Thames River Cruise

Thames River Dinner Cruises

Gourmet dinner & drinks
Gourmet dinner & drinks
Stunning nighttime views
Stunning nighttime views
Romantic atmosphere
Romantic atmosphere
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We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind





TL;DR

  • Cruise options: 2- or 3-hour dining experience in evening hours 
  • Menu & format: Cold canapés or 4-course seated meal. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.
  • Boats & seating: Dine aboard a modern luxury vessel with panoramic views. 
  • Boarding hub: Westminster Pier or Tower Millennium Pier
  • When to book: Window tables and weekend sailings sell out fastest; secure your tickets early and be sure to arrive 15–20 mins before your departure time.
  • Good to know: Soft drinks are not included with the standard menu; all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board.

Find your best Thames River dinner cruise match here

Cruise typeMenu styleDurationInclusionsSeating/Boat typeBoarding pointPrice

Dinner cruise

4-course meal (plated)

3 hours

A glass of sparkling wine, live music

Luxury river cruiser

Westminster Pier

From £99

Evening cruise

Canapés served throughout; cash bar available

2 hours

A glass of sparkling wine or soft drink, live music

Luxury river cruiser

Tower Pier

From £39

What to expect on a Thames River dinner cruise

Illuminated River Project
Perfect for any occasion
Salmon fillet with greens and mushrooms, French fine dining setting.
Guitarist performing on Thames Jazz Cruise.
Night view of the illuminated Thames River with a lit-up bridge in London.
Tower Bridge in London at night
Chocolates on a plate with a glass of wine, Downtown New York tour.
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Seamless boarding and sparkling welcome

Your Thames River dinner cruise begins with prompt boarding at piers like Westminster or Tower Pier. A friendly crew welcomes you with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or soft drink, guiding you to your reserved, elegantly set table.

Elegant ambience and panoramic views

Settle into the sophisticated, climate-controlled dining saloon. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure a perfect, uninterrupted view of the London skyline as you go on your Thames River dinner cruise.

Gourmet dining experience

Savour a delicious three or four-course meal featuring gourmet British or international cuisine, often with salmon starters and corn-fed chicken or vegetarian main options. The food is freshly prepared, elevating your Thames River dinner cruise.

Live music and dancing

A live performer sets the mood with a mix of popular tunes. Post-dinner, a dance floor often opens up, inviting you to dance the night away on your Thames River dinner cruise.

Illuminated London landmarks

Glide past iconic sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and The Shard, all brilliantly illuminated.

Illuminated River project

Unlike daytime cruises, the evening bears the artistic marvel of the Illuminated River project. Cruising under 9 bridges, from London Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, adorned with LED light installations.

Return journey

Your smooth sail concludes with a final dessert course and tea or coffee. You return to the pier, leaving you with lasting memories of the river's enchanting lights and your memorable Thames River dinner cruise.

Things to know before booking a Thames River dinner cruise

  • Duration and timings: Most evening and Thames River dinner cruise experiences typically last around three hours, offering a leisurely pace for dining, sightseeing, and dancing. Departure times are generally in the early evening, around 6:30pm or 7:45pm, allowing you to see the city transition from twilight to the spectacle of the illuminated landmarks.
  • Menu formats: Dinner is typically a four-course set meal. A welcome drink, such as a glass of sparkling wine, is often included in the standard ticket.
  • Dietary options: Most operators on a Thames River dinner cruise can accommodate special dietary requirements like vegetarian alternatives. It is crucial to inform the cruise operator of any allergies or specific needs at the time of booking, or at least 72 hours in advance, as they often cannot accommodate last-minute requests.
  • Seating & views: Seating is usually at reserved tables. While all seats offer excellent views, as the boats feature panoramic windows, window tables are available on some premium Thames River dinner cruise tickets, often seating up to two people. 
  • Entertainment onboard: A highlight of many Thames River dinner cruise experiences is the entertainment. This usually includes a live performer (such as a singer or jazz trio) followed by music and dancing, turning the boat into a floating venue as you pass illuminated London landmarks.
  • Upgrades and additional purchases: Additional drinks beyond the included welcome glass can be purchased from a fully licensed bar on board. 
  • Weather considerations: Thames River dinner cruises operate year-round and are largely unaffected by the weather. The dining areas are located in climate-controlled indoor salons with large windows, ensuring a comfortable experience and clear views regardless of rain or cold. Open-air decks are also available for passengers who wish to step outside.

London dinner cruise menus and dining experience

Your Thames River dinner cruise boarding points

Many Thames River dinner cruise experiences utilise multiple piers for greater convenience. To choose the best departure point, consider which pier is closest to your hotel or most convenient for public transport access on the day of your cruise.

Sights you’ll see on a Thames River dinner cruise

Big Ben illuminated at night with light trails from passing traffic, London.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

See the neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster glowing gold. The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) stands tall, its clock face visible for miles. A perfect opening view on your Thames River dinner cruise.

London Eye illuminated at night with city skyline in the background.
Millennium Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral illuminated at night, London.
Christmas lights illuminate The Shard in London at night.
Tower of London illuminated at dusk, viewed from across the River Thames.

Plan your dinner cruise in London

Tips and guidelines

  • When to book: It's highly recommended to book your Thames River dinner cruiseat least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dates, holidays, or specialised cruises (like Jazz or Christmas).
  • Dietary needs: Vegetarian options are always available, but specific allergies or dietary requirements (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) must be specified when booking your Thames River dinner cruise (typically 24–48 hours in advance).
  • Accessibility: While most modern cruise vessels are accessible for wheelchair users, it's essential to confirm this with the operator at the time of booking, as some older piers or boats may have limited access.
  • Best views & photos: For the most dramatic city views and photo opportunities on your Thames River dinner cruise, secure a table on the river-facing side of the boat upon boarding. The upper deck offers unobstructed views of major landmarks like Tower Bridge. Tipping is not strictly necessary but is welcomed for excellent service. |
  • Motion sickness: The River Thames is generally smooth; however, if you are prone to motion sickness, book a table in the centre of the main dining deck. The lower deck often feels more stable than the top, open deck. 
  • Tech prep: Download your e-ticket and any menu or wine list information before boarding. While some premium vessels may offer free Wi-Fi, coverage can be unreliable on the move, so rely on offline materials.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thames River dinner cruises

Seating is assigned and guaranteed for all dinner cruises. If you book as a group, you will be seated together at your reserved table.