2018 Bookings Open today – the schedule has been finalised and the boats are being serviced and prepared for the new season.

We ask that customers use the Online booking facility on this website if they feel able, which provides quicker confirmation and eases our administration. However, of course, please do contact the Bookings Line if you have queries or do not feel comfortable with the online system.

For 2018 our we are cruising from Norwich, Brundall, Stalham and Beccles again. We have slightly amended our schedule of recent years to have a boat operating from Norwich in June and October. We have also extended our season in Beccles which has recently been our most popular cruising base.

We have unfortunately had to increase prices for 2018 to protect our ability to run a full schedule. Our cruise fees cover less than half of our operating costs with the balance made up by generous donations. We hope that you agree our cruises represent excellent value even with the price increase. And be assured that we are working hard to ensure that this continues.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2018.

In late August Waveney Stardust held a party at The Ferry Inn Surlingham to celebrate 25 seasons of Broads cruises for the elderly and disabled. Over these years we have carried 65,000 passengers and travelled over 85,000 miles.

Our two specially-commissioned craft were there. Both are equipped with a hydraulic lift for wheelchairs, ramps, and fully accessible toilet. With tea and coffee-making facilities and central heating we cruise from the beginning of April to the end of November. Visibility is excellent, providing the opportunity to experience all the drama of seasonal change in this fascinating landscape. [Why not book a cruise this Autumn?]

The majority of our 40 or so volunteers and many of our frequent customers came along to our celebration. We also welcomed Richard Stubbing, Mayor of Beccles, Professor Jacquie Burgess, Chairman of the Broads Authority and representatives from the many Boatyards and businesses which support Waveney Stardust including Broom Boats, Hippersons, Broadsedge Marina and The Waveney River Centre.

We all had a great time, and the rain held off until the last guest had gone home. Take a look at some of the photographs from the event in the slideshow above. Many thanks to Allan and Jane Dye for bringing their cameras and spending the day with us, and to Jane in particular for the still photos included with this News item.

As we prepare for the AGM next week we have been reflecting on our 25th celebrations last year, and looking forward to plans for 2018. In late August last year Waveney Stardust celebrated 25 seasons of safe and accessible broadland cruising with a boat parade and party at The Surlingham Ferry inn. As part of this Allan and Jane Dye, of AB Films Norwich, kindly donated their time to make a video and photographic record of the occasion.

We posted a selection of the still photographs as a slideshow last year and Allan has now finalised the video.

Watching the video reminded us of the wonderful support everyone gave us at the event, mirroring the support of customers, boatyards, town councils, volunteers and the media over our 25 years. It also reminded is how difficult it is to keep balloons tied to a marquee in strong winds!

The star of the video is of course Waveney Stardust – the purpose built cruiser which has bought so much pleasure to so many. She and her Waveney Stardust II have just been relaunched for the 2018 season and we are all looking forward to welcoming our first passengers in 2018 in the first week of April.