Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise
Liverpool, England
- 50 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a relaxing way to explore Liverpool—and admire a perspective of the city that many other visitors miss—aboard a sightseeing cruise on the River Mersey. Avoid becoming footsore and just sit back, relax, and soak in the riverside scenery; this time-saving tour passes many of Liverpool's top waterfront attractions. As you go, the included audio commentary reveals the stories behind the sights.
- Secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment
- Enjoy a more relaxing way to see the city and its key sights
- This River Mersey cruise is great for first-time Liverpool visitors
- Choose from a range of departure times available throughout the day
What's Included
- Roundtrip ferry
- Digital commentary available by scanning QR code on a smart device. Bring Headphones.
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Headphones
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Pier Head LiverpoolPier Head, Liverpool L3 1BY, UK
The ferry terminal building is located directly in front of the famous Liver Building at the Pier Head, Liverpool.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
At the appointed time, meet your River Mersey ferry at Pier Head, hop aboard, and get settled.
Set off for a loop along the river past many of the city's top sights. Look out for highlights from the Tate Liverpool and Museum of Liverpool to the city's two cathedrals.
As you go, relax and soak in the fresh breezes. The on-board audio commentary provides in-depth narration, and shares the stories behind the sights along the way.
Finally, after roughly an hour on the water, return to the pier, where this tour ends.
Set off for a loop along the river past many of the city's top sights. Look out for highlights from the Tate Liverpool and Museum of Liverpool to the city's two cathedrals.
As you go, relax and soak in the fresh breezes. The on-board audio commentary provides in-depth narration, and shares the stories behind the sights along the way.
Finally, after roughly an hour on the water, return to the pier, where this tour ends.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King Liverpool (Pass By)
Liverpool Cathedral (Pass By)
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour (Pass By)
Museum of Liverpool (Pass By)
Tate Liverpool (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Coffee shop & restrooms can be found on-board the ferry
- Voucher is valid for anytime on day of travel - The Cruise departs on the hour every hour from Liverpool Pier Head. Just arrive at least 20 minutes beforehand to redeem your voucher as the ferry leaves on the hour. Please check Mersey Ferries website for up to date departures and notices.
- Please check Mersey Ferries Website for up to date departures and daily information / notices.
- From 26 February 2026, MERSEY FERRIES be offering a free digital audio guide as part of a one-month trial. Simply scan the QR code located at each ferry terminal or onboard the Mersey Ferry to access it. For the best experience, please bring your own headphones, ensure your phone is fully charged, and have mobile data enabled. During this trial period, the commentary will not play through the external speaker system. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can request a printed cruise route fact sheet from our team at the ferry terminal which is available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Ukraine and Arabic.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 370 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 1,360 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Michelle_T, Aug 2026
Very nice ride on a newly upgraded ferry. Helped it was a gorgeous day! Smooth and a way to see the beautiful city of Liverpool.
David_C, Aug 2026
Really disappointed, expected more, no music, no commentary, no ice cream on a really hot day, no value for money, you can do better Liverpool.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry you feel disappointed. We do offer a free printed route guide at the terminal before you sail and there is commentary available if you scan the QR code. Hopefully you managed to find an ice cream at the van outside the terminal.
Ciara_H, Aug 2026
Very good tour, no audio commentary though was disappointed with this as would of liked to of learnt when it was first used etc.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed the cruise. A printed route guide is available for free at the terminal before you sail.
David_L, Aug 2026
Probably would’ve been even better if I’d listened to the commentary but had to look after a 4 year old.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for giving us 5 stars, we do appreciate it.
Neil_G, Aug 2026
Don't forget your headphones, seems a bit pointless not to broadcast the sites over the PA when they use it to start with .
Forgot mine so no idea how good the trip was historically
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review. You can also scan the QR code and read the commentary , or listen to it when you get home.
Gordon_H, Aug 2026
Absolutely brilliant. Tony and Dennis gave us the best tour of the Beatles homes and important places in their history. Funny and informative. And the personal connection that Tony divulged towards the end of the time made the whole tour so memorable.
I would, and have already, totally recommend this tour to anyone.
And to finish in the Cavern, wonderful.
Book the tour. You will not be disappointed.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Gordon, I feel that you have given feedback for another attraction? Not to worry so glad you had a lovely time in Liverpool.
nora_r, Aug 2026
It was a great experience, as described. The staff were nice and helpful, and the whole journey was punctual.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Many thanks for your 5 star review it's much appreciated
dadsalaff, Aug 2026
It’s not really a cruise . It’s the ferry going from one side to the other in a large ark .. having said that who wouldn’t want to cross the Mersey on a ferry??
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations.
