london river cruise lunch deals

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Thames River Lunch Cruises

Select Your Experience

Evening Cruise on River Thames

• Enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Thames during the sunset which offers the best views of the city at the best times of the day.
• Check out the prominent landmarks of the city from the water including the London Eye, Big Ben, London Bridge and more.
• Relish a selection of delicious canapes and sparkling wine as you relax on the Thames evening cruise.
• Head indoors and witness the breathtaking cityscape while enjoying a live pop, rock, swing, or funk performance.
• Please note: Children aged 13 and under are not allowed on the cruise.
• 2-hour evening cruise on the Thames
• Sparkling wine or soft drink on arrival
• A selection of cold canapés served throughout the evening
• Live music performances on board
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Thames River Lunch Cruise Ticket

• Enjoy an afternoon cruise along the River Thames and take in breathtaking views of London from the waters.
• The friendly staff on board the cruise will serve up a delicious two-course lunch for your culinary pleasure.
• Gasp in awe as you enjoy the 360-degree view of the river from the deck.
• Cruise past various well-known sights including the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and gain a different perspective on them from the waters.
• Admission to the cruise
• 2-course meal
• Live or recorded commentary
• Transportation to the pier

Combo (Save 10%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Save some bucks with this cost-effective combo, giving you access to the London Eye, a Thames River Cruise, and the Tower of London.
• Ascend the London Eye, Europe's tallest observation wheel, for panoramic views of iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.
• Cruise along the River Thames for a unique perspective of London's heart, witnessing the history-steeped Big Ben, the popular Canary Wharf, and more.
• Step back in time with a visit to the Tower of London, the primary seat of the British Monarchy, and get a chance to marvel at the magnificent Crown Jewels.

London Eye and Thames River Cruise

• Entry to the London Eye
• London Eye guide - free download on iOS
• 40-minute Thames River cruise
• English-speaking guide
• Multilingual audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Czech, Hindi, Polish, and Portuguese languages

Tower of London with Access to Crown Jewels

• Entry into the Tower of London
• Entry into all public areas of the Tower of London - Crown Jewels exhibit, the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, Torture at the Tower exhibition
• Access to the children's activity trails & live historical re-enactments
• Free WiFi access
• Tip: While on the river cruise, keep an eye out for playful seals that are occasionally spotted in the Thames!
• Large bags, sharp objects, and items that can cause security hazards are strictly prohibited.
• Pets are not allowed.
• The attractions are wheelchair-accessible.
• Guide dogs are welcome.

Tower of London with Crown Jewels

• Tip: Try to find the infamous "Princes in the Tower" graffiti in the Bloody Tower.
• Luggage and large bags are not allowed.
• Not all areas are accessible to wheelchair users.
• Trained assistance dogs are welcome.
• The Crown Jewels are a working collection and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
• Tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment are not allowed.
• Smoking, eating, and drinking within all buildings are not allowed.

Thames River Lunch Cruise | Sail past and savour the views of London

A Thames lunch cruise is the London experience you crave. Imagine gliding down the river, a glass of bubbly in hand (well, maybe not with lunch, but you get the idea), iconic sights like Big Ben and the London Eye framed by the cityscape. All while you devour a delicious lunch – think melt-in-your-mouth steaks or fancy fish dishes.

It's sightseeing with a side of relaxation, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. You'll see London from a fresh perspective, get epic photo ops, and have a story to tell your mates back home.

Why should you get on a Thames River Lunch Cruise?

Scones, sweets, and city streets

Forget the cucumber sandwiches and crustless teacakes, this is afternoon tea with a kick! Instead fill in on freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and all the tea and coffee your heart desires. All while cruising past the iconic Tower of London, no less. The Afternoon Tea Thames River cruise is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. At just 90 minutes, it's the ideal amount of time to unwind, recharge, and see the city from a whole new perspective.

Fuel your Instagram feed

Forget those grainy phone pics you fight crowds for. The Lunch cruise puts you front and center for iconic views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. You'll be sailing past these majestic landmarks, with enough time to snap some seriously epic photos (and maybe even a boomerang or two).

Dietary restrictions? Not a problem!

Both the Afternoon Tea and Lunch cruises offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can partake in the fun.

Live commentary

Live or recorded commentary is available on the lunch cruise, which will fill you in on the history of the landmarks you see as you sail along.

