“A unique experience. A wonderful way to appreciate the beauties of a lovely part of England. Calm, relaxation, chance encounters with nature - kingfishers, herons, cormorants, sand martins - and interesting insights into English history. Good company, lively entertainment and a wonderful crew who catered for every need. Unreservedly recommended.”
“An excellent holiday made enjoyable by the efficiency and friendliness of the staff. An important part of any holiday is the food provided and in this case it was perfect, with good choices all superbly cooked and served hot. Our guides to the various towns gave us just the right information for us to absorb making the visits interesting. I am passing on your details to my many friends in this retirement village in Derbyshire as they quite fancy a trip next year.”
“My husband, Philip, and I have just come back from the Severn Wonders Cruise and can honestly say that we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The itinerary, the food and most especially the crew, were all excellent. The cabins were, as described, cosy but we've spent years camping and nothing is smaller than a two-man tent. My only disappointment was that we didn't once wave our flags and sing Land of Hope and Glory!!”
“An excellent cruise with very good organisation and very detailed instructions on how to find the boat etc. The icing on this cake was the crew of Captain Steve, Jen, Sharon, Ross and the super chef, Miles. Everything was explained, nothing was too much trouble and we were made to feel more like guests than paying clients.
The boat was clean and the compact cabins better than we expected with the showers working better than any ocean cruise we have been on.
We have a simple test after every holiday. Would we recommend it to family and friends ?
In the case of the Edward Elgar cruise we experienced the answer is YES !
If I win the lottery and buy a super yacht I would headhunt the great crew who looked after us so well under the direction of a very able and considerate captain !”
“Having been on the Rhine many times, this cruise more than came up to our expectations.
This was helped by friendly fellow passengers, good weather and a first class crew with special mention of the chef for both excellent food, and care in regard to our requirements.
Although we are local (Birmingham), we thoroughly enjoyed the carefully planned itinerary giving us a different perspective from the water!
Once again, our thanks to all concerned.
David & Jo”
“We had a very pleasant time seeing new parts of the country whilst cruising along at a leisurely pace. The towns we stopped at along the way were also very interesting and we also enjoyed the steam train ride. We were impressed with the teamwork of the crew who all worked hard to ensure we had a good time. At times we wished there was a bit more to do and see, but luckily the weather was good and we were able to catch up on our reading on the sun deck. The food was good and we were impressed by the quality and presentation. Well done, to the crew and skipper!”
“THE SERVICE WE RECEIVED WAS FIRST CLASS FROM ARRIVAL TO DEPARTURE AND THE FRIENDLINESS BY EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THE BOAT MADE IT A HOLIDAY WE SHALL REMEMBER FOR MONTHS TO COME. OUR CABIN WAS KEPT SPOTLESS BY THE STAFF. THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT AND STEVE THE CAPTAIN, KEPT US ENTERTAINED WITH HIS WIT AND INFORMATION EN ROUTE.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our 7 day cruise on the Edward Elgar. Absolutely nothing to take issue with, the crew were a great team and nothing was too much trouble for them. Happy staff makes for happy passengers. All trips etc were well organised and enjoyable.
My wife appreciated the vegetarian meals and the trouble taken by Miles to check if she was happy with what he suggested. And not an omelette in sight!”
“The Edward Elgar and its crew are a credit to the company. A wonderfully relaxing and entertaining experience thanks to all of the crew members who worked tirelessly to cater for all of their guests requirements. Miles, the chef, is a culinary superstar and delivered superb cuisine on every occasion. Steve, the captain, and his crew, Mark, Jen and Sharon pulled out all of the stops to run a very tidy and proffesional boat. Congratulations and thanks to all. You gave us a holiday experience that will be unforgettable for all of the right reasons.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday. One idea. It is always difficult to remember a lot of new names when meeting a new group of people. Would name tabs help. Probably Christian name only needed and if some people do not wish to use them then its up to them. We use them at U3A meetings and they are very useful, especially for new members. Hope to join you again next year, Clive and Katrina Adcock”
“We waited till two to board the boat,
You needed until then to prepare.
Luggage unloaded and taken by Mark,
What have I forgotten, will I despair?
Greetings are given, our cabin shown,
Sharon gave all we needed to know.
Beckoned by gorgeous scones, cream and jam,
Our strong wills were tested, what a show!
Sailing by now, Steve the boat controlled,
Tewkesbury had offered a berth that night.
More food eaten with names being learnt,
Passing through locks, watch out, some so tight.
New morning breaks with more food to eat,
As Miles is such a whizz of a cook.
Summoned by Jen, so upward we go,
Quoits on the top deck, our aim we took.
Away from those screens that rule our lives,
Jigsaws were started, the cards came out.
Failure to answer the quiz questions,
Show the lack of our knowledge, no doubt!
Tinkling ivories plus blowing four pipes,
A trombone, saxophone and the flute.
Lively melodies and lilting tunes,
By next year will Diana be playing the lute?
By coach to a train we onward travel,
Speeds may vary but planning well done.
Watching swans from the top of the boat,
We were very lucky, lots of sun.
Our guides expounded, history came alive,
Along ancient cloisters to a sacred tomb.
Arches and chapels are viewed by all,
Church clocks striking their bells do so boom.
True calmness was shown by Captain Steve,
Leading his team through any mishap.
All played their part, so tasks ran smoothly,
Boats overtaking must judge the gap.
From chicken and pork, salmon and lamb,
Beef with such sauce do gather with greens.
Crumble and fool, banana roulade,
Our waists have enlarged, or so it seems.
Joined for a while, meet folks from afar,
Laughing together, sharing such fun.
Rich memories stored, hope others will come,
Nothing too small, all requests well done.
From Bewdley to the birds at Slimbridge,
Our Edward Elgar has cruised her way.
Left in wonder by a barges’ graveyard,
So here thanks from us do come your way.”
“6th cruise, cannot believe that it just gets better. Laughing from boarding till.......well, still are at the crew, passengers, memories and activities that the 6 days contained. Nothing is too much trouble on board as the crew involve themselves in your holiday. Yes, we are booking for next year (you have been warned !)
We cruise for the chance to get away from day to day stress that modern life delivers, these people give you that opportunity, along with the excursions should you so wish.
Thank you for this year and see you next year Steve & co.”
“Every aspect was excellent. The food, the cabins, the helpfulness of the crew and the shore excursions.
I didn't quite know what to expect of a cruise holiday in England but found my Historic Canal Cruise in April absolutely delightful. Cruisers were entertained just as they would be on a big ship with quizzes, a concert and even deck quoits. (Don't ask who threw a quoit overboard!)
Of note was the fact that the holiday started at Gloucester Docks, a place I had never visited, full of super restaurants, and having an enchantment all of its own.
The pace of travel was slow and peaceful. For anyone feeling stressed out, I recommend a gentle water-borne meander down these canals - you can feel yourself unwind from the word go, or should that be "cast off."
Given the added bonus of free wine with meals, free excursions and a cute little bar at the front where you can have an aperitif whilst the inestimably beautiful English countryside slides peacefully by, I don't see how English Cruise Holidays can be topped. It was a case of all boxes ticked.”
