Diners ditch traditional Christmas meals for highly rated lunch cruise

London is brimming with spots to soak up the holiday spirit, blending a classic Christmas dinner with live music and an abundance of yuletide cheer. But increasing numbers of revellers are turning to something a little different, with London Thames Christmas Lunch Party Cruise offering an ideal daytime festive gathering for friends, colleagues, and family.

Offering a more memorable experience than your typical pub lunch or office party, the cruises have limited dates available until December 20. Costing £70 per person (or less for groups of 10 or more who can get a 10% discount on bookings), you and your group could be enjoying a glass of bubbly, listening to live music and watching the city pass by before the work day concludes.

Guests can savour a delectably festive experience with a welcome glass of sparkling wine, followed by a traditional three-course lunch featuring all the Christmas favourites. To accompany the meal, unlimited tea or coffee is provided to keep everyone warm and cosy regardless of the weather. Additionally, a full bar is available for guests to enjoy a drink or two while they admire the city views, reports MyLondon.

The Christmas merriment escalates as live music accompanies diners indulging in an early festive feast. Setting sail from Westminster Pier at Victoria Embankment, the three-hour London Thames Christmas Lunch Party cruise showcases iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, The Shard, HMS Belfast, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament making it a great way to see the sights without braving the Christmas crowds on foot. 

Adored by passengers, City Cruises boasts a 4.3 out of 5 rating with guests sharing their experiences. Diner Patrick Poon explained: “What a wonderful cruise journey on Thames. Food was brought fresh and hot to the table from mobile kitchen with great service. Entertainer had a great voice. The upper deck had a view of the London Bridge up close.”

Sussan Gibbons praised her experience, saying: “I went on the evening dinner cruise with the VIP package and it was absolutely fantastic. The food. The Views. The lights. The history. The singer. Highly recommended.”

Meanwhile, Marks Ells said: “Our favourite way to see London! Great food and music too on the Dinner Cruise.”

However, if you’re looking for the full touristic experience you might find the emphasis of the trip slightly skewed. One less-impressed traveller explained: “Disappointing compared to a dinner cruise that we did in Paris. While the meal was good and the staff was attentive, there was basically no focus on the city or landmarks.” However, the experience does span three hours, promising a relaxed and pleasurable dining adventure.

If messing about on the river appeals but you’re already planning for next year, there are plenty of other cruise options available. There’s a Murder Mystery Three Course Dinner Cruise along the Thames available for £196 per couple at Buyagift.com, while if you’re less fussed about playing detective or having a full meal a more straightforward option is this £68 Evening Thames Cruise for Two with Bubbly and Canapes via Virgin Experience Days.