Food for thought

While you enjoy a delicious two-course lunch, the Thames River lunch cruise will take you on a relaxed mini voyage through the heart of London. To accompany your meal, a fully stocked bar is certain to have something tempt your palette too. And when you've finished your dessert, you can take a stroll on deck to round off your Riverdays experience.

Cruises last one hour and forty-five minutes which gives you plenty of time to enjoy both the view and the company!

What are your Thames Lunch cruise options?

Thames River lunch cruise

• Duration:  1 hr. 45 mins (Approximately)
• Experience:  Combines sightseeing with a midday meal. You'll get a chance to see the city landmarks while enjoying a leisurely lunch.
• Who should go:  Great for those who want a daytime adventure with a satisfying meal. Ideal for families or groups who want to enjoy the scenery and avoid crowds.
• Recommended tour: Thames River Lunch Cruise Ticket

Thames River afternoon tea cruise

• Duration:  90 mins (Approximately)
• Experience:  Focuses on the classic British tradition of afternoon tea with finger foods like sandwiches, scones, and cakes, accompanied by tea or coffee. You'll also get scenic views of London.
• Who should go:  Perfect for those who want a relaxing experience and a taste of British culture. Suitable for couples, friends, or anyone who enjoys a delightful afternoon treat.
• Recommended tour: Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise

Visual guide; where to take the best selfies?

What’s cooking? Know the menu before you board!

Sights to feast your eyes on; your Thames River lunch cruise at a glance

Forget waiting in crowds for a blurry phone pic. See this iconic clock tower up close and personal, its majestic silhouette framed by the city.

Frequently asked questions about Thames River Lunch cruise

Thames River lunch cruise tours take you from Tower Bridge to Westminster and Canary Wharf. The exact route changes depending on the tides.

You can see the Tower of London, London Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the South Bank up close.

You should experience British afternoon tea, and a Thames afternoon tea river cruise is a memorable way to do it.

Wear casual clothes. Feel free to dress up if you're celebrating, but avoid flip-flops and leisurewear.

Yes, there are window seats with tables for two. They sell out fast, so book early.

Boarding starts at 3:15pm, and cruising begins at 3:30pm. Arrive 10 minutes early.

Bateaux London Lunch Cruise - Indulge in an afternoon of elegance and refinement!

Thames Lunch Cruises

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London River Thames Lunch Cruise

About the activity

Cruise down the River Thames and see some of the city’s most historic sights, while feasting on a delicious 2-course lunch with coffee and tea.

• Free cancellation Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.
• Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
• Non-guided activity Live and audio guiding is not available.
• Duration 105 minutes
• River Thames cruise with regular seat
• 2-course lunch with tea and coffee
• Audio commentary
• Alcoholic drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Enjoy a delicious lunch as you cruise down the River Thames in London
• See some of London's famous riverside attractions.
• Relax in a newly refurbished modern river cruise vessel with panoramic windows

Description

Enjoy a London lunch venue with a difference on this 105-minute cruise down the River Thames from Tower Pier. Delight in a delicious 2-course lunch, including tea or coffee, set against a backdrop of the most famous sights of London. Depart from Tower Pier, next to the historic Tower of London fortress and fairytale Tower Bridge. Sail past sights, such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the towering Shard pyramid at London Bridge. Feast on thyme, rosemary, and lemon roasted Chicken Supreme with creamy leek, tarragon, and mushroom sauce, served with Dauphinois potatoes and seasonal vegetables; and a dessert of lemon meringue tart, served with a berry coulis. Enjoy the bar services throughout, offering a wide choice of soft and alcoholic drinks, while an audio commentary will allow you to learn fascinating new facts about London as you cruise. The cruise ends at the original departure point.

• Your seat on board is guaranteed and will be allocated to you before the cruise takes place. When you board you will be shown to your table. Please note tables are fixed, with each table (or pair of tables) seating four people. Panoramic windows provide great views from all angles of the passing sky-line, regardless of your table location
• Please note that some tables are situated in close proximity to other diners
• The dress code is smart casual

Reviews & Ratings

Top 5 similar night cruises & boat tours in london.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Prices & booking.

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• River Thames Cruises

Another unique London Lunch Venue offering breath-taking view of the River Thames.

It can be hard to find alternative ways to enjoy lunch in London. Why not enjoy your lunch whilst aboard our impressive vessel cruising up and down the Thames river. Our vessel leaves the moorings at Tower Pier and ventures off on a relaxing and calm journey while you enjoy a carefully picked and delicious two course lunch.

