Passengers embarking on the excursion paddle steamer Royal Sovereign (1893) in Boulogne, France. The ship is berthed starboard side to the quay and the passengers, some with baggage, are walking down the brow to the promenade deck abaft the paddle box and abreast the after funnel. The photographer is on the wharf looking forward and to port showing a boat under its davits, the two funnels with the bridge between them, two ventilator cowls and the foremast.