Thames River dinner cruises are a popular way to experience London’s iconic river while enjoying a delicious meal and live entertainment. These cruises typically take place on luxury boats with panoramic windows, offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks illuminated at night.
Most Thames River dinner cruises start with a welcome drink and canapes as you board the boat. Once you’re settled, the boat will set sail and the main course will be served. Depending on the cruise, the menu may include classic British dishes, international cuisine, or a set menu with several courses.
As you enjoy your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of London’s landmarks along the river, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. Some dinner cruises also offer live entertainment, such as a live band, DJ, or a cabaret show.
Thames River dinner cruises are a romantic and memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or simply to experience London from a different perspective. These cruises are popular year-round, but especially during the summer months when the weather is mild and the days are long.
Best Thames River Dinner Cruises
| The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River | Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal | London Thames River Dinner Cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 3 hours | 1 hour 30 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Starting Time | 7:45 PM | 11:45 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Meeting Point | Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, UK | Tower Millennium Pier, London EC3N 4DT, UK | Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6NU, London WC2N 6PA, UK |
| Includes | Pre-cruise glass of sparkling wine or Soft drink , Dinner | River Thames cruise, Lunch, Alcoholic Beverages | Starter, Dinner, Dessert |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Thames River Dinner Cruises For [2024]
- The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River
- Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal
- London Thames River Dinner Cruise
- Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on the River Thames
- London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch
- Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea
- River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience
Best Thames River Dinner Cruises Reviews
#1. The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River
The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River is a popular Thames River dinner cruise that offers a unique perspective of London’s iconic landmarks, combined with a delicious four-course meal and live entertainment.
The cruise begins at the Embankment Pier, where guests are greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes before boarding the luxury boat. As the boat sets sail, guests are treated to stunning views of London’s landmarks illuminated at night, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the Shard.
The four-course meal features a range of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and is accompanied by a carefully curated wine list. Guests can also choose from a selection of beers, spirits, and soft drinks.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy live entertainment provided by a resident band, who play a variety of musical genres, from jazz and swing to contemporary hits. There is also a dance floor, where guests can dance the night away under the stars.
The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River lasts for around three hours and is a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a memorable evening in London. The dress code is smart casual, and guests are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal
The Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal is a relaxing way to enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning views of London’s landmarks along the Thames River.
The cruise begins at the Embankment Pier, where guests board a luxury boat with panoramic windows, providing breathtaking views of the city. As the boat sets sail, guests are served a two-course meal, with a choice of starter and main course, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
As guests enjoy their meal, they can take in the iconic sights of London along the river, including the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The boat also passes by some lesser-known landmarks, providing a unique perspective of the city.
In addition to the meal, guests can also purchase a selection of drinks from the bar, including wine, beer, and soft drinks. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, with a casual dress code and a friendly and attentive staff to ensure a memorable experience.
The Thames Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal lasts for approximately 90 minutes, making it an ideal lunchtime activity for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon with friends or a unique lunch date with a loved one, this Thames River cruise is a great option.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. London Thames River Dinner Cruise
The London Thames River Dinner Cruise is a luxurious way to enjoy an evening in the heart of London, while taking in the iconic sights of the city along the Thames River.
The cruise starts from the Embankment Pier, where guests board a modern and stylish boat, complete with a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. As the boat sets sail, guests are served a delicious four-course meal, featuring a range of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. A selection of fine wines and drinks are also available for purchase from the onboard bar.
Throughout the evening, a live band provides entertainment with a range of music genres, from jazz and swing to contemporary hits, ensuring guests are entertained throughout the night. The dance floor is open for guests to dance the night away or simply sit back and relax with their drinks while enjoying the stunning views of London.
During the cruise, guests will pass some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge, providing an unforgettable and unique perspective of the city. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, with a smart casual dress code.
The London Thames River Dinner Cruise is an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion, romantic date, or simply a night out in London. The cruise lasts for approximately three hours, providing guests with ample time to enjoy their meal and soak up the atmosphere.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on the River Thames
The Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on the River Thames is a popular and unique way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in London. This cruise combines great food, drinks, live jazz music, and stunning views of the city, making it a memorable experience.
Guests board a modern and stylish boat from the Embankment Pier, where they are welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine. The boat then sets sail, taking guests along the Thames River, while they enjoy a delicious three-course meal. The menu features a range of dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including traditional British roast beef and vegetarian options, as well as a selection of desserts.
Throughout the cruise, a live jazz band provides entertainment, playing a range of jazz classics, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The musicians are talented and professional, adding to the charm of the experience.
The cruise passes some of London’s iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, providing a unique perspective of the city. Guests are encouraged to take photos and enjoy the stunning views.
The Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise on the River Thames is a popular activity for families, couples, and groups of friends, offering a unique way to celebrate a special occasion or simply spend a relaxing afternoon. The dress code is smart casual, and the cruise lasts for approximately two and a half hours, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy their meal, drinks, and the live music.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch
The London Vintage Bus Tour is a unique way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks in style. This tour takes place aboard a restored vintage double-decker bus, providing a nostalgic and charming way to see the sights. The tour includes a River Thames Cruise with optional lunch, adding to the overall experience.
The tour starts at Victoria Coach Station, where guests board the vintage bus, which has been restored to its former glory. The bus features an open-top deck, allowing guests to take in the sights and sounds of the city. The knowledgeable guide provides commentary, pointing out the key landmarks and offering interesting insights into London’s history and culture.
The tour takes guests past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Along the way, guests can take photos and enjoy the unique views from the vintage bus.
After the bus tour, guests board a riverboat for a Thames River Cruise. The riverboat takes guests along the River Thames, offering panoramic views of London’s skyline. Guests can choose to add on a lunch option, which includes a traditional English meal and drinks.
The London Vintage Bus Tour Including River Thames Cruise with Optional Lunch is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique way to experience the city’s landmarks and culture. The tour is suitable for all ages and is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a day out in London.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea
The Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea is a relaxing and indulgent way to see the sights of London from the water. This tour takes guests on a leisurely cruise along the River Thames, while enjoying a traditional British afternoon tea.
The tour begins at Westminster Pier, where guests board the sightseeing boat. The boat features large windows and an open-air deck, providing excellent views of the city’s iconic landmarks. An audio guide is provided, offering interesting commentary on the history and culture of London.
As the boat glides along the river, guests are served a delicious afternoon tea. The menu typically includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries, along with a pot of tea or coffee.
Guests can sit back and relax, taking in the views of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other famous landmarks as they enjoy their tea and treats.
The Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique way to experience the city’s sights and culture. The tour is suitable for all ages and is a great way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a day out in London.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience
A river cruise and six-course tasting menu experience is an excellent way to enjoy a unique culinary and leisure experience. Typically, this experience involves taking a scenic cruise along a river or canal while enjoying a multi-course meal that has been carefully curated by a skilled chef.
During the cruise, you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery while indulging in a variety of dishes that showcase local and seasonal ingredients. Depending on the cruise, you may have the opportunity to try different types of cuisine, such as regional specialties or international flavors.
A six-course tasting menu typically includes a series of small, artfully plated dishes that are designed to showcase the chef’s culinary skills and creativity. The menu may include a variety of courses, such as an amuse-bouche, appetizers, a fish course, a meat course, a cheese course, and a dessert.
Overall, a river cruise and six-course tasting menu experience offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in stunning views from the water. It is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a luxurious and relaxing evening.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.