The Spirit of Chartwell

Do you recognize this vessel, The Spirit of Chartwell?

How about now? Yes, the Spirit of Chartwell was kitted out in all it's regal glory as the Queen's Jubilee Barge during the recent Thames Pageant. She is the only cruise vessel capable of navigating both the upper courses of the Thames and the open sea. She has two lounges, open-air viewing areas and a unique third floor dining room, complete with an elevating roof. The Spirit of Chartwell can easily accommodate up to 36 passengers in 18 comfortable guest cabins across two decks. The ship was designed to evoke the timeless grandeur of the 1929 Cote d'Azur Pullman railway carriage complete with artefacts from the original train and great ocean liners of yesteryear.

The 'Spirit of Chartwell's' pièce de résistance is the George Bradshaw Lounge/Restaurant together with the adjoining Somerset Maugham Piano Bar resplendent in rich mahogany finishes, motif studded hardwood flooring, sculptured tables, Lalique glass inlaid panelling and intricate marquetry.

Nice to know that we commoners can also book a day cruise aboard the Spirit of Chartwell. Their Sunday Glory cruise allows guests to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon onboard with Sunday lunch and High Tea being served onboard while you sail along the Thames and take in London's iconic landmarks at a cost of £120 per guest at a' Riviera' Armchair Table Setting for up to six guests.

The Memories of London package provides a circle cruise from Cadogan Pier at Chelsea, sailing first towards the Thames Barrier then upstream past London's iconic landmarks before returning to Canary Wharf. Calls are made at Greenwich and Tate Britain with optional overnight State Cabin accommodation. Included in the fare, which begins at £220, are a Captain's Welcome Champagne Reception, three course luncheon, high tea buffet and five gala course dinner.

If you're looking for a longer cruise, as part of Ace Cultural Cruises, the Spirit of Chartwall embarks on a six day London and River Thames cruise that takes in Greeenwich, Rochester, Chartwell, Cliveden House and Blenheim Palace. Full details can be accessed at the company website, available here.


Click here to watch video of the Royal Family boarding the Spirit of Chartwell for the Thames Jubilee Pageant.