See below decks following the Albatros' return to Wells-next-the-Sea

The Albatros took her place at the quayside at Wells-next-the-Sea last week following a years-long restoration project in Essex.

Work is now being done before visitors can be welcomed back aboard to eat and stay the night - Albatros is used as a floating restaurant with accommodation. 

Bob ‘Rob’ Richardson, alongside his son Will, is working on completing the final touches before opening The Albatros into a bed and breakfast, and restaurant (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Bob ‘Rob’ Richardson and his son Will are also making plans to use the ship for as a place for people to enjoy a drink and listen to live music.

Mr Richardson said he had been amazed by the response to the ship's return.

He said: “There is so much interest. I am getting calls every day.

"People want to know when she is relaunching, if they can book a room.

"I’ve already taken a booking for a wedding anniversary in October.

"Friends and family are staying on board during August to shake down the systems.

Bob ‘Rob’ Richardson, inside the wheelhouse onboard The Albatros (Image: Sonya Duncan)

“I am feeling really good about opening her back up to the public.”

READ MORE - The Albatros returns to home port of Wells-next-the-Sea

Mr Richardson said he hoped to reopen in late September, following the arrival of a stepped gantry bridge for access and other final touches such as putting in the original brass fittings, curtains and photographs. 

Inside one of the cabins onboard The Albatros (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The ship has four double bedrooms with en-suites and a kitchen that can serve light lunches and afternoon teas.

Mr Richardson has a licence to serve alcohol on board, and he said he planned to open the ship all year round, even in winter.

The Albatros was built in 1899 near Rotterdam and ferried cargo around Europe for almost a century. 

During the Second World War her brave crew used the ship to smuggle Jewish refugees and political dissidents out of Denmark and return with weapons for resistance fighters.

Stunning photos captured by photographer James Crisp, he took this photo as The Albatros passed by Bradwell-on-Sea on the River Blackwater on July 19 (Image: Crisp Photography, https://www.crisp-photo.co.uk)

Onboard The Albatros, which is set to reopen in late September to the public (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Albatros has been back on the Norfolk coast for little under a week - but plans are in place to get people on board the famous sailing ship (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Albatros on its journey back to the Norfolk coast (Image: Bob 'Rob' Richardson)

The Albatros has been back on the Norfolk coast for little under a week - but plans are in place to get people on board the famous sailing ship (Image: Sonya Duncan)