The new Tyne Cruises has brought river jaunts back to Newcastle quayside for the first time since the pandemic, with the Canny Lass offering three cruise options. The newly-refurbished catamaran, which can carry 100 people, began public operations on Friday following guest previews, with a busy weekend ahead.
On an hour-long trip from NE1's quayside marina to Dunston Staiths and towards St Peter's Basin, passengers can view landmarks like The Glasshouse and Baltic from a unique angle, as well as the Tyne's iconic bridges. The cruise passes under the structures, with a point where all seven bridges can be seen in a line, and offers close-up views of the historic Dunston Staiths, surrounded by mud flats and seagulls.
Three cruise options and a licensed bar
The Canny Lass offers three cruise options: a one-hour city cruise, a two-hour 'country' trip up-river, and a three-hour trip out to sea. The boat is fully licensed, with a bar and cafe area inside, and has outdoor seating at both the bow and stern, which is first-come, first-served.
Tyne Cruises co-director Geoff Moore, a marine business owner from Gravesend in Kent, has been delighted at the Canny Lass's reception. He said it has been "some challenge" to bring boat trips back to the Tyne, with the opportunity coming through a relationship with NE1, the business development district company that runs the city marina.
"None of this would have happened without their support," said Geoff, adding that NE1 helped with licensing and berthing. He noted that a tender had been put out to other businesses, joking, "Nobody was stupid enough to go for it - just us!"
Finding the right vessel
The biggest challenge was selecting a vessel that could pass under the Swing Bridge and the Millennium Bridge at all tides while holding good capacity. "We looked at about nine vessels; we visited four to survey them then we selected this," said Geoff. The boat, formerly called the Jacob Marley, was found in his native Kent, where it had operated on the Thames and Medway Canal as a passenger vessel and ferry.
The other director-owners are mariner Tom Leyland, and husband-and-wife Neil and Steffi Schofield. "All of us have complementary skills sets - ultimately we understand boating. We're here to offer an experience and to make the Canny Lass synonymous with the North East," said Geoff.
Public support and local touches
Geoff said the public has kept them going through the hurdles, with passers-by sharing stories about the Tuxedo Princess and River Escapes, as well as local shipyards. The Canny Lass has capacity for 100 people but will operate at lower numbers, with 59 inside seats and 20 outside seats, plus space for a wheelchair and well-behaved dogs.
Operations manager Dawn Mooney said refreshments are as locally-sourced as possible, including Northumberland's Buston Crisps and WATA and Marlish drinks, Tynemouth Coffee Company brews, and Ad Gefrin spirits. Private hire is available, and the company plans to introduce a new speaker system for events like DJs and live singers, with potential for Halloween and Christmas themes.
Cruises cost £18 for the one-hour option, £24 for two hours, and £36 for the three-hour sea trip, with half-price tickets for children and concessions. Pre-booking is advised, though some space will be kept for walk-ins. Geoff said, "We want this to be something everyone knows about it and one of the things you do when you come to Newcastle."
