Champagne & Oysters

Dorset Cruises have teamed up with Dorset Oysters to offer you this once a year opportunity to cruise over the Oyster beds of Poole Harbour’s, Balls Lake and discover the journey our local oysters take, from seed to delicacy.

Be greeted aboard Dorset Queen to a chilled glass of Champagne and sample freshly shucked Poole Rock Oysters as we depart Poole Quay at 3:30pm.

We will take a leisurely cruise down Poole’s North Channel whilst our Champagne host gives a masterclass in these luxurious French bubbles.

Learn about the strict methods, rules and rich history involved in creating this world famous Sparkling Wine.

Local Oyster Farmer, Robert Milton will then explain the history of Poole Rock Oysters and the methods he uses to produce the now, most highly sought after oyster variety in Asia.

The old Sandbanks Chain Ferry (which is now moored to the North of Brownsea Islands shoreline), is today used as an Oyster Sorting Station and after cruising by we will finally cross over the privately owned Oyster Beds of Balls Lake to have live Oysters pulled up onto the deck of Dorset Queen, showcasing the vast array of shapes & sizes.