Cross River Job – Sandon Dock, Liverpool – Vittoria Dock, Birkenhead.                                            Friday 2nd May 2025  1200 hrs – 1700 hrs.

THE CROSS RIVER JOB - Named after a certain “shifting” job where large ships, requiring up to three tugboats to assist, would part discharge in Liverpool and then, usually at night to allow unbroken cargo working in the day, would sail from Liverpool over to another discharge berth in Birkenhead.  Always a lengthy and tricky job!

As there is no public access allowed onto the secure dock area, Vintage buses will collect you from Royal Albert Dock and take you to the Danny at our winter maintenance berth at Sandon Dock, Liverpool from where this cruise will depart. We will head North for a tour of the Liverpool Dock System, hopefully seeing plenty of shipping at a variety of berths. We will lock out of either Gladstone or Langton lock, and take a river tour, as far south as Tranmere and Cammell Laird's Shipyard if timings allow.  We will lock into the Birkenhead Dock System via Alfred Lock, and head up the “Great Float” through the East Float, past the former mills, now converted to housing, while seeing remnants of the shipping lines of yesteryear that made Birkenhead Docks such a busy and vibrant place. We will pass through Duke Street bridge and into the West Float, passing the former “Rea Wharf” and “Cavendish Quay”, “Gillbrook” Basin and the remains of the many dry docks as we head towards Bidston.  At the top of the West Float - now unable to enter Bidston dock since it was filled in - we turn, head East and make our way back to Vittoria Dock, the former home of the famous Blue Funnel Line amongst many others.  Again, as there is no public access allowed on the quayside, the Vintage Buses, will drop you off at either Hamilton Square Station or Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool. Please select your option at the time of booking.  You will receive complimentary tea or coffee on arrival and a bowl of our Danny Scouse for lunch – a vegetarian option is available so please advise at the time of booking.  Real Ale on draught will also be available on this cruise!