“Excellent my husband an I loved everyday, we has one scare when my husband was rushed to hospital, but everyone one lovely an thanks to Captain an his crew it was sorted an back on boat in evening, would definitely do it again.
Thank you to all.
Brian & Pauline Minson”
“You couldn't have felt safer.
Everything for your safety was thought of, if you forgot your mask you were very gently reminded and the whole experience was as friendly as you could expect under the circumstances!
Highly recommended!”
“The Heart of England cruise that we recently took was a really great experience. It far exceeded expectations in this troubled time. The Covid-19 protocol changes made were well done and handled expertly. The crew were well trained and most attentive to every need. It was a shame that the family bubbles had to be in place which restricted a more intimate experience but we manged to have interesting and lively conversations with our fellow travellers at our segregated dinner tables without face masks. Up on the deck it was not a requirement to wear face masks and we felt comfortable with the social spacing arrangements and the beautiful weather whilst watching the scenery go by. It was punctuated by a daily game of deck quoits managed by our jack of all trades crewman Louis. The food was expertly prepared by our Chef Miles and was five star quality with great presentation and made on board with locally sourced ingredients. We often saw Miles walking off along the riverbank at times foraging for some of the days ingredients. It was obvious that his previous culinary experience was at some of the finest restaurants. It was enhanced by the copious amounts of libation on offer. Dan and Jack were our other crewmen acting mainly as stewards and quiz masters for the early evening entertainment complimented on a couple of nights by excellent live entertainers. The cabins were comfortable but a little small for two people trying to wash and dress in the mornings. The ventilation and cooling in the cabins was good with sanitiser provided inside and outside the cabins as required. Most mornings were spent sailing serenely along the river Severn and afternoons usually involved a tour to a local town or attraction after mooring up for the night. These tours were very well managed with social distancing employed at all times and informative local guides. As we sailed along we were regaled by commentary from our erstwhile captain Steve who was a submariner in a previous life. His knowledge of the local landmarks accompanied by his wit and humour was a breath of fresh air and at the end of the trip we left wanting more. Overall the experience was unforgettable made all the better by Captain Steve's leadership skills and the professionalism of his enthusiastic crew. We have no hesitation in awarding the Edward Elgar and crew a five star rating and highly recommend the company and experience”
“We enjoyed this trip with you as much as we enjoyed last year's. I particularly appreciated the care taken by Chef and the girls to work round my food intolerances. An unexpected treat was the walk to the Lower Lode pub, with the bikers' rally - wonderful! Given that we were all strangers to begin with, the whole group came together and proved great fun, thanks to the efforts and unending cheerfulness of the crew - thank you once again!”
“A thoroughly enjoyable week with great food and exceptionally friendly and hard working crew. Nothing was too much trouble and the excursions were very enjoyable.
Our group of 22 guests gelled really well so all in all definitely to be recommended.”
“The cruise was perfect in every way. The organisation, visits, meals and entertainment were excellent and the staff on board went out of their way to ensure that we were happy, looked after and well fed. The boat was cosy, with plenty of relaxing spaces including the deck, and the chosen moorings were varied and in lovely places. The captain was competent and experienced, and so we felt very safe. I can thoroughly recommend English Holiday Cruises, as well as all the Edward Elgar crew!”
“Everything excellent except for poor liaison with coach company. Would have liked more time in Tewksbury. A temporary mooring and shorter coach ride might have helped.”
“Wonderful holiday in perfect weather. Captain's informative comments added to the pleasure. Great care meeting any special dietary needs. As members of National Trust and English Heritage we did not need to pay entry fees but they were included in the price. If you asked for membership numbers, could that be addressed or is it too difficult administratively? Only one wheelchair at Croome Court and no other transport so I found the walk painful and tiring. Would not go again.”
“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!!”
“Staffing of the boat. All staff work incredibly hard, they are polite and helpful.
The itinerary is good but the lady guide on the first two tours needed more training. Half the passengers left her tour after a short period. On the second tour most had left before the tour ended. We go on tours to learn about the places we are visiting.
The menue was good, with only one bad meal where the beef wasn't cooked to any ones liking if it was cooked at all. The chef did a great job in a very small space. The boat was clean and amazingly everything worked well. Unfortunately. The cabins are so small it is the only thing which will prevent me from travelling on it again.
We had amazingly good weather which helped the holiday. You can obtain maps that could go on the monitor which would tell people where we were.
