London River Thames Lunch Cruise

The London River Thames Lunch Cruise by City Cruises Limited offers a delightful way to see some of London’s most iconic sights while indulging in a freshly prepared 2-course lunch. This 105-minute cruise departs from Tower Pier, conveniently located next to the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge. It provides a modern, comfortable setting on a refurbished vessel with panoramic windows, so every guest enjoys superb views of the city’s skyline.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic sightseeing, delicious food, and engaging commentary. It’s an ideal choice for visitors looking for a relaxed, yet informative way to explore central London, especially for those who want a tasty meal with a view. The cruise ends back at the starting point, making it a convenient and enjoyable outing.

While the dress code suggests smart casual, reviews note that many guests opt for more casual attire, and the crew offers friendly service throughout. The fixed tables seat four, with panoramic windows ensuring that everyone can take in the sights. The bar service is available during the cruise, offering a range of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and a chance to toast the experience.

Key Points

• Duration: 105 minutes, perfect for a relaxed sightseeing meal
• Departure Point: Tower Pier, London, next to Tower of London
• Meal: A two-course lunch featuring thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted chicken, Dauphinois potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and lemon meringue tart
• Views: Passengers view landmarks like London Eye, Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, and the Shard
• Commentary: An engaging audio guide provides fascinating facts about London’s sights
• Bar Service: Wide selection of drinks available throughout the cruise
• Meeting Point: Lower Thames Street, close to Tower Hill Tube Station
• Dress Code: Smart casual, though many guests dress more casually

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Starting from Tower Pier: The Heart of London’s Riverside

The cruise begins at Tower Pier, positioned right beside the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. This iconic location makes it easy to access from central London, with Tower Hill Tube Station nearby. The pier staff greet guests and guide them to their tables, which are already allocated in advance. The fixed tables seat four people and are arranged to maximize views through panoramic windows, allowing every passenger to enjoy the sights without obstruction.

This starting point offers an immediate glimpse of London’s historical heritage, setting the mood for a day of scenic exploration. The pier is well-organized, and guests can comfortably walk straight onto the vessel, ready to begin their cruise.

The Modern Vessel with Panoramic Views

The refurbished boat features large panoramic windows around the entire vessel, ensuring that views are accessible from every seat. The interior is modern and clean, creating a comfortable environment for the 105-minute journey. The vessel’s layout is designed with passenger comfort in mind, and the crew makes sure everyone is settled before departure.

Guests appreciate that the boat is well-maintained, and the layout allows for easy movement, with a designated outdoor smoking area upstairs to get a clear shot of the river and sights. The upstairs area provides a good vantage point for photos and a more open-air experience, weather permitting.

The Route: Iconic Landmarks Along the Thames

The cruise departs from Tower Pier heading downstream past some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The sights include London Eye, providing a stunning backdrop, as well as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Passing underneath Tower Bridge, the boat offers striking views of this Victorian engineering marvel.

Further along, the London Bridge and the Shard, a towering pyramid-shaped building, come into view. The sights are presented with interesting commentary, giving background stories and fun facts about each location. The cruise’s pacing allows ample time to admire each landmark while enjoying the delicious meal.

The Two-Course Lunch: Quality and Flavour

The meal is a highlight of this experience. The main course features thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted Chicken Supreme, served with creamy leek, tarragon, and mushroom sauce. Accompanying the chicken are Dauphinois potatoes and seasonal vegetables, offering a hearty and satisfying dish.

The dessert is a lemon meringue tart, served with a berry coulis, providing a sweet and tangy finish to the meal. Tea or coffee is included, completing the dining experience. Review comments indicate that the food is consistently praised for its quality and presentation.

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Engaging Commentary from the Crew

Throughout the cruise, an audio commentary guides passengers through London’s sights. The guides share interesting facts and amusing stories, often with a friendly tone that keeps the atmosphere lively. Although the crew clarifies they are not professional tour guides, their knowledgeable and humorous approach enhances the experience.

Many reviews highlight the commentary as a favorite part, with some mentioning the friendly delivery and entertaining stories that make the sights come alive. The captain’s remarks add an authentic touch, and the timing of the commentary is generally well-paced.