The water bound journey will take you through the heart of London. Whether you want a cold beer or a glass of wine to accompany your meal, we have a fully stocked bar onboard ready to tempt you to a cold one when cruising up the Thames. We have taste bud tantalising main courses and delicate deserts that will get you taking pictures and bring your friends back to try more. We have a large open deck area for you to walk off your food and capture the right angle to enjoy the sites London has to offer.

Cruising by London at a leisurely pace is the perfect speed to travel at when indulging in our incredible 2 course menu. With something to tempt your palette, our food and drink is bought to you with great service standards and all our onboard members of staff are happy to help where they can. Combining everything together makes for the most enjoyable 2 course Lunch River Thames Cruise Experience available.

Boarding takes place from the Tower Pier – Beside the Tower of London with the Tower Bridge in its background.

Cruise Highlights Menu Schedule Timings Days of Operation Directions Important Info

Cruise Highlights

Thames City Lunch Cruise

Two Hour cruise Tower Pier Embarking A Set quality Two course meal After Dinner Coffee and Tea Fabulous viewing from the upper deck Spacious and comfortable seating Price £53.00 Per Person

Thyme, Rosemary and Lemon Roasted Supreme of Chicken with Creamy Leek, Tarragon and Mushroom Sauce served with Dauphinoise Potato and Seasonal Vegetables

Lemon Meringue Tart, served with Berry Coulis 

Vegetarian Menu* (Must be booked in advance)

Oyster Mushroom and White Bean Cassoulet, with a herb and parmasan crust, served with Dauphinoise Potato and Seasonal Vegetables

Schedule Timings

Tower Pier Boarding 11:30 AM Boat Departs 11:45AM Boat Returns 13:30PM

Days of Operation

January - Friday to Sunday

February to October - Daily

November to December - Wednesday to Sunday

Address: Tower Millennium Pier Lower Thames Street London EC3N 4DT

Google Map Directions Click for Map

• An e-ticket will be sent with the timings and the name of the boat.
• Once booked there are no refunds
• We cannot wait for late comers or return to the piers. All cruise are on stringent time schedule.
• Vegetarian food must be ordered in the special instruction on the booking engine in advance
• Children under 4 are not permitted on the cruise.
• There are no high chairs on the cruise
• Prams, push chairs and bassinets are not allowed on the cruise

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• Thames Cruises
• New Year's Eve Cruise 2024/25

River Thames Cruises Unit 4a, Tower Workshops 58 Riley Road London SE1 3DG 020 7237 9111

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City Cruises - Lunch Cruise on the River Thames Tickets

About City Cruises - Lunch Cruise on the River Thames

Enjoy a two-course lunch on a mini voyage through the heart of London. To accompany your meal the fully stocked bar is certain to have something to tempt your palate. As you set off from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, you will see Big Ben and the London Eye before heading down towards Canary Wharf, with Tower Bridge in view again. (That’s if time and tide allow and if they don’t we do it the other way around). Your ticket includes:

• Two Course meal
• 1 hour 45 minutes river cruise with live commentary. Cruises last one hour and forty five minutes which gives you plenty of time to enjoy both the view and the company!

Whether it’s a first-time, original choice for you and your friends or a long-time favourite of river cruise aficionados we sure you’ll find it’s a great choice for a memorable meal with bright conversation.

All ages. Children are aged 2-12 Years Of Age. Children under 2 go FREE

Opening Times & Itinerary

The boat departs at 11:45 (boarding at 11:30) from Tower Pier. The Cruise returns to Tower Pier at 13:30 1st January 2024 - 31st January 2024 Wednesday - Sunday 1st February 2024 - 31st October 2024 Daily 1st November 2024 - 31st December 2024 Wednesday - Sunday

Admission Information

Please present your PDF E-Voucher upon arrival at Tower Pier.

Important information

You should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure time. All boats have inside seating and are fully heated. All boats offer spaces with great views, with many having upper open decks offering an elevated view.

Please note some tables are situated in close proximity to other diners and are pre-allocated before boarding. All tables are fixed to the floor and cannot be moved.

Dress Code: Casual

For any special dietary requirements once you have confirmed your reservation please email [email protected] with your “t” Confirmation number Any transactions made on board the vessels must be paid by contactless payment if possible

Disabled Access There are two maximum spaces per boat available. Please contact the reservations team to discuss which boat is the best option for you.

