#SailwithSanta with City Cruises Poole
Last year we enjoyed a rather blustery Santa Cruise with City Cruises Poole and despite the weather doing its best to dampen our spirits we couldn’t wait to do it again this year.
Thankfully this year the weather was the complete opposite of last year and Poole Harbour was a millpond when we arrived to Sail with Santa.
We were over the moon to be welcomed by Dr Balloonman whom had entertained the kids so brilliantly last year. We collected our complimentary soft drink and cookie for the kids and our mince pie and warming coffee (they also offer a glass of mulled wine if you are not driving) and sat down ready for the cruise around Poole Harbour to begin.
The kids were all very excitable and but Dr Balloonman took control and had them dancing, playing games and watching his amazing balloon modelling. If you have ever met Isaac you will know he is a bit of a performer and he was soon up trying to steal the show. I think this has to be my favourite picture of him ever, thanks Charliemoos for capturing it so well.
The first balloon model of the day was Olaf the Snowman, before Dr Balloonman made a very special magic wand that we would use to summon Santa onto the boat.
He gave it to a very special child who had to wave it as we all shouted for Santa, hoping we would hear his magical bell as he arrived. Thankfully the magic worked and he arrived with a sack full of presents for all the children onboard.
As the children queued patiently for their presents, Dr Balloonman made them all a balloon creation of their choice, with Sebby requesting a Giraffe.
The Santa cruise lasts 75 minutes and takes you from Poole Quay, up to Brownsea Island and then back again.
Each sailing costs £13.50 per head, under 2’s are free and includes a complimentary drink and snack and they sail three times a day all the way up to, and including, Christmas Eve.
Each child also received a certificate and a colouring sheet to complete when they got home.
I think it is safe to say that the kids had a whale of a time and this is definitely our new Christmas tradition.
Thank you City Cruises Poole and Dr Balloonman for a fabulous day out, see you next year!
Disclaimer: We were guests of City Cruises Poole for the purpose of a review, all opinions are our own.
Nikki Thomas
That looks like amazing fun and such a lovely and different way to see Santa. I am quite jealous that I don’t live nearer as I would love to do this with my lot.
Cathy Glynn
This sounds like so much fun. Isaac’s face is a picture and I just love the giraffe. Wish we lived closer to the sea so we could experience something like this x
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
I love the idea of a Santa cruise and wish we were nearer to water to do one! The kids look like they really enjoyed it all – love that pic of Isaac!
Talya
Ahhh what a lovely festive activity for all the family – it looks like the kids had a blast!
five little doves
Oh what a lovely idea! This looks like such a special visit with Santa, much more memorable than visiting in a regular grotto!!
Jen Walshaw
I think that is a great value Santa experience, especially for how long it lasts and how much the kids seem to enjoy it.
Clair
I love all the Christmas clothes, especially the elf jumper!
Sophie
This looks so much fun, my son would love it!
Sonia
Sebby looks so grown up here! I love his sweater! Sounds like a great day, very unique visit to santa x
Vai Chin @Rambling Through Parenthood
The look on Seb’s face says it all 🙂 So much fun x
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
Oh wow what a unique and fun idea and it looks like the little ones had a great time. I’m sure mine would love to go too.
Natalia
What a lovely experience for children and the parents, I love cruises! x
clairejustine
Aww, this sounds like so much fun. I had never hear of this before. Looks like a great day, lovely pictures Kara 🙂
Little B & Me
Oh my gosh!
I literally love this idea, it is SO different <3
I'm not sure how I'd fair on a boat to be honest but hey ho!
For the kids hey xo
tots2travel
I love the elf ears set off by a tinsel belt. Perfect for a festive cruise. What a fantastic family day out. Love the sound of it.
Baby Isabella
I remember reading your post last year. So good you went back, looks like a fab little trip. We’all try and get down next year for a Santa sail 🙂
Zena's Suitcase
This looks like such fun, I love Sebby’s giraffe and I like how it’s a different way to see Santa
Cass@frugalfamily
What a lovely idea – this sounds like a lovely Santa experience x x
Evelina
Looks like such a fun experience. I bet everyone really loved it.
Kat
Awww, how cute are your kids in their Christmas gear! Could the adults also request a balloon animal? Because I’d totally be that adult.
Kara
I am pretty sure Dr Balloonman would have been happy to oblige :0)