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Thames River Cruise

Thames River Dining Cruises

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Last minute availability.
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Best deals & discounts
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24/7 support across the globe
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Quick overview

  • Cruise options: Choose from a 1.5-hour afternoon tea cruise , a 1 hr 45 min lunch cruise, a 2-hour evening cruise , or a 3-hour dinner cruise .
  • Menu format: Options range from British afternoon tea and a 2-course lunch to canapés on the evening cruise and a 3-course dinner (veg and non-veg). Vegetarian is catered across all four; gluten-free is confirmed on afternoon tea and lunch, and vegan only on afternoon tea.
  • Boats & seating: On the Afternoon Tea cruise, tables are fixed and pre-allocated before boarding, with window tables seating up to two.
  • Boarding hubs: Afternoon Tea and Lunch cruises depart from Tower Pier; the Evening cruise departs from Tower Millennium Pier.
  • When to book: Sunset and weekend slots tend to sell out first, especially during peak summer and holiday periods.
  • Good to know: Drinks are handled differently by cruise—the lunch cruise has a bar onboard (pay separately), the evening cruise excludes additional drinks, and the dinner cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco.
  • Best upgrade: Celebrating something special? The dinner cruise is the only option with a full 3-course meal, live entertainment, and dancing.

Find your best Thames River dining cruise match here

Cruise typeMenu styleDurationInclusionsSeating and boat typeBoarding pointBest forPrice from

Afternoon Tea cruise

Sandwiches, scones, mini pastries, unlimited tea/coffee

1.5 hours

Reserved table, traditional British tea service, great photo opportunities

Shared tables, comfortable saloon, great views from all angles

Tower Millennium Pier

Fans of a classic British tradition, best enjoyed in daylight for the photos

£40

Lunch cruise

Plated 2-course meal (main & dessert) & tea/coffee

1.45 hours

Reserved table, live or recorded commentary

Fixed seating, panoramic windows; window seats available for two

Tower Millennium Pier

A midday break that fits sightseeing in without eating into your evening

£36

Evening cruise

Selection of cold canapés & a welcome glass of Prosecco or soft drink

2 hours

Live music/performer, sightseeing after sunset

Smart-casual, heated lower saloon with panoramic windows, open-air deck

Tower Millennium Pier

Sunset views and atmosphere, for those who'd rather skip a full meal

£35

Dinner cruise

Plated 3-course meal & welcome drink

3 hours

Reserved table, live music, dancing, welcome drink

Shared tables, heated saloon, open-air upper deck

Westminster Pier

People celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic night out

£35

What to expect on a Thames River dining cruise

River Thames dinner cruise boat near Tower Bridge with festive Christmas lights in London.
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Smooth boarding & warm welcome

Step aboard your vessel from central London piers like Tower (Millennium Pier) or Westminster Pier. A friendly crew will guide you to your reserved table in the comfortable, climate-controlled dining saloon, ready for your Thames River dining cruise to begin.

Elegant ambience & panoramic views

Relax in a refined setting with comfortable seating and large panoramic windows, ensuring every table has a view. For a breath of fresh air and photos, head to the open upper deck as the London skyline glides by.

Delectable dining experience

Savour a delightful meal tailored to your cruise type. From finger sandwiches and scones on the Afternoon Tea cruise to a plated 2-course lunch or a full 3-course dinner, each menu is freshly prepared and served at your table.

Entertainment & special touches

Enjoy live entertainment as you sail — Evening and Dinner cruises feature live music, creating a sophisticated backdrop, while Lunch and Afternoon Tea cruises include commentary about the landmarks you pass.

London views

Witness London's most famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye from a unique river perspective. Evening and dinner cruises are particularly magical as the city lights shimmer on the water.

Smooth sail back to shore

The journey culminates with a gentle return to your departure pier. Enjoy a final drink or dessert as the skyline offers one last spectacular show, leaving you with cherished memories of your Thames River dining cruise.

Things to know before booking a Thames River dining cruise

  • Menu formats: Each cruise takes a different approach to dining. The dinner cruise serves a full 3-course meal with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, while the lunch cruise keeps things lighter with a 2-course meal. The Afternoon Tea cruise leans into British tradition with scones and sandwiches, and the evening cruise skips a full meal in favour of a cold canapé selection.
  • Dietary requirements: The Afternoon Tea cruise caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free if needed. The lunch cruise requires vegetarian meals to be pre-ordered, with gluten-free available on 24 hours' notice. The evening cruise caters to vegetarians only. The dinner cruise offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • Cruise duration: The dinner cruise runs about 3 hours, the evening cruise 2 hours, the lunch cruise 1 hour 45 minutes, and the afternoon tea cruise 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Seating: The lunch and dinner cruises include a reserved table. On the afternoon tea cruise, tables are fixed to the floor and pre-allocated before boarding, with window tables seating up to two.
  • Entertainment: The evening cruise includes live music. The dinner cruise features a live performer with dancing until late. The lunch cruise offers recorded commentary, and the afternoon tea cruise offers live or pre-recorded commentary—neither includes live entertainment.
  • Welcome drink and extras: The evening cruise includes a welcome sparkling wine or soft drink; the dinner cruise includes a welcome glass of Prosecco. The lunch cruise has an onboard bar for drinks purchased separately.

Thames River dining cruise menus and experience

Your Thames River dining cruise boarding points

When booking your Thames River dining cruise, choose the pier that is most convenient for your accommodation or other sightseeing plans. Westminster Pier is best for the West End/Southbank, while Tower Pier suits visitors near the City of London. Check directions for tube, bus, and parking details for each pier.

Sights you’ll see on a Thames River dining cruise

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament along the River Thames, London, UK.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

The Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster looks grand from the water on any Thames River dining cruise. By day, admire its intricate stonework and scale; by night, the clock face of Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) shines as an unmistakable icon of the London skyline.

London Eye with nearby buildings, viewed during afternoon tea experience.
Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral illuminated at night, London.
Christmas lights illuminate The Shard in London at night.
HMS Belfast moored on the River Thames with Tower Bridge in the background, London.

Plan your Thames River dining cruise

Tips & guidelines

  • Early booking for prime views: Popular options sell out 2–3 weeks in advance during peak season. To guarantee your preferred seating or secure a premium window table, book your chosen service as early as possible, particularly for weekend dates.
  • Maximise your photo opportunities: For unobstructed views, the outdoor upper deck is the ideal spot. As the boat winds along its route, you'll catch views of major landmarks on both the North and South banks — so just enjoy the moment as you pass.
  • Dress code: While the Lunch and Afternoon Tea cruises are relaxed, the Dinner or Evening cruise calls for smart casual or elegant dress. Avoid trainers and ripped jeans. Elevating your outfit slightly ensures you match the sophisticated atmosphere and look great in all your cityscape photos.
  • Pre-cruise dietary notification: Given the structured, set menus served on these cruises, it's essential to inform the operator of any serious dietary restrictions, allergies, or needs (such as vegan or gluten-free) at least 48 hours prior to your Thames River dining cruise departure, to ensure you're safely catered for.
  • Onboard costs and tipping: Expect most onboard bar purchases, such as wine, beer, or cocktails, to be charged separately from your package, even on a full Dinner cruise. While not mandatory, tips are greatly appreciated for excellent table service provided by the crew during your meal.

Other types of Thames River cruises

Frequently asked questions about Thames River dining cruises

Unfortunately, outside food and drinks aren't allowed on board. Rest assured, you'll enjoy a delicious meal during your trip, but taking leftovers or meals to-go isn't permitted either.

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