London: Christmas Party Lunch Cruise

The best part of this Christmas cruise is the changing view outside the windows while lunch and live music keep the party moving inside. You sail from Westminster toward Canary Wharf, passing the London Eye, The Shard, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge without giving up three hours of holiday cheer.

I especially like the hot traditional lunch and the welcome glass of sparkling wine, which make the $101 price easier to justify. The live vocalist is another strong point. One possible drawback is the seating: tables of 10 sit close together, and bench-style seats can make it awkward to get up or chat freely with your own group.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours on the Thames: The boat leaves Westminster Pier, heads east toward Canary Wharf, and returns to the same pier.
• A proper Christmas meal: Expect salmon and prawn starter, roast turkey with traditional trimmings, and a festive chocolate dessert.
• Music is part of the main event: A live vocalist performs festive songs, and dancing is encouraged.
• The best photo moments are outside: Head to the upper deck for views of the London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London.
• Tables seat 10: Smaller bookings share tables, with seating placed close together for a party atmosphere.
• Drinks beyond the welcome glass cost extra: There is a licensed bar, but additional wine, beer, and other drinks are not included.

Boarding at Westminster Pier for a Christmas afternoon

Your Christmas lunch cruise begins at City Cruises Westminster Pier on Victoria Embankment, close to some of central London’s most recognizable sights. Staff at the pier direct you to the correct boarding point, which is useful because Westminster Pier can be busy during the holiday season.

Once on board, you are welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine. That small touch sets the tone quickly: this is not a quiet sightseeing boat with a meal added on. It is a seasonal party that happens to move along the Thames.

The boat departs Westminster and heads east. You can settle in for lunch, listen to the vocalist, or make your way upstairs for photos as the river opens up around you. The cruise lasts three hours, giving the meal, music, dancing, and sightseeing enough time to feel like a full occasion rather than a rushed lunch.

You need to dress smart-casual or festive. A Christmas jumper, smart shirt, dress, or jacket fits the setting better than everyday sightseeing clothes. This is an adults-only activity, so nobody under 18 can join.

A three-course Christmas lunch with the right festive feel

The meal begins with salmon and prawn, followed by traditional roast turkey with the usual trimmings. A festive chocolate dessert finishes the meal, with tea and coffee included.

The food is central to the value here. You are not simply buying a boat ride with a snack. You receive a substantial three-course Christmas lunch, served while London passes outside. Food quality can vary with any large catered event, but the strongest comments focus on the meal arriving hot, in generous portions, and at a good standard.

That combination matters. A Christmas party lunch needs food that feels like a real meal, not something you eat quickly before the entertainment begins. The turkey and trimmings provide the familiar holiday centerpiece, while the salmon and prawn starter and chocolate dessert give the menu a slightly more special feel.

There is one practical point to keep in mind. The welcome sparkling wine is included, along with tea and coffee, but additional drinks are not. The licensed bar is convenient, though wine in particular can become an extra cost. If you want several drinks during the cruise, budget above the advertised price.

London’s riverside landmarks from Westminster to Canary Wharf

The sightseeing is a useful bonus, but it is not the main purpose of this cruise. You will pass major landmarks rather than stop at them, so this is not the right choice if you want detailed commentary, interior visits, or time on shore.

The London Eye

Soon after leaving Westminster, the cruise passes the London Eye. From the river, you get a broad view of the giant observation wheel and the South Bank area around it.

The view is quick, so have your camera ready. The boat does not stop, and the activity information does not promise a guided explanation of the sights. Think of this as a moving introduction to central London, with lunch waiting back at your table.

The Shard

The Shard is one of the easiest buildings to recognize from the Thames. Its sharp glass shape rises above the surrounding city, and seeing it from the river gives you a different angle than you get from the streets around London Bridge.

You pass by rather than stop, making this another photo opportunity instead of a formal sightseeing visit. The upper deck is the place to go if you want a clear picture, but the weather will affect how enjoyable that is.

The Tower of London

The boat continues east past the Tower of London. Its position beside the river explains much about London’s past as a fortified port and trading center, though this cruise does not provide a tour inside the complex.

If the Tower is high on your London wish list, plan a separate visit on another day. Here, you get the riverside view while remaining part of the Christmas lunch and entertainment.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is likely the visual highlight of the route. Its two towers and high walkways are instantly recognizable, and the river offers a clean way to frame the bridge in photographs.

This is a good moment to go upstairs with friends. You can pose against the skyline and return to the warm dining area when you are ready. Since the boat passes the bridge without stopping, photography is the main reason to head outside.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf marks the eastern end of the outward route. Its tall office towers give the cruise a different character from the historic buildings around Westminster and the Tower.

The boat then returns to Westminster Pier. This turn-around makes the route feel complete, with central London and the modern Docklands area both included. You will see plenty from the water, but the cruise does not claim to explain every building or neighborhood in detail.

Live music, dancing, and the real party atmosphere

The vocalist is a major part of the experience. Festive music plays during the meal, and dancing is included rather than treated as an afterthought.

