Mersey Ferries will resume crossings on the River Mersey on Tuesday as the new £26m Royal Daffodil vessel finally enters full service.
No ferry services have operated on the river since October 10 because of a mechanical issue with the Snowdrop ferry, which is currently the sole operating boat on the river. This has meant the cancellation of all commuter services, and River Explorer cruises have been suspended.
New vessel ready after months of trials
The Royal Iris ferry was decommissioned and retired from service in March, with the brand new Royal Daffodil vessel carrying out sea trials across the past few months. The new £26m boat, built at Birkenhead's Cammell Laird shipyard (now named as APCL Balaena), is finally ready to enter full service tomorrow (Tuesday), meaning there will once again be ferry crossings on the River Mersey.
The Royal Daffodil will be running both the morning and evening commuter services, the Liverpool Sightseeing Cruise (previously known as the River Explorer Cruise) and evening cruises.
Features and reaction
Painted in Mersey Ferries' iconic red, white and black colours, the vessel features a contemporary lounge, catering facilities, spacious open decks and panoramic windows.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "The Mersey Ferries are part of who we are as a city region. They've carried generations of people across the river, welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most recognisable symbols of our home.
"I'm really proud that the Royal Daffodil is now ready to take her place in that centuries-old story. She's a fantastic new vessel, built right here on the banks of the Mersey in Birkenhead, bringing our proud shipbuilding heritage together with the modern facilities passengers rightly expect.
"Whether you're commuting, taking the kids out for the day or simply enjoying our iconic skyline, I hope people will make plenty of new memories on board for years to come.
"We've got a responsibility to protect these iconic ferries for future generations, and the Royal Daffodil is the next step in making sure that happens."
