Gin Cruises in Poole

What Can I Expect

All aboard the Gin Cruise in Poole! When these gin-themed excursions afloat were launched, they caused a bit of stir in the local Dorset media, as they are the first cruises of their type in the country! We are offering Friday evening Artisan Gin Tasting cruises and Sunday afternoon Gin & Jazz cruises.

All gin cruises set sail from Poole Harbour on the vintage yacht Dorset Queen. The two-hour Sunday afternoon trip is laid back with cool jazz vibes as the live band plays. You'll get a Gin Fizz cocktail on arrival and plenty of time to sample lots of other gin drinks that are available to purchase from the onboard bar.

The three-hour Artisan Gin Tasting cruises depart at 7pm, which is the perfect departure time. The day-tourists have long gone and the waters are really calm. We are offering two types of voucher for these gin cruises. The best by several nautical miles is the VIP package. You get a table for six in the VIP lounge, made up of just four tables in total.

As a VIP, you get so many benefits, starting with a bottle of artisan gin plus mixers, which will be waiting on the table for you, along with some tasty gin-inspired nibbles. It's certainly a great way to kick off your Dorset cruise.

During the evening, an expert cocktail maker will come to your table to make two delicious cocktails for each of you. Each cruise also has an invited gin distiller onboard, who will also spend time with you conducting a fun and informative tasting session.

As an alternative to the VIP deal, you can board the boat as a ‘walk on' guest, with access to the upper, fore and stern decks of the boat where you can mingle and socialise. Each guest will have two drinks tokens, so you can chat and sip on  decent G&Ts as the boat sails around the Poole area.

With great staff and crew, a lovely atmosphere and delicious G&T drinks and cocktails, we think a gin cruise around the stunning Poole area on a vintage vessel is just the voyage you need for a superb afternoon or evening afloat! 

What's Included

Gin Tasting Cruise

• Artisan gin tasting cruise on The Dorset Queen a 1938 vintage Motor Yacht
• Receive 2 x gin tokens per person which can be exchanged for a 'perfect serve' G & T
• Enjoy canapes as you take in views of Brownsea Castle, Millionaire's Row at Sandbanks and the islands of Poole Harbour
• Cruises last approximately three hours
• The Dorset Queen can accommodate up to 50 guests

Gin Tasting Cruise VIP Table Option

• Private table in the lounge for up to 6 guests
• Each VIP table will receive a 700ml bottle of Artisan Gin and 12 Mixers
• The onboard mixologist will prepare 2 handcrafted gin cocktails of choice for each VIP guest
• A guest Distiller will introduce you to their artisan gin, r eceive a mini-masterclass and learn about botanicals used

Gin & Jazz Cruise

• Be welcomed aboard to a Gin Fizz Cocktail 
• House band will perform live 
• Sights of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Brownsea Castle and Sandbanks' Millionaire's Row 
• Ideal opportunity to work your way through an extensive gin menu from the onboard bar
• Cruise ends with the Dorset Queen's signature song
• Cruises last approximately 2 hours

When Is It Available

Gin Tasting Cruise

• Friday evenings between May and September
• Cruises depart at 19:00
• Dates are subject to availability

Current Scheduled 2025 Dates:

• Friday 27th June
• Friday 25th July
• Friday 29th August

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators