A few years ago, I'd purchased a gin-tasting and tour cruise from Poole Harbour, and I only just got to use this a couple of weeks ago due to events that took place in the past two years. The bloke and I arrived in Poole where we embarked upon the Dorset Queen at Poole Quay, a yacht that was built in 1938 and was thought to have been used in the Dunkirk rescue mission.
The cruise was meant to include a guest distiller and a mini gin masterclass and discussion about gin, gin tastings, canapes, and two gin and tonics to enjoy while cruising around Poole harbour, Brownsea island, and Millionaire's Row (Sandbanks). Unfortunately, I would consider this to be a "booze cruise". There was no tour nor gin discussion/tasting nor masterclass, and we only received two canapes during the entire cruise. So, I would call this a "gin booze cruise" instead of a tour. I was left disappointed that we did not have the experience advertised to us, which was not to our expectation. We were just left to our own devices while the boat sailed, and we were not informed about anything...only hurried staff attempting to make our gin and tonics at a quick pace and having to wait in queue in order to use our token.
We had a clear evening, and it was not too cool. A lot of the time was spent below deck to enjoy the gin and tonics, and we expected that we'd have the tour and gin masterclass here, but it never happened. We got to Swanage, past the car ferry link and past Old Harry's Rocks, before we started to head back. The sun set when we left Brownsea island, so we enjoyed that and went up on the top deck after the boat turned around just before reaching Brownsea. We ended up staying on the top deck for the remainder of the journey, viewing the dark harbour and the glistening lights.
I tried the Twisted Nose gin for my first glass of gin and tonic, and the bloke had Conker Port Barrel. I liked the Twisted Nose gin, but I was not keen on the Conker Port Barrel.
The second gin I had was Gloriette (Corfe Castle), and the bloke had Wessex Sicilian Lemon. I did not care for Gloriette at all as it had a strong and slightly bitter taste, but the Wessex Sicilian Lemon was a smooth and easy-drinking gin.
Sandbanks and Millionaire's Row came into view with Browsea island opposite.
Brownsea island has its own little harbour with some stone buildings and castle.
We received two canapes. The first one was a vegetarian one with cheese and chutney in a pastry. The second was also vegetarian with mushroom slices on a brown toast crouton.
We cruised past Old Harry's Rocks on the Jurassic coast. They are striking white cliffs and sea stacks. The rock was formed over 100 million years ago when over 35 million years, dead skeletons of plankton built up. Some of the cliffs had doors and small caves.
We turned around at Swanage, and we headed back past Brownsea island and the expensive houses at Sandbanks. It was a clear day with pleasant weather and perfect for the cruise.
Poole Harbour came into view soon enough.
The tours for the cruise are held in the evening, but I would not consider this a "tour" or "gin tasting and masterclass". It is simply a "booze cruise". There's no tour nor discussion. Be prepared to enjoy the cruise at your own leisure and have drinks, but be prepared to wait awhile to get your drink too.
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