There’s something special about drifting along the River Thames with the city’s iconic skyline unfolding around you, and doing so while enjoying a delicious meal makes it downright magical.
So when we heard that City Cruises offers a lunch cruise, it sounded unmissable, we simply had to see for ourselves. So we sent a secret agent on board to put it to the test and find out if it truly lives up to the hype – and the verdict is in…
Setting Sail from Tower Pier
Our secret agent rendezvous began at Tower Millennium Pier, which we have to admit was the perfect location to set off on a lunch cruise. Before we even stepped aboard, we were surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks – Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Tower of London, creating a breath-taking backdrop right from the start. Walking through this historic riverside setting before boarding already felt like part of the experience. And with the pier so ideally placed, it was easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river either before or after the cruise, making the whole outing feel even more special.
Once underway, we sailed past London landmarks: Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, the Parliament, HMS Belfast, St. Paul’s Cathedral, each revealed anew from its riverside angle.
A Delicious Two-Course Experience
The culinary side of the cruise surpassed all expectations. The menu offered a delightful two-course set lunch, with tea and coffee included.
We started with a beautifully roasted supreme of chicken, infused with thyme, rosemary, and lemon, and paired with a creamy leek, tarragon, and mushroom sauce. It came alongside lyonnaise potatoes and seasonal vegetables. For dessert, the baked rose water and strawberry cheesecake was light yet indulgent. There was a fully licensed bar on board offering a range of soft and alcoholic beverages. We opted for an Aperol Spritz, which paired beautifully with the meal.
The Experience Beyond the Meal
What our agent confirmed as one of the top highlights was the commentary, which filled the journey with fascinating historical tidbits and quirky stories. We learned so many new facts that had us in tears of laughter – like the tale of Albert Gunter, the double-decker bus driver who jumped the gap on Tower Bridge in 1952. With the bridge rising beneath him, he revved the bus forward and somehow made it safely across, leaving all 20 passengers stunned and slightly bruised, but very entertained! For his quick thinking and bravery, Gunter was awarded a £10 bonus (equivalent to two weeks’ wages back at the time) – plus, according to legend, a clean pair of trousers, just in case!
Halfway through, many guests ventured outside onto the deck to feel the river breeze and capture photos. From this perspective, the landmarks felt even closer, and the combination of storytelling and scenery made the cruise feel like a charming blend of sightseeing and live history.
The Verdict?
Our secret agent reported back with full approval – this was one outing that truly delivered on its promise. From start to finish, every moment felt relaxed and enjoyable, with a perfect balance of sightseeing, history, and indulgence. It was clear that this was an experience worth recommending. Without a doubt, it was a 10/10.
Here are a few useful details about this experience:
Available to book every day
Boarding Time: 11:30
Delicious 2-course meal, with tea or coffee included
VIP packages available*
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Plus, if you book with KidStart, you’ll get 5% back (usually 3%) – ends 31/10/25!
*P.S. When booking, we’d also highly recommend upgrading to the £20pp VIP package, which includes priority boarding, premium seating, and a complimentary bottle of still or sparkling water. It truly elevated the whole experience. We were given one of the very best tables on board, with panoramic views right from our seats.