MV Balmoral
MV Balmoral
Also see [1] MV Balmoral Preservation
J. I. Thornycroft and Co. Ltd prepared a specification for a new ship, named after her predecessor, Balmoral.
1949 The new ship was commissioned: MV Balmoral
1980 the Balmoral was transferred to P. and A. Campbell, and in turn, was chartered out to a new company – White Funnel Steamers Limited. Supported by the Landmark Trust, the plan was to maintain services to Lundy Island.
The venture failed after just one year; the final cruise took place in October 1980. Balmoral was laid-up at Avonmouth.
The experience gained by the operation of Prince Ivanhoe in the Bristol channel in 1981 had suggested that a market existed for an excursion vessel in the Summer period if that vessel was of a suitable size and speed.
1986 Balmoral returned to her old home port of Bristol and picked up where Prince Ivanhoe left off. Her first sailing, on April 13th, 1986, and her official maiden voyage, on April 26th, were both on the traditional day trip to Ilfracombe.