City Cruises London

London Pier Locations Pier embarkation points vary depending on which City Cruises product you book. Please check the online product description and your confirmation email for applicable boarding points.

Greenwich Pier

King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

This is close to Cutty Sark DLR station, the full name of which is Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. It is also close to Greenwich railway station.

London Eye Pier

The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 7PB

This is close to Waterloo underground and railway station and across the river from Embankment and Charing Cross underground and railway station.

Lower Thames St, London, EC3N 4DT

The pier is situated close to Tower Hill Station, which connects you to the Circle District lines. It is also close to London Bridge underground and railway station.

Westminster Pier

Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH

The pier is situated next to Westminster Bridge, by the entrance to Westminster underground station, which connects you to the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.

We are a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) and operate within the code of practice STAR sets down for its members.

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London River Cruises

Top london river cruises deals, thames hop on hop off river cruise, dinner cruise experience on thames river, lunch cruise on the river thames - 2 course meal, river thames evening cruise, london eye river cruise afternoon tea, london river cruises overview.

Making its way through the heart of London, the Thames is one of the most famous rivers in the world- and the London river cruise is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful river. Idling along the length of the Thames, the cruise offers fantastic, unobstructed views of London’s biggest and proudest buildings. Cruising past, one catches a glimpse of the London Eye in its slow rotation, of the Big Ben sounding the hour, of the glass facade of the odd-shaped Gherkin.

Initially having started as a speedboat tour, the river cruise in London has grown over the years to offer more sophisticated services. The cruises take place throughout the day- some in the afternoon, some in the evening, and some at teatime. Special lunch and dinner cruises add the luxury of onboard dining to the sightseeing cruise. The Thames River Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour is another interesting experience, allowing its cruisers to embark and disembark at ports of their choice to sightsee around the attractions.

The original speedboat tour has been retained in its original format as well, and is well suited for those looking for a round of sightseeing as well as adventure. Each river cruise in London is accompanied either by an audio-commentary or a special tour guide who offers a live- and often humorous- commentary on the attraction one passes by.

Top Attractions To Spot While On London River Cruise

The Thames river cruise serves as an excellent sightseeing route; gliding across the Thames, one catches a glimpse of some of the city’s biggest and most iconic attractions. While the Big Ben rings aloud with its hourly gong, the HMS Belfast stands moored as a testament to Britain’s war-ridden past; such are the sights that one comes across on their river cruise.

The Tower of London also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortification of the Tower of London, is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London has served in multiple roles, sometimes a treasury, sometimes a royal mint, sometimes a prison and then the holder of royal jewels. The Tower of London holds a permanent exhibition of these same jewels which are open to the public throughout the year. Tourists also get a chance to meet the resident ravens at the tower, who have been historically designated as the protectors and guardians of the Tower of London.

The Tower Bridge is a defining mark in London, and many regard it as the most popular bridge in the United Kingdom, if not the whole world. The Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge- which means that it draws back from the center to let vessels pass through. Constructed in 1894, the Tower is laden in history, and once acted as an important route for traders who crossed the river with their horses and their carts. Today, visitors are allowed to not just walk across the iconic bridge with its panoramic views of the city, but also visit the engine rooms that help draw back the bridge.

St. Paul's Cathedral , London's largest cathedral, is one of the world's most important structures, known for its stunning dome with a lantern on top. The earliest church on the site was a wooden church dedicated to the Apostle Paul, which King Ethelbert of Kent constructed in 604 AD. Since then, the Church has undergone several reconstructions to take the shape that it has today. Visitors at St. Paul’s can take a tour of its many galleries- the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery-, as well as make their way down to the Crypt, which holds the remains of some of London’s biggest personalities.

The Houses of Parliament are more than simply a tourist attraction in London; they serve as the center of British power. The 1000+ chambers of the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Neo-Gothic extravaganza on the Thames's banks, including two of the most significant sites in UK politics — the House of Commons and House of Lords. Every day, MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords discuss problems and proposed legislation, which anyone may see from the public galleries of both houses. In addition, both chambers convene committee sessions to investigate matters in depth on a variety of topics, all of which are available to the public.

Near synonymous to the idea of London, the Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic structures. Sitting on the northern edge of the Palace of Westminster, the Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the most popular attractions to be viewed and photographed from the London River cruise. Strictly speaking, the name Big Ben refers to the massive Bell within the Tower, but the nickname is often extended to indicate the tower in its totality. Although the inner sanctums of the Big Ben are not open to the public, the Tower’s facade forms one of the most photographable destinations in all of London.

