7 Best River Cruises for Thames River Cruise Dinner

Enjoy Scenic Views and Delicious Dining on the Best Thames River Cruise Dinners.

If you’re looking for an unmatched travel experience that combines spectacular scenery with exquisite dining, a Thames River dinner cruise should top your list.

The River Thames has been synonymous with London for decades. Touring from a cruise allows you to gain a different perspective of the city’s various sights. 

Various tours are conducted on the water of the River Thames. From the most exclusive to the most economical, some cruises offer onboard services, including dinners and live shows.

So, if you are looking for river cruises for the Thames River Cruise Dinner, then let’s take a look at these top River Thames boat trips and tours in London.

We’ve narrowed down the 7 best Thames River cruises for a magical dinner you won’t soon forget.

Let’s dive into the deep!

7 Best River Cruises

1. Take a Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames: The London Eye River Cruise

If you desire to take a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames then you can find then you can take a Westminster to Greenwich River Cruise.

This route is extremely popular among visitors because it showcases many of London’s most iconic riverside attractions. The London Eye Cruise remains one of the top-rated options for new travellers.

It starts at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben at Westminster Pier. This river cruise will take you to Royal Greenwich.

It will be an hour-long tour, and during this leisure tour, you can view some of the Iconic London views.

There will be an audio guide that helps you to understand your surroundings. The guide will provide all the relevant information regarding the tour.

To have a perfect London day out, you can take the views from the London Eye, it is one of the tallest observation wheels in the world, before starting your cruise tour. So, it will be good to purchase the tickets in advance.

Enjoy a memorable day out with good food, wine, and live music on this showboat dinner cruise on the River Thames in London.

You will be offered a four-course dinner on your sightseeing boat as you cross the attractive sights.

While you take your food and enjoy the site, background music will be played. You can also rock the dance floor if you want.

Features:

• A pre-cruise glass of sparkling soft drink or wine
• dinner
• live music and dance till late at night

2. London River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: Bateaux London

If you want to spend an unforgettable evening in the city of London, then we recommend the Thames River Dinner cruise with live music.

Bateaux London is known for offering the most elegant river dining experience with glass-window boats and premium hospitality.

This tour is one of the most luxurious cruise tours that will start in Westminster. This tour will last for approximately 3 hours.

All through your tour, you will experience a gourmet dinner with 3 to 5 courses. You can find cheese and meat specialities on this dinner menu.

However, if this boat provides a special menu for the vegans or for the tourists who are more food-oriented. So don’t be late.

Just book for tonight and enjoy the special wine, live entertainment, and background music while experiencing the spectacular views of the city. 

Also, if you have an after plan, then you can watch the London Eye as well. 

Features:

• Dinner with 3 to 5 courses
• live music and full entertainment
• menu for vegan

3. Thames River Cruise at Sunset: London dinner cruise

Another great recommendation is that you take the 2-hour sunset cruise.

It will be a great way to watch certain amazing places such as HMS Belfast, the London Eye, the Shard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and more during sunset.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and an aperitif.

You can discover various iconic sites and charming monuments of London from another perspective and also with a different light.

When you disembark, it will be the ideal time, so you can have your food at any nearby restaurant or food hub.

This sunset river cruise is another great way to see the city from a different point of view.

Features:

• Set sail when the sun goes down
• You can see London’s landmarks in the light of the evening light
• Watch the glorious lights of the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament
• Have a glass of wine

4. Take a Tea Cruise on The River Thames: City Cruises Thames Cruise Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is one of the great British cultures. This afternoon tea is more than just a meal; it’s an experience for the British.

This cruise blends tradition with sightseeing, turning tea time into a delightful floating adventure.

Also, they love to take delicate small sandwiches, cakes, scones with clotted cream and jam, and of course, tea. 

If you are offered such an amazing package of snacks with tea over the River Thames, isn’t it great?

These delicious treats are offered on a tiered platter and sometimes served with champagne.

The combination of this delicious food with a spot of sightseeing makes your trip remarkable forever.

Apart from enjoying good food, sit back and enjoy watching London’s various stunning landmarks while you tuck into tea. 

This is approximately a two-hour trip, and it will be between Tower Bridge and Westminster. So, just book now and enjoy a great afternoon sipping a cup of tea!

