“This was our first experience with this company and we were not disappointed! The crew were just brilliant led by a very experienced Cap and lovely young men. The COVID 19 work done was perfect, we felt safe at all times, and all guests being 60+ I feel all had no worries. We were so well looked after that we hope to come again for one of their other cruises!”
“Enjoyed every minute of the cruise. Staff were great, service and food brilliant. Covid19 distancing and sanitation arrangements on board were excellent. Precautions did not prevent us enjoying ourselves. Loved the excursions, the quizzes and bingo. We all had fun at the improvised quoits. Marvellous holiday. Thank you all.”
“Lovely trip, well up to our expectations. Disappointed the Severn Valley Railway wasn't possible. All the crew were wonderful, the food first-class. Steve was a great skipper and MC. A good group of fellow-passengers.”
“We had a very enjoyable cruise. The crew could not do enough for us and the food was excellent.
We were impressed by the teams reaction to the boat getting stuck in mud on the last morning when return to port. Putting themselves out for people on a tight schedule.”
We've asked Chef Miles to make the cakes slightly smaller next week, and we've also marked that spot on the map so we can avoid any more sticky situations!
“All your measures that you had introduced appeared to work well however you must have noticed that the regulation probably worked against your guest as at meal times one could not do what people usually do at meal times CHAT amongst each other
All the staff without exception were warm, open ,chatty and had time for every one.”
Hi Peter and thank you for the five-star review. Social distancing measures do indeed create extra barriers to talking with people outside of your travelling group, especially in dining settings as you refer to. Hopefully, there was some opportunity to chat to others on the exterior decks outside of mealtimes. We look forward to when we can change things back to normal.
“We were the trailblazers on the first cruise of the 2020 season. It was apparent that great care and consideration had been taken re-Covid safety measures **. The crew had obviously all been briefed and hey carried out these precautions without being harsh. As a result we felt safe, but also relaxed.
** Here are examples if you wish to use them:
temperatures taken when we boarded and every day at breakfast time, Perspex screens separating the dining tables, chairs on the upper deck placed in pairs, hand sanitisers everywhere, enough masks for a fresh one every day.”
Alan, getting the balance right between keeping people safe as well as being hospitable is something we've taken a lot of time to develop as this is a significant challenge right now for all hospitality-based businesses. Thank you so much for your review as it is very encouraging to read.
“The first trip out from Gloucester, cruising along the Severn River was a total success. We felt very safe with the measures installed to ensure that social distancing was achieved and masks were worn around the ship. Meals were eaten at tables for 2 and the staff were extremely helpful and couldn't have done more to make the journey a success. The weather was very kind to us and we were able to spend time on the upper deck in the sunshine. Top marks to everyone.”
“The crew of the Edward Elgar are to be congratulated for their efforts to make the boat safe from the covid virus; the modifications made to the boat were excellent and the crew meticulous in their procedures. We felt safe throughout the voyage and have no hesitation in recommending the boat as a very safe place to holiday.”
Paul, thank you so much for your kind review! The crew have trained very hard and were integral to our re-opening planning. Great to see you feel the new system is working without taking away from the experience.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our recent 3 nights canal cruise - well planned and organised excursions. We were well looked after by Steve and the Crew. We have already booked on for the 6 night river cruise in July 2020. Well done !!”
“We enjoyed the cruise very much. The food was really good, nicely presented and always hot and my husband's gluten free diet was well catered for. The crew were very friendly and helpful and worked very hard to keep us all comfortable. It was very different doing a river cruise in England and we would certainly like to return for a longer one in the future. Thank you very much.”
“Well designed boat. Fine, sensible food. Competent sensible hard working skipper and amazing crew, especially the 1st mate. The Boss came to visit us.
Cabins comfy, warm, and well designed shower + WC
Good balance between shore and afloat - and informality and discipline.”
“All aspects of our holiday were of an excellent standard. Boat, crew and food, plus the places visited were above our expectations. Will recommend you to friends.”
“We selected this cruise as we did not know the canal. The crew,or selected guides, taught us a great deal, giving us a good understanding of the way the area has evolved.
This, combined with the warmth and friendliness of the crew,the attention to detail plus delicious meals and drinks, made a varied and relaxing break.
The added bonus was the musical evening where the instrumentalists proved highly talented and entertaining.”
“Excellent staff, very knowledgeable and attentive and kind; nothing too much trouble. Food extremely high standard, always piping hot, tasty and well and efficiently presented.”
“I can find no fault with this trip. In spite of the River Severn being closed because it was too full, a new itinerary had been worked out for us, and we saw some very interesting places. The crew wee kind and helpful, the food good - what more can I say. I recommend English Holiday Cruises and the Edward Elgar to anyone interested in finding out more about this part of the country.”
“Our 2nd cruise on the Edward Elgar which could have been ruined by the weather.
However, Plan B was put into operation which resulted in a fabulous week thanks to the hard work, dedication, friendliness and humour of the superb crew.
Thank you all!
Watch out - we'll be back! ;)”