The entertainment can shape the whole afternoon. When the boat is lively, the dance floor adds real energy and turns lunch into a Christmas party. One particularly strong account describes two people getting up first, followed by a fuller dance floor that stayed active for much of the cruise.

That also points to a limitation. The atmosphere depends partly on the number and mood of people aboard. On a quieter sailing, the singer may be excellent but the room can feel subdued. You should book this expecting music and the chance to dance, not a guaranteed packed dance floor.

The vocalist has earned praise for having a strong voice and performing a good mix of tunes. If you want a silent meal with uninterrupted conversation, this may feel too active. If you like a social Christmas event, the music is one of the best reasons to choose it.

Tables of 10 and what that means for your group

The seating setup deserves more attention than it usually gets. Tables seat 10 people, and smaller bookings share a table. Tables are positioned close together, which supports the communal holiday mood but gives you less personal space than you would have in a standard restaurant.

Bench-style seating can also make movement difficult. If you are seated in the middle, you may need other people to slide along before you can leave the table. That can interrupt conversations and make it harder for members of your own group to mingle during lunch.

I would treat this setup as part of the decision. It works well for a company Christmas party, a social group, or anyone happy to meet people around the table. It is less suited to a couple seeking a private, quiet meal or a group that wants to sit apart from everyone else.

The close seating is not simply a flaw. It helps create the shared party mood the cruise is aiming for. Just know that privacy and easy access are not the priorities here.

Is $101 good value for a Christmas lunch cruise?

At $101 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the full package. Your fare covers the three-hour river cruise, welcome sparkling wine, three-course festive lunch, tea and coffee, live vocalist, festive music, dancing, and access to the boat’s licensed bar.

Buying those elements separately in central London could cost more, especially during the Christmas season. You are also paying for the setting: a moving view of major landmarks while someone else handles the meal and entertainment.

The value drops if you mainly want sightseeing. The boat passes the London Eye, The Shard, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf, but there are no stops and no detailed visit to any attraction. A dedicated Thames sightseeing cruise would be a better fit for learning about London’s buildings and history.

Drinks are the main extra expense. The first sparkling wine is included, but additional drinks must be purchased at the bar. One useful budget tip is to decide in advance how much you want to spend on drinks, especially if you are booking for a whole group.

The activity is non-refundable, so make sure everyone in your party is committed before paying. Starting times vary, and you need to check availability for the date you want.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This cruise suits adults who want a ready-made Christmas celebration rather than a formal sightseeing tour. It works especially well for:

• Friends who want lunch, music, and dancing in one place
• Work groups planning a seasonal party
• Couples who enjoy a social setting
• Visitors who want a broad view of London from the Thames
• Anyone looking for a festive afternoon without arranging a restaurant and entertainment separately

It is not suitable for anyone under 18. It may also disappoint you if you want a quiet table, lots of room to move, or detailed information about the landmarks.

For a group of fewer than 10, sharing a table is part of the deal. That can be a pleasant social feature, but you should not expect a private table unless your booking fills one.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

Arrive at Westminster Pier with enough time to find the correct boarding point. Staff are available to direct you, but the pier is in a busy central location and rushing onto a Christmas cruise is not the best start.

Wear festive smart-casual clothing and shoes that let you move comfortably between the dining area and upper deck. The upper deck is where you will want to take photos, especially around Tower Bridge, but outdoor conditions may be cold in December.

Keep your camera ready as the boat passes the main sights. The London Eye, The Shard, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge appear at different points along the route, and none is a scheduled stop.

If you are traveling with friends, discuss seating expectations before booking. Tables of 10 encourage conversation with people outside your group, but bench seating means getting up may require some cooperation from those beside you.

Finally, allow for extra bar spending. The included sparkling wine is a welcome drink, not an open bar. Tea and coffee are included, while additional drinks are not.

Should you book the London Christmas Party Lunch Cruise?

Book it if you want a Christmas party with a river view, a hot three-course lunch, live singing, and the chance to dance. The food, vocalist, and overall festive format provide strong value for an adult celebration, particularly when you want everything arranged in one package.

Skip it if your main goal is learning about London’s sights, sitting in a private corner, or controlling every part of your meal and schedule. The route offers fine photo opportunities, but the party comes first.

For most adults who enjoy a social Christmas lunch, I think the best approach is to embrace the shared tables, dress for the occasion, keep some money aside for bar drinks, and treat the landmarks as a bonus. Book with the understanding that the crowd sets the mood, and you will know exactly what kind of afternoon you are buying.

FAQ

Where does the Christmas lunch cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from City Cruises Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH. Staff at the pier direct you to the correct boarding point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Which London landmarks will I see?

You pass the London Eye, The Shard, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. The boat returns to Westminster Pier after reaching the Canary Wharf area.

What food is included?

The meal includes a salmon and prawn starter, traditional roast turkey with trimmings, and a festive chocolate dessert. Tea and coffee are also included.

Is a drink included?

You receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine. Additional drinks are not included, but there is a licensed bar on board.

Can children join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for children under 18.

Do I need to dress for the occasion?

Yes. The required dress code is smart-casual or festive dress.