River Thames Evening Cruise with Sparkling wine and Canapés

A relaxed way to enjoy London’s evening skyline — a detailed look at the Thames River cruise with canapés and sparkling wine

If you’re dreaming of seeing London’s famous landmarks glowing against the night sky, a River Thames Evening Cruise might catch your interest. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. The idea of floating past Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard, all lit up, sounds pretty magical — and many travelers seem to agree, given the high number of bookings made in advance.

What makes this cruise particularly appealing is the combination of scenic views, live music, and a modest price point** — around $53.49 per person. Plus, the inclusion of sparkling wine and canapés adds a touch of indulgence, making it feel like a special treat rather than just a sightseeing tour. However, it’s worth considering that some reviews mention the portions and drinks might be smaller than expected, and the overall food quality isn’t gourmet.

This experience will suit those looking for a laid-back, scenic evening in London — especially if you enjoy good views, a bit of live entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not necessarily a deep historical tour, but more of a visual and sensory experience, perfect after a day of sightseeing or as a romantic outing.

Key Points

• Stunning nighttime views: Pass iconic London landmarks lit up, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Enjoy live jazz music while cruising, which adds a chill vibe.
• Good value for money: For around $53, you get a 2-hour cruise, snacks, and a glass of sparkling wine.
• Limited food and drink: Canapés are modest, and the wine is served in small portions; additional drinks are available for purchase.
• Weather dependent: The cruise is best enjoyed in good weather — rain or wind might impact your experience.
• Ideal for a romantic or casual outing: Perfect if you want a mellow evening with beautiful scenery, not a formal or educational experience.

What to Expect from the Thames Evening Cruise

This cruise sets a comfortable tone for your evening. You’ll start at Tower Pier, just a short walk from the Tower of London. Be sure to arrive about 20 minutes early so you can board smoothly. The boat itself is well-kept, with glass walls and an open-air deck that’s perfect if you want to snap photos or just breathe in the fresh river air.

Once aboard, you’ll find the open-air deck ideal for catching the sunset and snapping pics of the city’s famous skyline. The boat features an indoor saloon with live jazz, which helps create a calm, laid-back setting — especially if the weather turns chilly. Many reviews mention the singer onboard being quite good, adding a bit of entertainment as you float past illuminated landmarks.

The itinerary

First stop: You board near Tower of London, with the boat passing by the historic battleship HMS Belfast, now a floating museum. Many reviews highlight how close you can get to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, with some noting how spectacular it looks lit up at night.

Next: The cruise heads past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre — a treat for fans of English drama and history. As you glide toward Westminster, you’ll see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, often from the upper deck, where the views are best. Many passengers love the opportunity to get photos of these iconic structures, especially when they’re lit up after dark.

Midway: The boat cruises under Tower Bridge and then toward Canary Wharf, a modern financial district with towering skyscrapers. If you’re into cityscapes, this part offers a contrast between historic and contemporary London.

Last leg: The cruise concludes passing by the London Eye and HMS Belfast before returning to Westminster Pier. The overall route provides a comprehensive snapshot of London’s waterfront — from old-world castles to glass skyscrapers.

What’s included

• A glass of sparkling wine or soft drink — often described as a small but enjoyable pour
• Canapés — typically modest, with reviews mentioning small pieces of bread with cream cheese or fishy toppings
• Sightseeing cruise — a leisurely two hours floating past the city’s most famous sights

What’s not included

Alcoholic drinks beyond the sparkling wine are available to purchase aboard, often at a premium. Many reviews find the wine portion small and suggest that if you want more, you should buy extra drinks.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The highlights of this cruise are undeniably the picturesque sights and the relaxed vibe. As many travelers have noted, the views are spectacular, especially when landmarks are illuminated. The live jazz music adds to the ambiance, creating a mellow, romantic setting. It’s a good option if you want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, or if you’re looking for an evening activity that’s more about enjoying the scenery than learning history.

On the downside, some reviews mention the food quality as being average at best — tiny canapés that don’t quite satisfy, and a very limited amount of sparkling wine. If you’re expecting a gourmet experience or a large drink, you might be disappointed. One review pointed out that you’ll only get a tiny quarter glass of champagne initially, with the possibility of paying more if you want additional drinks.