Any debate on London’s history would remain incomplete without a mention of the master himself- William Shakespeare. The modern Globe Theater is where the immortal writings of Shakespeare are put on stage. The Theater as it is today, is a reconstruction of the original Globe where the playwright conducted his plays and which was consecutively destroyed in fire. The modern building remains faithful to its predecessor, full with an open-air environment and the circular seating arrangement. The Globe regularly puts on productions of Shakespeare’s plays, and is open to the public throughout the year.

The Millennium Bridge, also known as the London Millennium Footbridge, is a steel suspension bridge that spans the River Thames in London and is used by pedestrians. Its southern end is near the Globe Theater, Bankside Gallery, and Tate Modern, while its northern end is below St Paul's Cathedral, adjacent to the City of London School. The bridge's design was chosen in a competition organized by Southwark Council and RIBA Competitions in 1996. Arup Group, Foster & Partners, and Sir Anthony Caro collaborated on the winning "blade of light" design. It took four years for the bridge to be fully constructed, and the Millenium Bridge came into being in 2000, earning it its name.

A town-class light cruiser, the HMS Belfast was built for the Royal Navy. The iconic ship is now permanently moored on the docks of the Thames, and functions as a Museum operated by the Imperial War Museum. The ship, which had served the Navy during momentous crises such as the D-Day, the Korean War and the Arctic Convoy, now lives to tell the tale. Tourists at HMS Belfast can tour all nine decks of the war ship. A series of permanent displays and exhibitions showcase weapons, clothing, bunk beds and ship equipment used by the crew on board. Tourists can even enter into the massive gun turrets and learn about how the ship fired during the Normandy wars.

Overlooking the city’s skyline, the Gherkin is one of the most iconic modern buildings of London. Nearly three times the height of the Niagara Falls, the Gherkin stands out in its unique cucumber-shaped design. The Gherkin is an office building, and is home to some of London’s biggest businesses. Although the skyscraper isn’t normally open to the public, the top floors of the building do feature two of London’s most iconic eateries- the Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar- both of which are famed for their fantasstic views of the city’s skyline.

Also Checkout: IFS Cloud Cable Car

Top River Cruises In London

The London river cruise offers an excellent means of sightseeing. Cruising across the River Thames, one catches a glimpse of some of London’s best attractions. Certain tours with London Attraction tickets are of a more traditional bent and offer a mere 30-minute ride, while some also offer meals on-board, along with a number of other entertainment shows.

Usually opted for along with a visit to the London Eye, the London Eye river cruise is one of the most popular options. The thirty minute cruise is circular, with pick up and drop off at the Tower Pier port. Wandering along the Thames, the short cruise offers glorious views of some of the most prominent landmarks in London, including the Big Ben, the Westminster Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The cruise is accompanied by a traditional British afternoon tea; a fresh selection of scones, cakes and freshly brewed hot coffee and tea await all cruisers on board.

The River Thames Evening Cruise is one of the most romantic of river cruises in London. Unlike most daytime tours, the Evening Cruise sets off after sunset, offering one a splendid glimpse of how the London skyline appears when lit up at night. Cruisers will catch sight of London’s best and brightest in all its lit up glory- from the London Eye to the Tower Bridge. The Thames Evening Cruise also includes a dinner, comprising a host of non vegetarian and vegetarian delicacies, along with drinks. Accompanying the meal will be an array of live performances, including cabaret shows and live music.

The Hop on Hop off Cruise is one of the most popular and convenient of London river cruises. Like any other river cruise in London, the Thames Hop on Hop off tour offers unobstructed views of London’s best landmarks. However, it goes a step further and allows one to visit the attractions as well. The Thames river cruise grants each tourist an access pass of 24 hours, and operates across four piers in London- Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier. Cruisers are then allowed to disembark at any of the designated piers, sightsee around the attractions in the vicinity, then embark again from any port of their choice.

The Thames Lunch cruise combines panoramic views of the city’s skyline with a delicious British lunch on board. The lunch cruise sets off in the afternoon; when the day is clear, one can spot landmarks such as the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The cruise is laid out in beautifully decorated wooden tables, with a friendly staff serving up a freshly prepared two-course meal. Guests can choose between a non-vegetarian and a vegetarian meal option, along with deserts and tea and coffee. The cruise also features a bar, although drinks are to be purchased at one’s own expense.

