06/15/2005 Entry: "Cruise Britain in a Lighthouse Ship"
Luxury Holidays Afloat
A new cruise offers visitors an unusual holiday opportunity: to join a working ship on a tour of duty around Britain’s coasts. Trinity House – the lighthouse authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands - has luxury seven-day voyages (April to October) on its flagship THV Patricia.
Embarking from one of several ports, guests see the work of the organisation and enjoy the diverse scenery and wildlife of the UK’s coastline.
Patricia has six double, air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities, satellite television, a lounge, viewing deck and dining room. Prices, from £1,225 per person, include all meals on board.
Previously the only vessel allowed to precede the Royal Yacht Britannia clear of dangers in home waters, unlike the former royal vessel, it is still a working ship, responsible for maintaining over 400 buoys, 100 lighthouses, light ships and radio aids around Britain. It also occasionally attends to emergencies such as removing shipwrecks presenting a danger to navigation.
