Entering service for her 60th year, MV Balmoral made her first sailing of her 2009 season on Wednesday 17th June when she sailed from Bristol, down the River Avon and met up with her fleetmate PS Waverley in the Bristol Channel.

The following selection of photos have been provided by Chris Jones.

A well loaded Balmoral with Waverley in the background

Conditions look rather damp, keeping many passengers below who missed the two ships passing in the channel.

Waverley dressed overall to celebrate her younger fleetmate’s big event, salutes in the traditional manner with her steam whistle as the two ships pass.

Waverley alongside at Penarth Pier.

A scene from the beginning of Waverley’s time on the Bristol Channel as she arrives into Avonmouth after her journey from Ayr.

Her duties for the day completed, and having taken on necessary supplies, Balmoral sets sail for the Irish Sea and this year’s fleeting visit (just!) to Scotland when she will operate two days of sailings from Garlieston on the Solway Firth on Friday and Saturday of this week to Douglas, Isle of Man.

Only a few more days and Waverley will also be setting course back to the Clyde for the start of her summer season – but first the PSPS Scottish Branch Charter on 23rd (details here).

Thanks to Chris Jones for providing his photographs for use on our Blog.

[signature name=”Charles McCrossan”]