A Guide to Thames Dinner Cruises

So much of London's history and urban life revolves around the fixture of the Thames, and one of the more pleasant ways to enjoy the lights and sights of London is on a dinner cruise of that famous river. While patrons can count on any Thames dinner cruise to spend time near the waterfront sights near the famous Tower Bridge, such as the Tower of London, Southwark Cathedral and the retired light cruise HMS Belfast, each cruise will have its own particular sightseeing itinerary, menu and entertainment.

Bateaux London
The dinner cruise offered by Bateaux London spends 2 1/2 hours taking in the nighttime skyline of London, and although where exactly the cruise goes depends on the nightly tides, it always takes in the central area between the Embankment and Tower Bridge. As a result, it takes in sights such as the Chelsea Royal Hospital, an early 19th century building still used as an old soldier's home today. Across the river is the famed Battersea Park. The meal focuses on classic British cuisine such as roasted Sussex duck, and is accompanied by a live jazz band. The cruise includes an after-dinner dance with music from the 1960s to today. The company also offers add-ons for special occasions, such as welcome drinks or a bouquet of flowers at the dining table.

Bateaux London
Embankment Pier
Victoria Embankment
London WC2N 6NU
011-44-20-7695-1800
bateauxlondon.com

Hospitality Line
The Hospitality Line offers a nightly Showboat cruise of the Thames that includes dinner and a show. In addition to the riverfront scenery, the 3 1/2-hour cruise includes a welcome drink, four-course meal with a half-bottle of wine and a cabaret performance. The latter includes songs from popular West End musicals such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Following the live entertainment, patrons may choose either to go to the observation deck or hit the dance floor. Departures are from Westminster Pier, so the cruise begins in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Hospitality Line
Royal Parade Mews
Chislehurst,
Kent, BR7 6TN
011-44-20-8289-9595
hospitalityline.co.uk

Thames Dinner Cruise
2 3/4-hour dinner cruise aboard its vessel the Symphony. Decorated with lightly stained wooden floors, the vessel reflects something of the timeless character of London. At the same time, the dining room has large panel windows and a glass ceiling, so patrons might enjoy a panoramic view of the London riverfront. The dinner menu includes such fare as grilled sea bream, and the meal is accompanied by music from a four-piece band. The cruise includes sights in the area beyond Tower Bridge such as the Docklands, the area around Canary Wharf that was the focus of so much urban renewal in the 1980s. Dinner cruises are also available on a private, chartered basis.

Thames Dinner Cruise
Hungerford House
Victoria Embankment
London WC2N 6NU
011-44-84-5299-4172
thamesdinnercruise.co.uk