Bar Service: Drinks and Refreshments on Board

Guests can enjoy bar services throughout the cruise, with a selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available. While drinks are not included in the ticket price, the wide choice means everyone can find something to enjoy. Some reviews mention the importance of bringing cash for tips, as tips are not processed via card.

A small note from reviews suggests that drinks near the end of the cruise might be rushed or limited, so it’s worth planning accordingly if you want to relax with a beverage during the last moments.

The Experience on the Vessel: Comfort and Atmosphere

The vessel offers a comfortable setting, with well-laid-out tables, friendly staff, and clean facilities. The dress code recommends smart casual, but many guests wear more casual attire, including sports shoes. This flexibility is generally appreciated, as it allows for comfortable dressing while maintaining a respectful appearance.

The interior is decorated tastefully, and the crew ensures guests are well-attended during the cruise. Many reviews commend the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Timing, Pacing, and Crowd Levels

The 105-minute duration strikes a good balance, allowing enough time to see key sights without feeling rushed. The cruise’s pacing is described as leisurely, giving guests time to take photos and soak in the views.

Most reviews indicate the cruise runs on time and maintains a steady rhythm, even during busy periods. Tables are assigned in advance, and viewing windows guarantee good sightlines no matter where guests sit. The fixed table arrangement seats four, but the boat accommodates larger groups comfortably.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting point is at Lower Thames Street, near Tower Hill (District and Circle Lines) and Tower Gateway DLR Station. Guests are advised to walk straight down to the pier, where staff greet them.

The fixed tables mean seating is not adjustable, and some tables are close to other diners. It’s recommended to dress smart casual, although many feel comfortable in casual clothes. Sportswear and sports shoes are not allowed, aligning with the suggested dress code.

Comparing to Other Thames Cruises

This lunch cruise provides a value-rich experience, combining a quality meal with sightseeing. Its modern vessel and panoramic windows set it apart from less contemporary options. The engaging commentary and friendly staff are consistently praised, making it a popular choice for first-time visitors and locals alike.

While the cruise does not go beyond Westminster, the route covers many of London’s most celebrated landmarks. For those wishing to extend their experience, other options like evening cruises or special themed journeys are available, but this cruise offers a great introduction to the city from a relaxed, scenic perspective.

Final Thoughts on the London River Thames Lunch Cruise

The London River Thames Lunch Cruise is a well-organized, enjoyable outing that combines beautiful views, excellent food, and friendly service. Its moderate duration makes it perfect for a lunch break or a relaxed sightseeing activity, especially when paired with other London adventures.

The delicious main course, informative commentary, and convenient location make it highly recommended for visitors wanting to see London from the river without sacrificing comfort or quality. The friendly staff and clean vessel ensure that most guests leave with a smile.

While dress code and limited drinks service near the end** are considerations, they do not overshadow the overall positive experience. Anyone seeking a comfortable, scenic, and tasty way to enjoy London’s riverside sights will find this cruise a worthwhile addition to their itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the London River Thames Lunch Cruise?
The cruise lasts 105 minutes, making it a perfect short but satisfying sightseeing experience.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The departure point is Tower Pier, located on Lower Thames Street near Tower Hill Tube Station.

What is included in the meal?
Guests enjoy a two-course meal featuring thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted Chicken Supreme, Dauphinois potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and lemon meringue tart for dessert. Tea or coffee is also included.

Can I sit at a specific table?
Seats are allocated before the cruise, and fixed tables seat four. Every table offers panoramic views through large windows.

Is the vessel accessible for all?
The vessel’s layout provides good sightlines for all passengers. However, detailed accessibility information is not specified.

What should I wear?
The dress code recommends smart casual, but many guests dress more casually, including sports shoes.

Are drinks available onboard?
Yes, bar services offer a wide selection of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, but drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Does the cruise go beyond Westminster?
No, the cruise route covers sights up to London Bridge but does not extend further upstream.

What do reviews say about this cruise?
It receives a rating of 4.5, with many praising the friendly staff, delicious food, excellent commentary, and stunning views. It’s considered a value-for-money way to enjoy London from the river.

The London River Thames Lunch Cruise offers a delightful combination of sightseeing, dining, and relaxation—making it a top choice for those wanting to see London from the river in comfort.

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