Dorset Cruises

Vintage yacht cruising from Poole Quay

Dorset Cruises runs events and cruises aboard the Dorset Queen, described on its site as the only vintage motor yacht operating on the South Coast of England. The vessel was originally built in 1938 and was restored by the company in 2008. According to the operator, it is believed to have taken part in the Dunkirk evacuations in 1940 and is a member of The UK Historic Ships Register.

The company presents the yacht as a venue for tailor-made events and states that it holds exclusive docking rights at several restaurants in and around Poole Harbour. Cruises and charters depart from Poole Quay.

Private charters and celebrations

The charter programme covers a range of occasions: birthdays and anniversaries, celebrations of life, corporate entertainment and weddings. Event coordinators take client ideas and handle the planning of the event, according to the site.

Ticketed cruises and themed sailings

Alongside private hire, the company sells individual places on scheduled cruises and themed events. The published programme includes:

• Afternoon High Tea
• Brownsea Music Nights
• Dorset Fish & Chip Cruise
• Dorset Vineyard Cruise
• Gin & Jazz
• Moët Champagne & Oysters
• Sunset Party Cruise
• Wareham River Cruise
• Wareham Sunday Brunch
• Vintage Cruise and Compton Acres sailings
• Coach parties

Gift certificates are offered for several of these experiences, including Afternoon High Tea, the Dorset Fish & Chip Cruise, the Dorset Vineyard Cruise, Gin & Jazz, the Wareham River cruise and Wareham Sunday Brunch. The site listed some certificates as valid until 31/12/27, with the fish and chip cruise priced from £35.00 for 2 hours, the Wareham Sunday Brunch from £45.00 for 4 hours and Afternoon High Tea at £45.00 for 90 minutes; these are catalogue details as shown at the time of writing.

Onboard spaces and facilities

The yacht is arranged over several decks. Amenities listed include a multi-deck sound system, an upper deck with panoramic views and its own Prosecco Bar, a forward deck with retractable canopy, and a fully heated lower saloon with booth seating. The main bar in the saloon carries more than 25 artisan gins, rums and vodkas, lager, spirits, wines, Champagne, Dorset Tea and a coffee machine. There are ladies' and gentlemen's washrooms, and an enclosed back deck with an onboard BBQ area, dance floor and disco lights.

Destinations around Poole Harbour

The operator lists potential destinations for its sailings, including The Priory and The Bear in Wareham, Lake Yard in Hamworthy, Parkstone Bay Marina and Parkstone Yacht Club in Lilliput, the Royal Motor Yacht Club and Haven Hotel at Sandbanks, Shell Bay Restaurant in Studland, and Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour.

Operating base and office

Cruises operate from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HJ. The company's office is listed at First Floor Office, Feature House, Clement Mews, 5 RL Stevenson Ave, Bournemouth BH4 8ED.