London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

Planning a night out in London that combines sightseeing, fine dining, and entertainment? The River Thames Dinner Cruise offers all three in one elegant package. Set aboard a stylish vessel, you’ll glide past London’s iconic illuminated skyline, enjoy a delicious 4-course meal, and be serenaded by live performances—all in about three hours. It’s a popular choice for couples, friends, or anyone wanting to make an evening in London truly special.

One of the things we love most about this experience is how well it balances spectacular views with quality food and entertainment. The cruise’s route takes in some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, from Westminster to the Thames Barrier, giving you plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of being right in the heart of the city. The live singer, who interacts with guests and takes song requests, really adds a personal touch to the evening.

However, it’s worth noting that the experience is not suited for children under 13, and depending on your seating, you might find some tables are quite close to others. Also, while the price includes a good amount of entertainment and a full meal, drinks other than the welcome glass of sparkling wine are extra—something to keep in mind if you’re planning to toast or enjoy a few extra beverages.

This cruise suits travelers looking for a romantic dinner, a special celebration, or simply a unique way to see London from the water. It’s ideal if you want a night that mixes sightseeing, good food, and live music, all in a relaxed, elegant setting.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Sail past London’s iconic illuminated landmarks, including Tower Bridge, City Hall, and Canary Wharf.
• Quality Dining: A thoughtfully prepared 4-course meal served during the cruise.
• Live Entertainment: A talented singer provides a lively soundtrack, with some guests reporting she takes requests and interacts with the crowd.
• Comfortable Setting: The boat offers a smart casual dress code, with some tables close together, so it’s more suited for convivial groups or couples.
• Great Value: For around $124, guests enjoy a three-hour cruise, dinner, and entertainment—offering a lot of experience for the price.
• Accessible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and departs from Westminster Pier, a central London location.

The Itinerary in Detail

Boarding at Westminster Pier

Your evening begins at Westminster Pier, a well-known and easily accessible location. It’s advised to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding process. Once onboard, you’ll be greeted with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, setting a celebratory tone for the night. Many reviewers mentioned how friendly and attentive the staff are, helping guests settle comfortably and explaining the flow of the evening.

Cruising Past London’s Iconic Landmarks

As the boat departs, the view of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben lit up at night is breathtaking. We’ve read reviews describing the scenery as “spectacular,” especially when the sun sets in the summer months, casting a golden hue over the city. Guests can enjoy the outdoor upper deck for a better vantage point, weather permitting.

The cruise travels to the Thames Barrier and then turns back towards Westminster, passing the O2 Arena and Canary Wharf, showcasing London’s modern skyline. Several reviews mentioned how photographers loved capturing these landmarks with the city’s lights shimmering on the water.

Dining Experience

The highlight for many guests is the 4-course dinner served during the cruise. Unlike buffets, each dish is served individually, and the quality of the food receives high praise. Reviewers describe the meals as “delicious” and “well-prepared,” with some saying they appreciated the variety and presentation.

While the menu options aren’t detailed, the cruise provider offers gluten-free options with 24-hour notice and vegetarian meals must be pre-ordered a day in advance. Importantly, the food isn’t guaranteed to be nut-free, so those with allergies should plan accordingly.

Entertainment & Dancing

The cruise features a live singer, who performs a mix of songs from past and present. Guests have described the performer as engaging and talented, with some reviews highlighting singers like Emma, Patrick Phelps, and Andrew. One guest noted how the singer took requests, making the experience more personal. The music encourages dancing during and after the performance, but if you prefer a quieter evening, you can sit back and take in the sights and sounds.

Ending the Night

After the musical performance, the entire cruise returns to Westminster Pier where it all began. Many guests remarked on how the experience exceeded expectations, with comments about the “fantastic views,” “excellent service,” and “great value for money.”

What’s Included & What to Consider

Included

• One glass of sparkling wine upon arrival
• Four-course dinner with tea and coffee
• Live music performance
• The boat cruise, traveling from Westminster Pier to the Thames Barrier and back

Not Included

• Additional drinks beyond the welcome glass
• Tips or gratuities are not specified but are customary for attentive service

Practical Tips

• Arrive early to secure a good seat and avoid the last-minute rush.
• Dress smart casual; some tables are close together, so it’s best to keep things neat but comfortable.
• If you want the best views, consider sitting upstairs where you can enjoy the open-air experience.
• Book vegetarian or gluten-free meals in advance if needed, to avoid disappointment.
• The cruise does not accommodate children under 13, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Guest Feedback

Guests consistently praised the friendly staff, describing them as attentive and helpful. The food received high marks, with multiple reviewers mentioning that each course was “delicious” and well-served. Several guests highlighted the live singer as a standout feature—interacting with guests, taking requests, and providing a lively soundtrack to the evening.

One guest shared, “The whole thing was brilliant—views, food, music—all fantastic,” reflecting how well the various elements come together for a memorable night. Others appreciated the stunning sunset views and the photo opportunities along the route.

Some minor points for improvement, such as wishing for more vegetarian options available on the spot or a little more space at some tables, have been noted by reviewers but do not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.

The Sum Up

The London River Thames Dinner Cruise offers a well-rounded evening combining scenic views, flavorful food, and lively entertainment. It’s a fantastic choice for couples celebrating a special occasion, visitors wanting a relaxed yet memorable experience, or anyone eager to see London from a different perspective. The high praise about the friendly staff, excellent food, and stunning landmarks makes it a worthwhile splurge, especially if you enjoy a touch of elegance with your sightseeing.

While it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or wanting a purely casual experience, it excels as a romantic, special event, or luxurious treat in the city. The overall value, considering the quality of food and entertainment packed into a three-hour cruise, makes it a memorable addition to any London itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect evening activity without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Westminster Pier and returns to the same point, making it very accessible in central London.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, the recommended dress code is smart casual. Dress neatly but comfortably; you might want to wear layers if sitting outside.

Are children allowed?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 13 years old.

Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free meals?
Yes, vegetarian options must be pre-ordered at least 1 day in advance, and gluten-free meals are available with 24-hour notice. The menu is not guaranteed to be nut-free.

Is there entertainment besides the dinner?
Yes. A live singer provides entertainment, performing songs from past and present, with some guests noting she interacts and takes requests.

This cruise promises a lovely mix of sightseeing, dining, and live music—an elegant way to spend an evening in London that you’ll remember long after the boat docks.