Adventure cruises offered on-board Trinity House’s THV Patricia

Those seeking a UK coastal trip with a difference are being offered an exclusive opportunity to experience a voyage on-board THV Patricia.

Measuring 86 metres in length, the 2,541 tonne THV Patricia is the flagship of Trinity House, which services and maintains navigational buoys, light vessels and offshore lighthouses around England, Wales and the Channel Islands, as well as dealing with maritime emergencies and wrecks.

Six deceptively spacious en-suite cabins are available accommodating up to 12 passengers on a choice of seven- and 14-night sailings. The sailings depart between April and October.

Unlike with traditional cruise holidays, THV Patricia’s tour of duty around the coasts of England, Wales and the Channel Isles is subject to change at any moment, due to emergencies or alterations to the work schedule. While guests are given an outline itinerary before they set sail it is subject to change at a moment’s notice.

Among its routes, the THV Patricia travels the Thames Estuary where some of the largest ships to dock in the UK can be found; the North Sea, an important trading area where fishing, wind farms, offshore oil and gas exploration take place; the South Coast, home to the busiest shipping lane in the world; the West Coast with its dramatic cliff tops, tempestuous seas and strong tides, and the Bristol Channel, with its many lighthouses marking dangerous offshore rocks.

The THV Patricia operates an Open Bridge Policy, whereby guests are encouraged to watch the officers and crew at work, ask questions and learn more about the vital work that is undertaken to maintain maritime safety in UK waters.

Guests also have access to the promenade deck and viewing area for foredeck operations as well as use of a lounge area and dining room where three set meals created by a dedicated passenger chef are served each day.

There is also a chance to view the coastline from a unique perspective, with the possibility of seeing marine wildlife ranging from sea birds and dolphins to turtles and basking sharks.

Another perk of travelling on THV Patricia is that you could find yourself sleeping in Princess Anne’s bed – she is Master of Trinity House and prefers Stateroom 2. Her father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, preferred Stateroom 1 when he was master.

Prices for a seven night full board voyage start from £3,080 per cabin based on double occupancy or from £1,990 for single occupancy.

(Photo credits to WildWings)