This traditional river cruise in London idles lazily along the Thames between Westminster and Greenwich. Spanning 30 minutes in duration, the London river cruise passes by London’s favorite attractions: The Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Palace and the Shard being just some of many. The cruise features a live audio commentary in English where tourists are introduced to the history of the sights they come across on the way.

The speedboat cruise on the Thames is the very first of all London sightseeing river cruises. The tour is not just an excellent means of sightseeing, but an extremely fun activity in itself as well. Whizzing past at a speed of over 35 mph, one catches a waterfront view of attractions such as the Big Ben, the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and the Westminster Palace. The personal kipper and tour guide on the tour will offer an insightful and entertaining glimpse into the history and culture of London, while also making sure that all tourists have the safest experience possible.

Why To Book London River Cruises?

The London River Cruises offers an excellent means of touring the city of London without having to tackle the city’s notorious traffic. Booking the tickets for the river cruise online allows one to not only skip the queue for the widely popular activity, but also secures one a good discount on the cruise tickets.

• Catch unbound views of London’s skyline, pierced by the towering heads of the Big Ben, the Shard, or the London Eye, as you embark on your Thames river cruise.
• Learn more about the heritage, history and culture of London’s biggest attractions with the aid of your tour guide or live audio commentary.
• Enjoy a fantastic dinner, lunch or traditional British tea on-board while you’re on your cruise.
• Take a spin on the evening river cruise and enjoy a session of live music and dance performances.
• Embark on the hop-on hop-off tour of the Thames to be able to visit as many attraction as you want while on your cruise.
• Add a little bit of adventure to your sightseeing with the speedboat river cruise, the first of all river cruises in London.

Sightseeing :

• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge London
• Canary Wharf
• HMS Belfast
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Lunch (Choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu) for the Lunch Cruise
• Dinner (Choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu) on the Evening Cruise
• British tea on the Afternoon Tea Cruise

Guide :- Tour Guide - Pre-recorded audio commentary

Know Before You Go

• Westminster : Westminster is one of the river cruise's highlights as one of London's most politically significant and scenic neighborhoods. From the River Thames, you can capture amazing shots of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
• Tower Hills : Home to both the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, the Tower Hill is one of the most photographable spots on the river cruise in London.
• Southbank : Southbank has historically been a creative hotspot, with cultural titans like Shakespeare performing many of his plays in its riverbank theaters. The Globe Theater, which was the master’s primary space, still stands by the riverfront. Prepare your cameras for the Millennium Footbridge, a contemporary London building that has appeared in the Harry Potter flicks. The London Eye, which offers a 360-degree perspective of the city, is also located on Southbank.
• Docklands : Home to London’s oldest docks, Docklands is one of London’s lesser known sightseeing spots. Crossing the area on a river cruise in London, one comes across the Cutty Sark, a 19th century ship now permanently docked in its shores. Cruising along Dockland also offers one view to the Canary Wharf, where most of London’s skyscrapers convene.

• The London river cruise offers an excellent photography opportunity, so make sure you have a camera ready
• Avoid leaning over the ship railings or standing at the edge of the decks while on Thames river cruise.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the cruise begins to ensure a hassle free boarding process
• Try to avoid the rainier months while planning your trip to London.
• If you just want to witness the attractions from a distance, opt for the Thames hop on hop off sightseeing tour.
• If you’re planning to visit the London Eye, you could go for the London Eye river cruise and combine two activities in one visit.

Explore The London River Cruises

London River Cruise FAQs

How much time does it take to complete the london river cruise.

The duration of a river cruise in London would depend entirely on the type of cruise. A traditional, one way trip would take around 30-40 minutes, while a circular tour would take about an hour to complete. Cruises that include on board lunch and dinner would take around 2 hours to complete.

What will we see on the boat trip?

One would catch glimpses of some of London’s biggest attractions, including the Westminster Bridge, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, the Shard, the Millennium Footbridge and the London Eye, among several others.

Do they offer food and drinks onboard?

There are dedicated lunch, dinner and tea cruises operating across the Thames, which offer meal services. These cruises also feature bars on board, although drinks have to be purchased at one’s own expenses.

What facilities are available on the London river cruise?

• Audio commentary
• Meal services

Can I eat my own food or drink on the London river cruise?

Yes, tourists are allowed to bring food aboard the cruises. However, most cruises offer food and drinks of their own.

