Back by popular demand, we launched our 2025 cruise season in February and WOW, the response was incredible! We loved welcoming back familiar faces and meeting so many new friends. Steph also had a fantastic time representing us at the Crick Boat Show 💙

🌸 Spring arrived in full beauty along the waterways, blossoms everywhere and swans, ducks and geese proudly parading their little ones. Our Grand Union trips up to Berkhamsted were smooth sailing and full of sunshine.

⚓ London had other plans for us this year thanks to a few lock issues but guests still loved exploring Little Venice and soaking up its charm.

🚤 One big highlight: after a few clever tweaks, the Wessex Rose slipped under Osney Bridge in Oxford for the first time opening up a gorgeous new route to Lechlade! Calm Thames waters, idyllic countryside views, pub stops, Farmoor Reservoir, Kelmscott Manor moorings…it quickly became a guest favourite. And yes, we held our breath under a few of those bridges! 😅

☀️ With heatwaves and low rainfall, the canals struggled this year, so we stayed on the Thames and what an unforgettable time we had.

BBQs on deck, laughter at sunset, umbrellas used as sunshades and one adventurous guest (looking at you, Jim 😉) even took a dip to cool off!

We were honoured to host our lovely Norwegian friends Erik and Bente, who’ve cruised the Thames for 30 years, they’ve swapped helming for full relaxation onboard the Wessex Rose and it was a joy to hear their incredible stories. We also shared a special time with Jackie and Jerry, now semi-retired in France after many great years running the Billet Hotel Boat.

To every single guest who joined us, you are ALL part of our Wessex Rose family. Your laughter, stories and company make every cruise memorable. Being part of your holidays is a privilege.

With Steph running mission control on land, Jess and Lindsay have stepped aboard to help write the next chapter and what a journey it’s going to be. 🚢💫

❤️ Thank you for an amazing season.

Here’s to more unforgettable cruising memories in 2026! ❤️