Features:

• A good and authentic selection of food
• Live Commentary in English
• Unlimited tea or coffee
• Free child tickets under the age of 5
• about a 2-hour trip

5. River Thames  Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapes: Thames Evening Cruise

Go forward to sail over the River Thames after the sun goes down with a glass of bubbly and sumptuous canapés.

Evening cruises are perfect for those who want a relaxing night with light bites and scenic views instead of a full dinner.

You can sail under Tower Bridge and pass the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Hold a glass of bubbly in one hand and a canary in another, and experience the magical view of the city under the dark. 

During the sail from Tower Millennium Pier, you can watch the major landmarks of the city on this cruise trip. You can also absorb the fresh air by going upstairs to the open-air panoramic deck.

Besides, enjoy listening to live musical performances by live performers too. Finally, the cruise will end at its original starting point. 

Features:

• canapes
• 1 Glass of sparkling wine
• Two-hour evening cruise
• Live music
• Take in London’s various renowned landmarks 
• Fully licensed bar onboard

6. Thames River Cruise with free Stopovers:

If you are looking for freedom, then this river cruise is the ideal one for you.

You can spend about a whole day at a lower cost, and you can disembark whenever you want to visit the main landmarks of London.

During this tour, you will sail through various popular monuments of the city, including the Tower of London, the famous London Eye, and the Shakespeare Globe Theatre. Also, you can re-embark whenever you want throughout the day.

Additionally, you can listen to the live information about the history of the landmarks of the city through the cruise’s mobile app.

The freedom of embarking allows you to stop whenever you feel like it and can hop back on throughout the day. 

Features:

• Freedom to embark on the cruise, and you can hop back on throughout the day
• Take in London’s various renowned landmarks
• A 1-hour trip
• Live information about the history of the city’s landmarks

7. Spend an evening on a river cruise, dinner, and jazz in London 

It will be another great way to spend an evening on the River Thames and enjoy the dark after sunset.

So, you can pre-book the tickets for the London River cruise Thames with jazz music. You can see various spectacular views of the city while sailing on the cruise. 

You can enjoy the views of various popular London landmarks while you tuck into a gourmet meal.

It will be an amazing combination of the three: the great food, the spectacular views of London city, and live jazz performances.

The memories will remain in your heart till your last breath. So, don’t look further, just book the tickets for the Thames Cruise and have lifetime memories!

Features:

• Gourmet meal
• See amazing views of the city
• Live jazz music performances
• Experience a nighttime view of various renowned landmarks
• a three-hour tour

Tips to Make Your Thames River Dinner Cruise Extraordinary:

• Relax and Enjoy: Let go of stress, soak in the views, and make it a night to remember.
• Book in Advance: Cruises fill up fast, especially in peak season. Early booking ensures better seats and views.
• Dress Smartly: Check the dress code—most cruises require smart casual or formal attire.
• Choose the Right Time: Sunset cruises offer stunning views; late-night ones feel more romantic.
• Celebrate in Style: Ask about upgrades for birthdays, anniversaries, or special events.
• Check Dietary Options: Confirm if vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs can be accommodated.
• Capture Memories: Bring a camera or use onboard photographers to snap beautiful moments.
• Arrive Early: Beat the rush, enjoy the riverside, and take some pre-cruise photos.

FAQ

1. What is the best time to take a Thames River Dinner Cruise?

Sunset and evening hours are ideal for a Thames River dinner cruise. These times offer stunning views of the city lights and a romantic atmosphere.

2. Are vegetarian or vegan meals available on Thames River dinner cruises?

Yes, most dinner cruises offer vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly menu options. It’s recommended to mention dietary requirements while booking.

3. Do I need to book Thames dinner cruises in advance?

Absolutely. These cruises are popular, especially during weekends and holidays, so booking is highly recommended to secure a spot.

4. What should I wear on a Thames River Dinner Cruise?

Most cruises follow a smart casual or semi-formal dress code. Avoid overly casual wear like shorts or flip-flops.

5. Can I hop on and off during a dinner cruise?

No, dinner cruises are point-to-point experiences. However, some sightseeing cruises (like hop-on-hop-off ones) offer stopovers throughout the day.

Conclusion

London is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One of the great ways to see the city and experience some of the authentic British cuisine is by taking a cruise down the famed River Thames. 

So, complete your sailing with a stellar meal, sparkling drinks, full live entertainment, and more. Just plan for one cruise type from our list and book to have some quality hours to remember!