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Enjoy a delightful lunch cruise on the River Thames and take in breathtaking views of London as you dine. With a three-course set menu, live commentary and professional & friendly staff, the Bateaux lunch cruise is sure to be a memorable experience!

• Cruise on the river Thames on the luxurious Bateaux lunch cruise and enjoy stunning views of London along the way.
• Relish a fine dining experience with a specially curated and sumptuous three-course lunch being served to you on board the cruise.
• Learn more about the sights of London with live commentary being provided after lunch.
• Three-course set menu ( Veg Menu | Non-Veg Menu )
• Coffee or tea
• One and a half hour river cruise
• Commentary after lunch is served

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What to Expect

Climb aboard the Glass Room, a luxurious dining cruise that is unique to the River Thames, and experience fine dining like never before. Designed by architect Gerard Ronzatti, the Glass room boasts of a wonderful atmosphere, entertainment, and sightseeing, ideal for your cruise on the Thames. After being welcomed on board by the Bateaux staff, settle into your seats and take in gorgeous panoramic views of London and its iconic landmarks and locations.

Soak in the jaw-dropping vistas from your seat and feast on a delicious, specially curated three-course meal. After lunch, you will have a chance to learn more about London as the staff provides you with commentary on your sightseeing experience. Perfect for business lunches and family outings, this cruise is sure to leave you coming back for more!

Know Before You Go

Important Information

• Bateaux London reserves the right to refuse entry based on inappropriate attire. Refunds will not be given under such circumstances.
• Children aged 3 years and under are not permitted onboard, this includes babies in prams, bassinets, pushchairs or slings

** Timings and Availability **

• From 1st January until 31st March : The cruise runs from Thursday to Saturday from 12:30 PM and boards at 12 pm from the pier.
• From 1st April until 31st December : The cruise runs from Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30 PM and boards at 12 pm from the pier.
• The cruise lasts for 1.5 hours.

We recommend smart casual wear for this experience.

These tickets are valid for the day chosen while booking.

How to Redeem your Tickets

You will receive an email with your Bateaux London Lunch Cruise on River Thames mobile voucher soon after purchase. No need to print. Please display the same at the Embankment Pier to gain entry.

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You can reach the pier by Underground. The nearest station for the Underground is Embankment.

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Thames Dinner Cruise

Restaurant cruises in london.

Restaurant Cruises on the River Thames in London offer a great way of enjoying a meal as you sail past the iconic sights of the city.  From the centre of the river guests get a unique view of the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the Docklands and the Millennium Dome whilst at the same time enjoying first class service and a delicious meal prepared by the onboard chefs.

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Enjoy a relaxing Mother's Day on the Thames

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Organising a group of people can be challenging. Here at Thames Dinner Cruise we have expert planners that can help to organise your event, with private boats suitable for groups of 10 up to 400.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Nice lunch/dining option on boat - Flotilla Radisson Royal

• Europe    
• Russia    
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• Flotilla Radisson Royal

This was a surprise for me by my partner and daughter. Getting onto the boat was very orderly, and... read more

We did a lunch cruise, boarding at 1230hrs and returning to the dock promptly at... read more

Nice lunch/dining option on boat

I live in Moscow and just wanted to test this trip and the restaurant on board. I booked the tickets and paid from my iPhone without any issues, took my family and on the next day we were there. The boarding starts 40 min before departure so plan your walk accordingly to take best window seats. There were many families and kids and also many large groups including Russians celebrating birthdays etc so in general the atmosphere was cheerful and pleasant. The menu and meals were nothing special but what could you expect from a boat? I did not expect much and quite enjoyed my porcini risotto, shrimp/avocado salad and pana cotta. The wine list is simlpe but good selection and rather inexpensive for Moscow. Very clean toilets during the whole trip with few hunderds people on board also imlpessed me - you may say it's a must and I will agree, but in Moscow it's not the case in most places. Oh, one more thing - there was a DJ, very good guy playing pleasant relaxing sets. As a concusion yes I had a better meals in Moscow but... given here is's served on boat while you enjoy changing views and the wine list is relatively cheap I'd rather go there for a few drinks with my friends then sit in simple and even not very simple restaurant on the ground.

