Operator Clyde Cruises Status In service Launched 1974 Builder Brightlingsea | Route River Clyde Tonnage 119 GRT Length 24 m | |
Name Southsea Queen (1974-1978)
Hythe Hotspur (1978-1997)
Poole Scene (1997-1999)
Cruiser (1999-present) Owner Gosport Ferry (1974-1978)
White Horse Ferries (1978-1995)
Brownsea Island Ferries Ltd (1995-1997)
Blue Funnel Cruises (1997-1999)
Clyde Marine Services (1999-present) | ||
Cruiser is a vessel owned by Clyde Marine Services Ltd operating in the River Clyde as part of the company's charter cruise fleet. Her former names are Southsea Queen, Hythe Hotspur and Poole Scene.
History
The vessel was built in 1974 for the Gosport Ferry Company for cruising and standby ferry duties, she was built at the same shipyard as Solent Enterprise, (James & Stone of Brightlingsea). she was similar to the Solent Enterprise, but had a flared pointed bow, she was named Southsea Queen. However, at 119 GRT she proved too small for her job and was sold to White Horse Ferries for use on its Hythe Ferry service just four years later. She was repainted from her green with red band livery to a red and white livery, and was renamed Hythe Hotspur. She was withdrawn from this service in 1995 and chartered to Brownsea Island Ferries Ltd for service in Poole Harbour. She initially kept the name Hythe Hotspur but was later sold to Blue Funnel Cruises in 1997 and renamed Poole Scene. She sailed from Poole Quay until early 1998, when she returned to Southampton. In 1999, she was sold to Clyde Marine Services and renamed Cruiser. As such, she operates as a charter cruise vessel operating out of Greenock and cruising the Clyde.