The 1^st May 2012 will see two of the most affordable boat trips in England set sail on the River Dart from Dartmouth and Totnes in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Greenway Ferry and Pleasure Cruises, a Dartmouth & English Riviera-based company already operates services from Dartmouth, Totnes and Dittisham to Agatha Christie’s holiday home Greenway House, (now owned by the National Trust). They have taken the decision to offer outstandingly affordable new river services along the beautiful River Dart to ensure everyone can experience the river with their families.

Will Ford Director of Greenway Ferry explained, “It is our company’s intention to open up this wonderful stretch of the River Dart to all. We have decided to offer a really affordable ferry service between the two towns of Totnes and Dartmouth and hope that this will encourage residents and visitors to go afloat and to celebrate the Jubilee in style.

The ferry trips are fun, celebratory and a very green way to travel. It is well known that Queen Elizabeth first met Prince Philip on the River Dart during a Royal Visit to Britannia Royal Naval College so it’s an appropriate way for visitors and locals to celebrate Her Majesty’s 60^th.”

At present, the fare between Totnes and Dartmouth costs an adult passenger £12.00, however from May 1^st Greenway Ferry will be reducing the fare to just £2.00, opening up the two towns for greatly increased river access and hopefully increased local trade for all. This amazing cruise offer is valid aboard Greenway’s new vessel, aptly named Lady Elizabeth and the stunningly beautiful trip takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Will said, “I believe you would struggle to find an offer anywhere in England that could match this value.”

The new service between the two Devon riverside towns will operate from 1^st May 2012 at different times each day allowing for tidal restraints. Special boarding passes will be available from the Totnes and Dartmouth Visitor Information Centres as well as from Greenway Ferry’s Dartmouth booking office located by the Boat Float in the centre of Dartmouth.

Will Ford enthused “We are also offering special Jubilee Cruises aboard the WWII Heritage Ship ‘Fairmile’ from Dartmouth town pontoon for 1 hour river cruises every day from 1^st May 2012 at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. This special little trip celebrating the ‘Best of British’ aboard Fairmile (which was stationed in the River Dart during WWII) will see this historic British vessel performing regular duties from Dartmouth for the first time since the war. The fare costing just £1.00 will again hopefully increase trade to the town and add greatly to a visitor’s experience of the area. Local hotels, guesthouses and bed & breakfasts have reacted enthusiastically to Greenway Ferry’s plans and are already adding this affordable service to their itineraries.

‘Fairmile’ which saw active service during WW2 has been a familiar sight in Dartmouth for over 70 years and is the largest passenger ship sailing on the River Dart. Her peacetime duties mainly saw her operating the Torquay to Brixham ferry service under a former owner when she was named Western Lady III. She did however take part in regular sailings to Dartmouth during the 60’s and 70’s when she would stop at Dittisham Pier for an afternoon cream tea cruise.