Myself and a friend went on the 3pm (Monday) cruise. 2 hours in total.  Arrive early for a window seat as no allocated seating and take a camera. Choose either side as the boat returns in the same direction. Route goes from the 'Ukraina Hotel' to 'Inhabited building on Kotelnicheskaya Naberezhnaya' and back. Highlights include the Olympic Arena, a Russian Space Shuttle, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Kremlin and several ornate bridges. The cruises run 365 days a year. Pros: Free cloakroom available on boarding. Boat is spotlessly clean. Padded dining chairs throughout.  Quiet engines and smooth ride - there was no discernible rocking (the boat not the tourists!) Waiter/waitress service. All dressed in immaculate blue & white 'sailor' uniforms.  The roughly A3-sized placemat doubles as a map of the route with drawings/English-language descriptions of main sights.  Small dance floor at rear of boat by bar (it wasn't operating during my afternoon cruise). Toilets available - located downstairs at front of boat. Small outside viewing areas at front and rear of boat. Smoking allowed outside only.  There's the opportunity to buy photos taken at your table from the onboard photographer.  Cons: All tables set for the sale of food, although I didn't feel forced to buy anything. I bought a lager, but secretly ate my own sandwiches.  Some staff can be occasionally surly. Couldn't connect to the free on-board WiFi. Free loan mp3 audioguide not available. NB. Apparently you can download their GPS cruise guide app for iPhone if you search for 'vokrug sveta' on iTunes. Europop music played throughout the cruise became a little grating.  Multiple ceiling-mounted flat panel displays located along the boat only showed  bizarre underwater footage (Great Barrier Reef?) during the whole cruise - a photo/English label for each sight when alongside would have been far more useful. Tip: After the cruise I recommend walking up the steps to the adjacent Radisson Royal Moscow Hotel. After the security checks on entering the hotel, walk straight ahead and you'll see a fantastic  'mini-Moscow' scale-model diorama. Headphones are available in numerous languages to hear a description of each part of the centre of Moscow. 

The Radisson Moskva River Cruise is an enjoyable and relaxing way to catch scenic highlights of Moscow. Five specially built boats serve to ferry passengers up and down the Moscow River with clear glass protecting passengers from the wind and outside temperature. Space at the bow and back of the boat allow passengers to step outside for good photo opportunities, but the clear glass allows good photos from inside. Reasonably-priced meals and drinks are served to tablecloth covered tables and comfortable chairs. The Cruise passes by Gorky Park, the Olympic sports arena, Kremlin, and government buildings.

We booked online at the last minute, there were 4 of us but there were supposedly only 2 tickets left, so we went without our friends. When the boat sailed there were at least 4 empty tables so we all could have gone. Once sat at our tables we waited 40 minutes before we could even order a drink. It was as though our table was totally invisible, in the end the manager took our order. It was over an hour before we got our first course which looked good but was very mediocre. One of our main meals was cold and the other so dried up we sent it back. By way of apology we were give an ice cream. The service we got was so slow we ran out of time to order a dessert for my husband and coffees. To make the trip even more disappointing the boat turned back barely half way along the scheduled route which meant we did not get to see any of the sights we wanted to see such as the Kremlin, which was our main reason for going. When we asked why it had turned round we were told it depended on the ice and that this was clear on the website. On checking the website it did have a tiny news item stating the turning point is at the Captain's discretion. The same news item states the cruises are not less than 3 hours long when it was actually 2.5 hrs. Maybe we should have read the small print more carefully but it was an Icebreaker cruise which makes a big deal of running whatever the conditions and of seeing all the sights. There was a free audio commentary available on a small MP3 player but unfortunately the noise of the ships music was too loud to hear it so we gave up trying When we complained the manager was surly and unsympathetic and begrudgingly gave us 10% off our food bill. Given this is run by the Radisson we would have expected a lot better. We were very disappointed

Encoraged by the descriptions read here , I went to Kievskaya station and easily found the ships. I payed 500 rub for a 1 1/2 trip and could understand the city´s shape as itself. Lots of bridges , parks , factories , old buildings passed by , and so do the Moscow University , The Convent , The statue of Peter. Then I reached the Kremlin and Red square and dropped off , in order to visit those attractions. Prekrasna!

While in Moscow we had an opportunity to experience River Ice breaker cruise last month. We spent two hours on board that was full of fun in the whole period. The exhilaration on the cruise was doubled by delicious foods and lovely drinks. The next noticeable thing was the guide only who spoke brilliant English. It made our tour more and more informative. Else, we would not have understood things so well. We could enjoy some nice views and friendly talks to other people on board. We would call it a satisfactory tour overall.

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London Dinner Cruise on the River Thames | City Cruises™

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