An award-winning steamship will be offering cruises along the waterways of Merseyside and Cheshire this spring.
The 1903 steamship the Daniel Adamson, affectionately known as The Danny, is launching its 2022 programme this month with a rare visit to Canning Half Tide in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock. The Danny will offer up to six boat trips a month, ending on Sunday, October 9.
The Danny is the last surviving steam-powered tug built on the Mersey and is part of the official National Historic Fleet, alongside such famous ships as the Cutty Sark and SS Great Britain. Built in 1903, the vessel was originally named the Ralph Brocklebank after a former shipping magnate and chairman of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
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The Danny is back after taking a break a number of years ago and will soon be making regular journeys from its base at Sutton Weaver, near Frodsham, along the Weaver Navigation to Anderton Boat Lift, the world’s first boat lift, in Northwich. Trips aboard the restored Art Deco tug vary in length from two and a half hour cruises along the Weaver Navigation to six hour voyages taking in the Manchester Ship Canal, Ellesmere Port, River Mersey and Liverpool.
Run by the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, the ship relies on a dedicated team of nearly 100 volunteers, including skilled boat skippers, engineers, deckhands, fundraisers and educators. The group was recently awarded a coveted National Historic Ships UK Volunteering Team prize, in recognition of its valuable work to combat isolation and develop wellbeing, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
Director Andrea Ward said: “We can’t wait to get this amazing ship back on the water and give people the thrill of enjoying a wonderful cruise through beautiful countryside again. The last couple of years have been very difficult, so it’s fantastic to win the Historic Ships Volunteering Team Award in recognition of our incredible team who have kept the Danny and each other afloat through trying times.
“Our 2022 cruise schedule promises to be our biggest and most diverse yet. We are thrilled to link back up with the iconic Anderton Boat Lift on a regular basis this year, offering passengers a double historic waterways treat. It’s also great to return to Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock for a couple of visits this year too.
“With so many events and experiences cancelled over the last two years, we look forward to sailing full steam ahead in 2022, welcoming lots of new guests on board, extending our schools and training programme and making the most of this special historic steamship.”
The Danny launches its 2022 programme in Liverpool on Friday, April 15, with a cruise from Liverpool’s Canning Dock to Ellesmere Port. Cruise tickets start from £40. For more details about individual cruises and to book tickets, visit the website .
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