Overview
Southampton’s heritage steamship, Steamship Shieldhall is staging it’s first Sea Shanty Weekender, with back-to-back Shanty Cruises over the weekend of Sat 13 and Sun 14 June 2026
On Saturday 13 June, 3.30pm – 7pm, Shieldhall will steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on her return will see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound her whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! During the trip guests will be entertained by performances from The Kings Pond Shantymen. Formed in 2001, The Kings Pond Shantymen over the years have performed at many events in their home patch of Hampshire and Surrey, as well as further afield. Their repertoire covers a wide range of shanty styles: long and short hauls, pumping and capstan as well as forebitters and whaling songs. All the well-known favourites are included and audience participation is actively encouraged!
On Sunday 14 June, 2.30pm – 6pm, Shieldhall will again be steaming to the Solent, and on her return will see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – expect more whistle tooting and siren sounding! On this occasion Shieldhall will welcome the popular Selsey Shantymen, who promise: “… we will sing of Mates and Gaffers and Skippers who are mad; we will sing of heroes and villains of the good and of the bad, but whatever we sing we know that you will join in every song and if you don’t we will just go ON and ON and ON!”. Both cruises are priced at £49 adults, children 3-15 years £19. Family tickets are available.
Steamship Shieldhall is the largest working steamship in Britain. A member of the National Historic Fleet she serves as a sea going tribute to Britain’s maritime heritage. Operated by a team of dedicated volunteers.
SS Shieldhall is operated by Steamship Shieldhall Charity, a registered Charity and is owned by The Solent Steam Packet Ltd, a registered Community Benefit Society and may be found at
Berth 110, Southampton Docks, Southampton, United Kingdom, SO15 0HH