Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise

Thames River Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise. Rated 5.0 across 9 reviews. Runs 1 hour. From $43.

Overview

On Christmas Day, this one-hour circular cruise from City Cruises leaves from Westminster Pier and glides past the Houses of Parliament, HMS Belfast, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. The boat has a heated indoor cabin for when the December air bites, plus an open upper deck for anyone who wants the full wind-in-the-hair view.

A crew member gives live commentary throughout, pointing out the riverside landmarks as they slide past. Nothing is booked as a stop, so the whole hour is spent on the water. Travellers who took this exact cruise on Christmas Day described the commentary as fabulous and the operators as friendly, and one mentioned treats handed out on board.

Families can bring children as long as an adult accompanies them, and pushchairs are fine on board. The listing caps the boat at 200 travellers, so it is a shared sailing rather than a private one. One reviewer recommended it for first-time visitors, and another said it was easy to see the landmarks from the water.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Board at Westminster PierMeet at City Cruises Westminster Pier, London SW1A 2JH. The cruise begins and ends at this same pier.
2. Pass Houses of ParliamentThe boat passes the Houses of Parliament on the river, with live commentary from the crew pointing out the landmark.
3. Pass HMS BelfastThe route continues past HMS Belfast, viewed from the water without a landing stop.
4. Pass St. Paul's CathedralSt. Paul's Cathedral appears across the river as the cruise continues its circular route.
5. Pass Tower of LondonThe final landmark on the loop is the Tower of London, again passed on the water rather than visited.
6. Return to Westminster PierThe one-hour circular route finishes back at the original meeting point at Westminster Pier.

What To Expect From The Tour

A Christmas Day boat is a specific kind of outing, and a few practical points shape how it goes.

• Dress for wind. The indoor cabin is heated, but the upper deck is open to the elements. A reviewer who sailed on Christmas Day said the wind and cold were a bit hard, though manageable, so hats, gloves and a proper coat are a sensible precaution.
• Commentary quality. Live commentary runs for the full hour. Several reviewers singled it out as a highlight, calling it fabulous and praising the insight the guide gave.
• Expect crowds. The boat can carry up to 200 travellers, and one reviewer found it very crowded. Anyone who prefers space should plan accordingly.
• Food and drink. Snacks and drinks are available to buy on board, and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket.
• Getting there. The meeting point at Westminster Pier sits near public transport. There is no hotel drop-off, so plan the journey back in advance.
• Photography. Pass-by views of Parliament, HMS Belfast, St. Paul's and the Tower all come from the water. The open upper deck is the spot for anyone who wants to feel the wind while taking photos, weather permitting.

Common issues. The listing states the cruise is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs and service animals are allowed, so anyone with limited mobility should weigh this carefully. The experience needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather to run, and if either falls short it is cancelled with the option of a different date, a different experience or a full refund. One reviewer found the boat very crowded, and wind and cold on the open deck bothered at least one traveller. Drinks, snacks, alcohol and gratuities all cost extra beyond the ticket.

What To Decide Before You Go