Weather can be a wildcard. Though the cruise is mainly indoor or on the open deck, a chilly or rainy evening can dampen the experience. Several reviewers noted that the cruise’s timing might not be ideal for seeing the landmarks lit up at their best, especially if the cruise starts at 6:30 pm — depending on the season, sunset and city lights vary.

Customer service appears to be a mixed bag. While most reviews praise the friendly staff and smooth operation, a few mention poor communication or overbooking issues. It’s worth arriving early and verifying your booking details to avoid last-minute surprises.

The Itinerary in detail

Starting at Tower Pier, you’re within walking distance of one of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London. The boat is usually well-maintained, with a clean, modern feel. From here, you’ll cruise past HMS Belfast, a former battleship now serving as a museum and floating attraction. Many appreciate how close the boat gets to these historic ships, offering great photo opportunities.

Next, the boat moves toward Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre — an open-air replica of the original Elizabethan theatre. It’s a beautiful sight especially in the evening, with lighting highlighting its distinctive architecture. If you’re a fan of theatre or history, this adds a cultural layer to your cruise.

As you approach Westminster, the sight of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament lit up against the night sky is a classic London moment. Many reviews mention how impressive these views are, especially from the upper deck. The boat passes under Tower Bridge, its iconic bascule structure awash in lights, a favorite for photos.

Midway through, the cruise turns toward Canary Wharf, where modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline, contrasting sharply with the historic sites. Many travelers enjoy this juxtaposition, seeing Old London alongside New.

Finally, the boat heads back past the London Eye and reaches Westminster, closing the loop with a scenic view of the city’s illuminated skyline. The overall route is well-paced, offering ample time to enjoy each landmark.

The value for the price

At around $53.49, this cruise offers a relaxed two-hour window to see many of London’s highlights from the water, along with a drink and some snacks. Many reviews point out that it’s a good deal considering the views and entertainment included. It’s not a gourmet dining experience but a pleasant, casual outing.

Some travelers mention that the portion sizes of the canapés and wine might be small, which is understandable given the price point. If you’re expecting a full meal or a large glass of bubbly, you might want to upgrade or have snacks beforehand. Still, for many, the overall experience — seeing London’s iconic skyline from the river with live music and a drink — feels like a fair exchange.

Who should consider this cruise?

This experience is best suited for those seeking a peaceful, scenic evening in London — whether you’re a couple after a romantic outing, a group of friends looking for a relaxed activity, or solo travelers wanting to enjoy the city from a different perspective. It’s also a decent choice if you want to combine sightseeing with a little entertainment without the formality of a dinner cruise.

If you’re expecting a gourmet meal or a detailed historical commentary, this might not meet your expectations. The cruise is more about the views, the laid-back atmosphere, and the ambiance. Also, keep in mind that the experience depends on good weather and that the timing might not be ideal for all seasons, especially if you want the landmarks lit up in their full glory.

FAQs

Is the cruise suitable for children? The minimum age listed is 13 years, so it’s geared more towards teens and adults. It’s a calm, scenic cruise, but younger children might find it less engaging.

What should I wear? The dress code is described as smart casual. Given the outdoor deck and potential chill in the evening, dressing warmly — perhaps a light jacket or layers — would be wise.

Can I bring my own drinks? No, outside beverages aren’t allowed, but you can purchase additional drinks on board. The initial glass of sparkling wine is included, but reviews suggest portions are small.

How long is the cruise? It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable but still leisurely activity.

Where do I meet? The cruise departs from City Cruises London Tower Pier, just near Tower of London. Arriving 20 minutes early is recommended.

What if the weather is bad? The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it a group tour? Yes, maximum of 100 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed but still social.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a calm, scenic way to see London’s nighttime skyline, this Thames River cruise ticks many boxes. You’ll enjoy stunning views of landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Shard, all illuminated and postcard-ready. The added bonus of live jazz and complimentary sparkling wine makes it feel like a relaxed, romantic evening out.

However, if you’re expecting a gourmet dinner or detailed commentary, you might find the food offerings and the included drinks a little underwhelming. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the views and the overall atmosphere, but be prepared for small portions and the possibility of extra purchases.

This cruise is best suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a peaceful, low-key night experience — perfect for those who appreciate good scenery, light entertainment, and a calm environment to soak in London’s iconic sights.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see the city lights from the river, this cruise can offer a memorable, relaxing evening. Just remember to dress warmly, arrive early, and go with the flow — it’s all about enjoying the view.