Captains Diary – November 2025

I am often asked “ah, you must be winding down for the end of season now then?” as we approach the end of October. Well actually no, we are simply moving with the seasons, adapting what we offer and continuing to exploit our unrivaled natural surroundings.

This month welcomes the exciting transition from our Summer timetable to our Winter timetable and it seems a fitting time to extend a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our guests who have traveled with us over the summer period. The coastal cruises, day trips, special events, private charters including weddings have been truly exceptional despite what has been a summer of frankly ‘pants’ weather. We have loved every moment out on the water and it is our passengers that make this wonderful way of life possible, for which we are eternally grateful.

And now to our team. The boat and shore crew who make everything not only possible but a real ‘cut above’ the rest. It’s no coincidence that Stuart Line Cruises are renowned for their exemplary customer service and viewed widely as one of the finest passenger boat operations in the country. Our Crew facilitate an experience that exceeds expectations again and again, with their professionalism, attention to detail and defiance in settling for nothing less than the very best. Our team take pride in what they do and inspire me to keep being better every day. This is not only apparent to every person who steps aboard but this is really what motivates me, keeps me grounded and drives me to continue to evolve this fantastic little business which we are lucky enough to call ours.

To celebrate the end of the summer season and a season of exceptionally hard work, we had a great team day and night out with some Axe Throwing (!), Shuffle Board and a meal out in Exeter, with a great time had by all.

We are now settling into ‘winter mode’ which sees a shift in our work patterns – time to carry out some routine maintenance jobs and other tasks which are simply not possible during the summer and of course we are now in the thick of preparing for Christmas. This weekend we will be adorning our vessels in our famous twinkly lights and tasteful garlands and the shore Crew are getting really stuck in with ‘elfing’ duties and preparation for our (almost fully-booked) Sail with Santa experience.

We are very much looking forward to our Winter Sailings including Sail with Santa, Festive Specials, Winter River Exe Cruises and many more. We are especially excited to see the first ever Pop-up Restaurant Cruise in partnership with Pickle Shack, who will be treating guests to a mouth-watering menu onboard with a 3-course, sit-down meal. This will be the first of its kind and we can’t wait!

I hope you will enjoy the following update from the team and look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon!