INTREPID voyagers can book a space on the grand old Bristol Channel pleasure steamer Balmoral when she makes her last trip of the millennium on Saturday, September 11.
This is one of only two trips MV Balmoral will make from Lydney pier this year, the first being on Friday, August 27, when she sails at 0700 for Sharpness, Clevedon and Ilfracombe.
Both trips mark the vessel's 50th birthday, which she has been celebrating in style – she has already sailed right round the British Isles, visiting North Wales, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Thames, the Solent and the South Coast before returning last week to begin her Bristol Channel season.
She has had a chequered career, facing the breaker's yard on occasions, only to find herself back in service in the Severn estuary where she has become a firm favourite.
On the latest occasion she returned in April 1986 after a major refit and has never looked back since.
On her September millennium finale trip she departs from Lydney at 0930, passes under both Severn crossings, and sails past Avonmouth, Clevedon and Flatholm and Steepholm islands.
Passengers will be able to spend time in Ilfracombe before returning up channel to Penarth and free buses to Lydney, arriving at 20.30.
She has lots of undercover accommodation, a restaurant, a buffet, bars and a souvenir shop.