“I have just returned from the ship canal explorer cruise with the bonus of splendid weather. Plenty of content here with first evening at Gloucester Docks and a guided walk the next morning. A chance to see how important this inland port was in the past.
Leaving for Berkeley Castle in the afternoon by taxi,from the canal then Purton graveyard and Slimbridge the next day
The view across the estuary was stunning from the higher canal.
We were well cared for by the willing team, especially Sam the cook who makes great cakes
The cabins are well planned with adequate room for possessions- a large suitcase fits under one bunk and plenty of hangers.
My second trip on the Edward Elgar and I can recommend the experience.
What's not to like about comfortably watching the world go by from the top deck.?
Hawthorn in abundance this year in April.
Good library on board and some games if weather is not so kind and a snug bar.”
Thank you so much for your glowing review, Joyce! We’re thrilled that you had such a splendid experience on the Ship Canal Explorer Cruise and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Watching the world go by from the top deck truly is a special treat! We hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the Edward Elgar.
“A thoroughly enjoyable trip. The arrangements were excellent from the arrival details, the guides for the various excursions, and the locations themselves. The general atmosphere on the boat was very good and the staff helpful at all times. The meals were tasty and variations possible if required. We benefitted from the glorious weather which certainly helped as we were able to spend time on the upper deck each day watching the world go by. We would thoroughly recommend the trip. Be prepared for a small cabin but it works well and you will want to spend your time elsewhere on the boat to see what is happening around you.”
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Joanna! We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable trip on The Ship Canal Explorer Cruise. We’re especially pleased that you could soak up the glorious weather on the upper deck! Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you aboard again for another memorable adventure.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. I’m genuinely sorry to hear that you were disappointed not to have sailed on the River Severn, though I’m pleased to hear that our crew did their best to ensure you still had an enjoyable experience.
Just to clarify, this particular cruise was scheduled exclusively for the Gloucester–Sharpness Canal and not the River Severn, as outlined in the cruise itinerary and our booking materials. We do understand that plans and expectations can sometimes become confused, especially with so many options available, and we’re always happy to answer any questions about routes before or during a booking.
While we regret that this misunderstanding affected your experience, I hope the comfort onboard and the efforts of our team helped to make your time with us enjoyable in other ways.
“It is 11 years since I last sailed on the EDWARD ELGAR on a Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Cruise and it was nice ti return for another trip. I was really impressed by the new check in and parking arrangements at The Boathouse - very well organised.
It was an excellent trip in excellent weather. Unlike my previous three trips on the canal which were just two nights this one was for three which included a visit to Berkeley Castle - a fascinating place which has featured in the recent BBC TV Drama Wolf Hall.
Meals served were excellent I thoroughly enjoyed this trip - there is very little that could be improved upon and I will ensure it is another 11 years before I set foot on board again.
I will make a couple of small suggestions. There are plenty of good West Country breweries and cider makers why not serve these on board rather than London Pride and mainstream Bulmers?
Also as someone who enjoys looking a ships and boats it would have been nice if perhaps EDWARD ELGAR could have overnighted at Saul Junction - there is so much to see there and time available wasn't enough.
Finally I would like to thank the excellent crew for their attentive service. It really was an excellent trip. I will be back!!!”
Thank you for your fantastic review, John! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your return trip on the Edward Elgar and appreciated the new check-in and parking arrangements. It’s always great to have a refreshing experience, and we're glad the weather was perfect for your adventure! We hope to welcome you back again!
“A very enjoyable cruise with a good itinerary. My husband and I particularly enjoyed the trip to Berkley Castle.
The parking, embarking and disembarking were very efficiently done.
The crew were all lovely and David is the perfect person for the role of Captain/Master. All were very friendly and helpful.
The cabins are very small but well designed and extremely clean.
The food was mostly very good but there were some disappointments, for example when we asked for more bread to go with the ploughman's lunch and were given thin white sliced bread - not really acceptable. Having said that, I have to admire the chef, Joe, for his hard work and efficiency in feeding 19 people from such a small kitchen.
The bar was very nice and it was a plus to have free drinks on board.
We were very lucky with the weather and with our fellow travellers.”
Thank you for your lovely review, Beryl! We're delighted to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the cruise and especially the trip to Berkley Castle. We're glad the weather and your fellow travellers added to your enjoyment. We hope to welcome you aboard again for another memorable experience!
“Absolutely brilliant and really enjoyable cruise aboard the Edward Elgar. Great crew who worked really hard to look after us, 20 marks out of 10. We enjoyed probably the best guided tour we have had in over 40 years of travelling when we were taken round Gloucester Docks. Purton 'Hulks' was a complete surprise, who knew there were such things as concrete barges? Slimbridge was peaceful, the birds and other animals, particularly the otters, entertaining. Our introduction to the Cotswold Canal Trust Heritage Centre could not have been more passionate. Overall, a wonderful 4 days. We shall certainly be booking another trip.”
Thank you so much for your incredible review, Denise! We're overjoyed to hear that you had such a brilliant experience aboard the Edward Elgar. Our crew truly aims to provide exceptional service, and your kind words mean the world to us. It’s wonderful to know that Slimbridge and the Cotswold Canal Trust Heritage Centre added to your enjoyment as well. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another fantastic adventure soon!
“The boat was very clean throughout. The staff very friendly and helpful. The chef provided excellent
Meals. The trips were well organised and varied. An enjoyable trip”
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time on the Ship Canal Explorer Cruise. Our team takes pride in keeping everything clean and providing friendly service, and it's wonderful to know that the meals met your expectations. We appreciate your kind words about the organization of the trips as well. We hope to welcome you back soon for another enjoyable experience!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Mildred! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time on your cruise. Our team works hard to create memorable experiences for our guests, and we appreciate your kind words. We hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable adventure soon—hopefully without any stings next time!