ONly given 3 star due to size of cabins
Regards
Sylvia Fayers-Morrissey”
“Booked this cruise with an open mind. On boarding the Edward Elgar, we received a warm welcome from the crew. We quickly discovered that the space available was used to it’s maximum effect. We found the cabin to be adequate, plenty of storage, the toilet and shower room was excellent. The COVID precautions were excellent, temperature check each morning. The chef, Miles went out of his way to cater for everyone including gluten free. Each meal was very good. The wines with the meals were excellent. As for the crew they worked well as a team, ably led by the Captain Steve, nothing was too much trouble. This was the most laid back holiday we have ever taken. The only downside was the overgrown river banks, the waterways authority should do more to maintain the condition of the river.”
“We enjoyed a relaxing four-day break aboard the MV Edward Elgar. The cruise was booked at short notice due to the ever changing COVID-19 restrictions and allowed us to discover a part of Gloucestershire that we would not normally visit. The crew looked after us very well throughout the cruise. COVID-19 arrangements meant that we felt safe as well as valued and welcomed. The quality of the food was excellent. The cabin was compact and comfortable. The one evening of live music was very enjoyable and allowed us the opportunity to dance! Another evening of music would have been welcomed. Due to the frequent squally showers we were unable to enjoy the outside upper deck. In spite of the weather being changeable though, we were able to take advantage of interesting excursions, some bracing walks along the tow path and stunning views across the Severn estuary. The skipper was very knowledgeable about the canal and the local area; his informative tours and talks helped us to fully appreciate the trip. Overall, this was a valued opportunity to take life at a slower pace, being waited on and fully catered for, and seeing and learning about a part of England- and a way if life- we wouldn’t normally experience. We came back feeling very relaxed and refreshed. We will be booking another trip!”
“We have just returned from a 4 day cruise on the Gloucester to Sharpness canal. Apart from the weather we a had a very relaxing few days with excellent service throughout the stay. The crew were friendly, attentive and informative. The food was fresh well presented and of a high standard, much better than expected considering the limited amount of kitchen space. The cabin was cosy and clean as was the rest of the boat. The crew had taken all possible precautions regarding Covid so we felt safe at all times. This is definitely a break we would recommend but fine dry weather would make it perfect.”
“A perfect 5 night break, starting in Gloucester, during this difficult Covid time. Comfort and friendliness were everywhere and Covid -19 restrictions were very well addressed - hand sanitisers, face masks (worn at all times except at the table and in the cabin) 2 metre distancing - all adding to the feeling of care and attention. The food was exceptional - nutritionally well balanced and portion sizes were perfect. Thank you, Miles the chef. The two stewards, Dan and Jack, were efficient and courteous and saw to all our needs. Louis, who took our temperature each morning, organised a quiz after dinner and deck quoits as well as assisting the skipper - a multi-talented member of the crew. Steve, the skipper, always explained very clearly what was happening along the journey. The selection of tours was varied and well organised, with good guides at each venue. As a bonus, the weather for the week was very good! Cabin facilities were well appointed and the bathroom served its purpose. Beds were very comfortable. Instructions on how to find the boat were very clear and the organisation by the office staff was efficient. Thank you all for a thoroughly enjoyable and stress-free trip.”
“We had a wonderful trip on MV Edward Elgar. My husband and I enjoyed the trips in Gloucester, Upton upon Severn, Tewkesbury and Worcester. The guided walks and visit to Worcester Cathedral were very interesting. We felt very safe on board and the COVID-19 precautions were stringent. The captain and crew were exceptional and made us feel very welcome. Meals were first class and professionally presented. The wildlife along the canal and river was prolific and we saw kingfishers, herons, cormorants and many other birds. This was our first cruise and it excelled all our expectations.”
“We have just returned from a Severn Wonders Cruise on the Edward Elgar and had a wonderful time. Our holiday was fun and relaxing with just the right mix of cruising, on board activities and entertainment, and time off the boat for some interesting visits to places along the route. The Edward Elgar is comfortable and the new “pods” for each cabin in the lounge area are well thought out and felt safe while still letting us chat with our fellow passengers. It is clear a lot of thought and attention to detail has gone into all the arrangements on board to make sure everything works really well. Cabins are compact but had everything we needed. The menus were varied and the food provided by Miles was always really tasty and enjoyable. And the crew were all fantastic, friendly and helpful, ensuring we were well looked after throughout the week so thank you Steve, Miles, Louis, Dan and Jack.”
