London: Christmas Party Dinner Cruise

Imagine gliding past London’s iconic skyline on a crisp winter evening, enjoying a traditional Christmas feast and dancing to festive tunes. For those seeking a unique way to celebrate the holiday season, the London Christmas Party Dinner Cruise promises four hours of merrymaking along the Thames, starting at Tower Pier. Priced at around $128 per person, this experience combines sightseeing, good food, and lively entertainment, making it an attractive option for groups or couples looking to add a touch of elegance to their holiday festivities.

What we genuinely appreciate about this cruise is its blend of stunning views and festive atmosphere—many find it a memorable way to soak up London’s lights and landmark sights. The welcome glass of sparkling wine sets a celebratory tone right from the start, and the 3-course meal offers a hearty, traditional menu that feels fitting for Christmas. Plus, the onboard DJ and dance floor provide natural opportunities to shake off the dinner and get into the holiday spirit.

However, the experience does come with some considerations. Reviews suggest that not everything runs perfectly—some guests have found the food cold and the atmosphere less lively than expected. Its seating arrangement, with tables of 10 in close quarters, might also be a concern for those seeking a more private or intimate setting. This cruise is best suited for those eager for a lively, scenic celebration and willing to overlook some minor rough patches.

If your idea of holiday fun involves beautiful views, good wine, and dancing on the water, this cruise might be just what you’re after. It’s particularly well-suited for groups, families with older children (over 18), or anyone wanting a different kind of Christmas party in London.

Key Points

• Stunning night views of London’s landmarks, including Tower of London, London Eye, and Tower Bridge
• Festive 3-course meal featuring traditional dishes like roast turkey and chocolate dessert
• Lively atmosphere with a DJ playing Christmas classics for dancing
• Seating arrangements shared in close proximity, with tables of 10
• Cost includes drinks (half a bottle of wine) and a welcome sparkling wine
• Potential drawbacks include food served cold and minimal staff interaction, as some reviews note
• Ideal for groups wanting a spirited, scenic holiday celebration
• Duration of four hours makes it a substantial evening out
• Boarding at Tower Pier requires arriving 20 minutes early

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

How the Evening Begins

The night kicks off at Tower Pier, where staff directs you to the correct boarding point. We found arriving 20 minutes early wise, ensuring a smooth start. Once aboard the boat, you’re greeted with a welcome glass of sparkling wine—a small but appreciated touch that helps set the festive mood. The boat departs from Tower and cruises westward, offering a fantastic vantage point for photos of London’s illuminated landmarks.

Sightseeing Along the Thames

As you glide along the river, you’ll pass some of London’s most recognizable sights. The Tower of London, with its medieval towers lit up against the night sky, provides a striking backdrop. The London Eye, The Shard, and Tower Bridge become part of a moving tableau, ideal for those quick photo ops or just soaking in the city’s beauty from the water.

Many guests enjoy this part of the cruise, as the views are genuinely impressive and feel more intimate than standing on a busy street. It’s a chance to see the city sparkle and get a different perspective on familiar sights.

The Festive Meal

After the sightseeing, everyone heads inside for dinner. The 3-course festive menu offers a salmon starter, a roast turkey main, and a rich chocolate dessert—classic holiday fare. The meal is accompanied by half a bottle of wine per person, which most find complements the dishes nicely. Tea and coffee finish the meal, adding a cozy finish to the dinner service.

However, some guests, including one reviewer, found the food to be cold and unremarkable, with the main course notably disappointing. The lack of explanation about the menu or the program can leave some feeling a bit disconnected from the event, especially if expectations are high for a more curated experience.

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Dancing and Entertainment

Post-dinner, the mood shifts to lively as the onboard DJ spins a mix of Christmas classics and more contemporary hits. The dance floor is open, and many guests take this opportunity to shake off the meal and celebrate. The atmosphere can vary—some find it joyous and spirited, while others have noted that the DJ’s playlist doesn’t always match holiday expectations, with some reviews mentioning an unexpected Turkish disco vibe from a group onboard.

Staff interactions during the evening also appear limited; some guests have felt the crew was less visible or engaged than expected. Still, for those eager to dance and enjoy a fun, casual party, the onboard music and lively crowd generally create a good vibe.

Final Notes

Leaving the boat, most guests walk away with mixed feelings—some appreciating the stunning scenery and festive spirit, others disappointed by the food quality or atmosphere. It’s a 4-hour cruise, so plan on arriving prepared for a fairly full evening that combines sightseeing, eating, and dancing.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is best for groups looking for a festive, lively way to celebrate Christmas. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor sightseeing with good company, and don’t mind sharing tables in a close setting. It suits those who want to combine scenic views of London’s landmarks with a social, party-like atmosphere.

However, if you’re seeking a more refined dining experience or a quiet, romantic evening, this might not be the ideal choice. The inconsistent food quality and limited staff interaction could detract from a more intimate celebration.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For the price of around $128, this cruise offers a solid value—especially considering the included drinks, scenic views, and entertainment. Its unique selling point is clearly the combination of sightseeing and celebration on the Thames, making it a memorable way to mark the holiday season.

That said, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. The food, while traditional and plentiful, might arrive cold or lack a bit of flair. The atmosphere can vary depending on the crowd and the DJ’s playlist, but if you’re ready for a fun, lively group experience with beautiful London views, you’ll likely find this cruise a worthwhile and entertaining choice.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts around 4 hours, from boarding at Tower Pier to returning there, providing plenty of time for sightseeing, dining, and dancing.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the cruise, a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a 3-course festive meal with tea or coffee, and half a bottle of wine per person. The onboard bar is available for additional drinks.

Is it suitable for children?
No, this cruise isn’t suitable for guests under 18, mostly because of the mature setting and alcohol service.

How should I dress?
A smart-casual or festive outfit is recommended, aligning with the cruise’s dress code. Expect to be seated in close quarters, so dress comfortably but neatly.

Where do I meet the cruise?
Boarding takes place at Tower Millennium Pier, with staff present to direct you. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

Can I cancel?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 3 days before the cruise, giving flexibility if your plans change.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the main part of the cruise is on the river, it’s best to check the weather forecast. The interior dining and dancing areas are covered, but sightseeing outside may be affected by rain or cold.

Is the experience worth the price?
Many find the views and festive atmosphere worth the cost, but the food quality and ambiance can be hit or miss. It’s a good option if you prioritize sightseeing and celebration over gourmet dining.

Can I keep celebrating after the cruise?
Absolutely. The cruise ends back at Tower Pier, where you’re free to continue your evening in London’s lively Christmas scene or at nearby pubs and bars.

In essence, the London Christmas Party Dinner Cruise serves as a lively, scenic way to celebrate the season. It offers a memorable combination of views and festivities, ideal for groups wanting a spirited holiday experience. Just keep in mind that the food might not be gourmet, and the atmosphere can be unpredictable. If you approach it with a sense of fun and holiday cheer, it’s likely to be a night you’ll recall fondly—if not for the cuisine, then for the views and the joy of dancing under London’s holiday lights.

You can check availability for your dates here: