1938 – Built & Launched
Dorset Queen was built by Noble & Sons in Scotland in 1938, named ‘Gay Queen’ and spent her first 2 years cruising the Kyles of Bute & Loch Striven.
1940 – Requisitioned by The Royal Navy
In 1940 she was requisitioned by The Royal Navy for war duties and is believed to have taken part in the Dunkirk rescue missions.
1945 – Return to Scotland
After the war ended, she returned to Rothesay to her former life as a passenger vessel.
1963 – US Naval Base Duty
In 1963 Gay Queen was once again used for military purposes, operating at the US Navy Base in Holy Loch.
1990 – First appearance in Poole Harbour
In the 1990’s she was renamed ‘Alice Marie’ and operated services from Poole Quay to Wareham and Brownsea Island.
2005 – A fresh start in Cornwall
In 2005 Alice Marie moved to Falmouth to operate as a St Mawes Ferry named ‘Queen of the Fal’.
2008 – Restored by Dorset Cruises
Dorset Cruises purchased a very tired Queen in 2008 and after lovingly restoring her to her former glory, we renamed her ‘Dorset Queen’.
2017 – Hosted the World’s first Gin Cruise
Dorset Queen became National News in 2017 when we launched the World’s first Gin Cruise.
2018 – Became a National Historic Ship
Dorset Queen celebrated her 80th anniversary in 2018 and was presented with her UK National Historic Ships’ Certificate.
2019 – Triple Winner at BH Star Awards
Dorset Queen became a triple award winner at the 2019 BH Star Awards, including ‘Corporate Venue’, ‘Event of the Year’ and ‘Transport’ categories.
2019 – Winner of Lux Global Hospitality Awards
Dorset Cruises were voted ‘Best Charter Company’ in the South of England.
2019 – Winner of Dorset Business Awards
Dorset Cruises won Dorset Business Awards – Investment in Dorset Award.
2020 – Historic Ships Ensign
Dorset Queen was awarded the prestigious ‘Historic Ships’ ensign flag in January 2020.
She is now only vessel on the South Coast with a warrant to fly a ‘defaced ensign’.
2020 – Closed Down by the Covid-19 Pandemic
Dorset Cruises, along with the rest of the UK’s Hospitality Industry, was forced to close down during the Worldwide Coronavirus Outbreak.
2020 – Corporate Hospitality Venue Winner
Despite the awards ceremony being cancelled due to the pandemic, Dorset Cruises won ‘Best Corporate Hospitality Venue’ award at BH Stars 2020.
The trophy was presented on Poole Quay at 2 metres distance from the sponsor.
2021 – Phoenix from the Ashes
Monday 21st June 2021 saw Dorset Queen returning back to service after 16 months of painful Lockdowns and Restrictions.
2022 – Black & Gold
2022 saw us relaunch Dorset Queen under our new company colours of black and gold, in preparation to celebrate her 85th anniversary in 2023.
