Nostalgic cruises the whole family can enjoy this summer: Glasgow and the Clyde coast cruises 2025

Evening cruise | Supplied

The magnificent vessel is the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer, and she is all set to sail around Glasgow and the Clyde coast this Summer.

Glasgow and the Clyde Coast Cruises are trips the whole family can enjoy, a living heritage journey which Scottish holidaymakers have enjoyed for decades.

The summer season starts on June 27 and runs to August 25 with a variety of trips planned.

Passing Dunoon | Supplied

It is only aboard the Waverley that can you view so much of the beautiful Clyde Coast - with departures from 18 “ports of call”, offering a variety of captivating cruises.

50 years of nostalgic voyages

After being gifted for £1 to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, Waverley has operated on a not-for-profit basis since 1975 and become a “National Treasure” carrying over 6 million passengers.

Remarkably this year marks the 50th Anniversary since her very first sailing in preservation, when many at the time pondered if she could survive 1975!

Glasgow Bridge | Supplied

Once aboard you must visit the engine room and savour the sight, sound and armour of a real steamship - hear the telegraph ring and watch the engine start to move. You can even see the paddles turning through the portholes!

With full catering facilities available throughout all cruises, passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the Dining Saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges, but don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop and take home an exclusive gift or memento of your trip on this famous and much-loved ship.

Waverley's magnificent triple expansion steam engine. | Supplied

Plan your adventure

This year Waverley will offer a huge variety of sailings from Glasgow and around the Clyde Coast.

Throughout the main summer season you can take a traditional trip “Doon the Watter” viewing Glasgow’s river. An added feature for sailing from Glasgow in 2025 is the River Clyde’s new bridges at Govan and Renfrew, both will open to let Waverley steam through.’

Here are just some of the cruising options:

Evening cruises: Join Waverley on any Saturday in summer or for an evening cruise on 18 and 22 July, 1, 15 & 20 August and enjoy the atmosphere in the Jeanie Deans Lounge with live music.

Steam ahead: Steam around the world-famous Ailsa Craig, or through the stunning Kyles of Bute, and cruise up the Clyde ‘Fjords’ of Loch Long and Loch Goil beneath the beautiful ‘Arrochar Alps.

Sunset sailings: Join the award-winning Waverley for a sunset cruise 'doon the watter', visit family favourite destinations such as Millport, Rothesay or Brodick on the Isle of Arran, or let Waverley take you to an enchanting village such as Tighnabruaich or Tarbert – there is a huge variety of choice that only Waverley offers.

Royal appointment: Don’t miss the chance to be aboard Waverley to escort Cunard’s latest cruise ship - Queen Anne - when she visits the Clyde on Wednesday 2 July. This season sees four planned cruises to steam round Ailsa Craig on Monday 7 July, Sunday 27 July, Mondays 11 and 25 August or cruise round the Isle of Arran on Monday 4 August.

Waverley sails from Glasgow, Greenock, Largs, Dunoon, Ayr, Brodick, Rothesay, Lochranza, Kilcreggan, Tighnabruaich, Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Girvan, Ardrossan, Blairmore, Millport (Keppel), Tarbert and Troon.

Ailsa Craig | Supplied

Special discounts for kids and OAPs

Kids go for £1 on all Glasgow and Clyde Coast sailings, under 5s go free on all sailings and seniors can also enjoy discounts on many cruises.

There is a “Seniors Bring a Friend for Free” offer on selected sailings and NHS and care workers are entitled to 15 per cent discount – excluding Saturdays. Groups of 10 or more entitled to 10 per cent group discount.

Tickets for Waverley's cruises can be purchased online at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling the Waverley Booking Office at 0141 243 2224.