no shopping trips) the only criticism I found the cabin airless and hot at nightI think maybe I didn’t understand the air conditioning fan !!! Advice or demonstration maybe”
“Crew were great, couldn't do enough to make sure that everything was to our liking.
Food was very good, definitely compliments to the chef. Will look to booking again in the future.”
“We only did the short 2 night break and were sorry to leave so soon. Staff were amazing, helpful and friendly, nothing seemed to be too much trouble. The food presentation and standard were surprisingly high considering the size of the galley. We would most definitely consider going on another canal cruise, but for longer next time.”
“I had a very enjoyable weekend on the canal. The crew were excellent and worked hard to keep us all happy. The food was fine but could have been more imaginative. The live entertainment was ‘painful’ and very loud, and not really suitable for the demographic of the group. The excursions were managed well and were informative. Overall a pleasant experience.”
Dear Jean,
Thank you for your comments, and we're glad you enjoyed yourself! There are significant plans for the food in 2023 and also a change from live entertainment to a wine-tasting evening! Hopefully, we will see you again.
“We couldn’t criticise the service particularly with the problem with the slit in the Gloucester docks .The alteration of the itineraries next year cutting short the wait time at the centre of Gloucester will enhance particularly the 2/3 holidays.”
Dear Mr Blundell,
Thank you for your review, and we're glad you enjoyed your time with us.
We take a great deal of care to outline the facilities on board before bookings are made, including publishing an assessment conducted by visitEngland for accessibility. The inspections and guidance are published on our website and available in print as well. It can all be found here: https://river.englishholidaycruises.co.uk/access-guidance-for-english-holiday-cruises/
Thank you for your feedback, and hopefully, you will be on board again soon.
“A lovely trip made most enjoyable because of the friendliness of the crew, Louis, Stuart, Ethan and Katie and the 16 passengers who travelled with us. Stuart produced the most delicious food and catered to my wife's dietary needs very carefully, as did Katie who always asked if she could eat certain sauces/fruit.
The beds were very comfortable - it is unfortunate that the shower room sometimes smelled and the toilet was difficult to flush! The outings arranged were very good and the coaches very comfortable.”
Dear Christopher,
We're glad the crew looked after you well; we're very lucky to have them! We will look into the beds as there is a refurbishment of cabins happening this winter in time for 2023 - our deep mattresses and toppers usually work well, so I'm sorry you didn't find the arrangement right for you. We are updating the signage for the marine toilets based on your feedback so thank you for the comment.
“All of the crew were brilliant.
Always ready to help if needed and worked hard to ensure the cruise went off without a hitch.
Louis not only steered the boat skillfully ensuring a safe passage but also waited at the table and helped out where required.
Katie was always at hand, with a smile and happy disposition to serve at the table and the bar. Nothing seemed too much trouble.
Ethan ran the quoits competition cheerfully and with humour. He also helped to make sure everything ran smoothly at meal times with Katie and docking procedures with Louis.
Stewart produced very appetising meals, from a small galley and also provided me with a nice selection of low-sugar desserts.
All in all a great team that all helped one another to make our cruise a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Many thanks to you all!!”
“I was blown away by the fantastic holiday I have just spent aboard. Fabulous scenery but made all the special by a fabulous team of hard working, thoughtful and professional crew on board! From meals to entertainment and excursions everything was GREAT.”
“We had a very leisurely holiday on the Edward Elgar, the food was 1st class and the crew were very helpful and nothing was to much trouble for them. We found the company to be very efficient with very good information.”
“We were a party of four and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The crew were exceptional, food superb and excursions very interesting. My husband lives with alzheimer, the crew were exceedingly helpful and patient, and we are most appreciative. Many thanks”
