MV Balmoral back with a chance to sail round Anglesey

TOURISM is poised for another boost following the announcement that Liverpool to Llandudno cruises are returning this summer.

The luxurious MV Balmoral will make three separate visits, the first of which was at the weekend, with further sailings in July and September.

The trip will continue past the Great Orme and go close to Puffin Island, continuing into the Menai Strait and around Anglesey.

According to the White Funell website, voyages can be booked from Caernarfon, Llandudno, Menai Bridge, Mostyn or Liverpool.

First launched in 1949, the ship can carry more than 600 passengers and has twice served as a Royal yacht.

It has a 70-seater restaurant and a famous art deco Britannia Lounge which will be serving refreshments throughout the voyage – including Balmoral’s own real ale.

Balmoral arrived on Merseyside last Saturday for a three-day visit, when people had the opportunity to sail a route that generations took on Mersey pleasure steamers.

The cruise ship will return for another two sailings from Liverpool on July 15 and 16, then for a final five days of sailing in September.

Paul Doubler, spokesman for the Balmoral, said: “We look forward very much to returning to Liverpool and North Wales, where we are made so welcome last year.

“Balmoral’s sailings proved very popular last summer and again so this year, with many advanced bookings already taken.”

When it first sailed in 2015 the trip earned rave reviews on travel review website TripAdvisor.

Tickets are priced £34 for adults and £17 for children, although there are also special deals for families.

For more information or to book a place on one of the sailings, visit www.whitefunnel.co.uk or call 0117 325 6200.