Scillonian III Completes Final Passenger Voyage to the Isles of Scilly
The Scillonian III made its final passenger voyage on Sunday 8 November 2026, a 37-nautical-mile crossing between St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly and Penzance in Cornwall, ending nearly half a century of service on the route, according to The Guardian.
The Isles of Scilly sit 28 miles off Cornwall's coast and comprise five inhabited islands. The ferry, operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, made its first journey to the islands in 1977. Its naming ceremony was held in Appledore, north Devon, where the ship was built, and it was launched by the then Prince Charles. It can carry 486 passengers, according to the BBC.
Over 49 years, the ship sailed more than 10,000 times between the mainland and the islands. It was nicknamed the "vomit comet" because it rocked in stormy weather, causing seasickness among passengers.
Demand for the final voyage was higher than expected. The steamship company had anticipated only a few dozen passengers, but tickets sold out.
The Scillonian name predates this vessel. The first Scillonian ran from 1926 to 1956, and during the Second World War it was fitted with guns and used as a military transport. The Scillonian II then operated for 25 years before being replaced by the Scillonian III. Isles of Scilly Travel has described 2026 as the 100th year of Scillonian ferries, and it designated the season as the ship's commemorative final season.
A successor is already under way. The Scillonian IV was built in south-east Asia and is travelling to the islands via the Cape of Good Hope. The operator says the vessel is officially afloat and in the final stages of outfitting and sea trials before its journey to the UK, and that it will carry 600 passengers. According to The Guardian, its maiden voyage between the islands and the mainland is planned for March 2027, with more passengers, greater speed and systems designed to reduce roll and pitch, the side-to-side and front-to-back motion of a ship at sea. Bookings for 2027 are open.
The future of the Scillonian III itself is less settled. In July, the BBC reported that both the Scillonian III and the Gry Maritha had been put up for sale, with their futures uncertain once their final season of service was complete.
Isles of Scilly Travel invited the public to share memories, photographs and stories of the ship as part of its farewell.