The cruise is a 50-minute sightseeing experience, which includes one stop on the Wirral side of the river. We have recently introduced a digital audio guide, giving visitors the option to listen to recorded commentary via their smartphone or simply relax and enjoy the views of Liverpool’s waterfront.
Bunny, Jul 2026
This is the first via tour experience that I have done that I would say is not worth the money. We’re on the boat we had to scan to put the information on our phone. However, there was very little information. It was just some kind of music. Not even Beatle music. ??
Graham, Jul 2026
Great value at only £14. Fabulous views with iconic photo opportunities. Passed the Hill Dickinson and close to the mouth of the Mersey before turning back and beyond the start point. A very enjoyable 50 minute.
Richard_F, Jul 2026
Great trip on the famous Mersey river in Liverpool city. The ferry trip takes about fifty minutes and shows the sights on both sides of the river. Recommended!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Many thanks for your recommendation.
Deb_A, Jul 2026
This is something we said we’d do and we did. It was expensive for experience. The seats were uncomfortable and children were allowed by some guardians to walk around unsupervised which at times was alarming. More visible staff would have been reassuring.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We are so sorry the cruise did not meet your expectations. With regards to visible staff onboard we have passed this onto our operations dept.
Thomas_V, Jul 2026
Take it! It's worth the experience on your visit for the day or from a cruise excursion in Liverpool
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Many thanks for your kind words
Sarah_L, Jul 2026
Great family tour very enjoyable. Great price. Learnt a lot with the information given on the tour. Would recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Many thanks for your kind review it's much appreciated
Wiiliam_H, Jul 2026
Helps if you scan the code to find out more about the places you go past. Don't expect the boat to tell give you a running commentary
Response from Host, Jul 2026
We’re sorry for any confusion and appreciate you taking the time to let us know. We do inform our customers on our website and also through 3rd Party channels of the digital commentary.
To access the audio commentary, visitors are asked to scan the dedicated commentary QR code. QR posters are displayed at the ticket counter, inside the ferry terminal, on the landing stage, and on board the ferry. The QR code printed on your ticket is for entry and boarding only, and does not link to the commentary.
For the best experience, we recommend bringing your own headphones, ensuring your phone is fully charged, and having mobile data enabled. If you don’t have a smartphone, our team at the ferry terminal can provide a printed cruise route fact sheet/route map on request. We have recently installed additional commentary QR code signage on the open deck to make access easier, but we still recommend downloading the guide before boarding wherever possible.
Regina_W, Jun 2026
Got to the cruise terminal only to see the notice on the door that there would be not cruises that day. We had taken the train from London so that became a very expensive trip for nothing. I am sure the cruise would have been great.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are very sorry that we were unable to operate your cruise. Our ferry is a heritage vessel and unfortunately met with technical issues that we were unable to resolve immediately. We have offered full refunds to those affected. We hope you will be able to come back again one day to visit us.
Tracy_W, Jun 2026
Careful when using viator as they continue to sell tickets for events/attractions that are not running or available. They were however very quick to respond and refund once I contacted them.
Was just disappointing to look forward to our river cruise and turn up to be told it wasn’t running.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We are very sorry that we were unable to operate your cruise. Our ferry is a heritage vessel and unfortunately met with technical issues that we were unable to resolve immediately. We are glad your refund was processed promptly.
Roberta_G, Jun 2026
Great time!! Will take the ride every time we are in Liverpool!! Great way to see many of the important waterfront sites all in one 50 minute ride!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Many thanks for your kind comments and 5 stars it's much appreciated!
Susan_R, Jun 2026
Fun ride, feels like we with Gerry and the Pacemakers crossing the Mersey.
The water was really choppy but you could hardly tell.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the 5 stars Susan - glad you had fun, despite the choppy waters!
Miss_Q, May 2026
I took the 50‑Minute Mersey River Cruise on the afternoon of Sunday 24th May, and it was a wonderfully relaxing and scenic experience. The colourful ferry was fairly full, yet it never felt crowded or overwhelming, and I was lucky enough to find a perfect spot on the top deck at the front of the boat. From there, I enjoyed some of the best views of Liverpool’s docks, waterfront, and iconic landmark buildings — all bathed in beautiful weather that made the city shine from the water. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some locals use the ferry as a practical way to cross the Mersey, but for me it was a peaceful, interesting, and thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an hour of my Sunday afternoon. A gentle, charming experience that I highly recommend to anyone visiting Liverpool.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such wonderful feedback, we are so pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the cruise and the lovely views. Thank you for visiting us.
Michelle_J, May 2026
Was a Lovely sunny day.
Well organised trip.
Polite staff to help.
Excellent price we paid.
Highly recommended
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the lovely review, glad you enjoyed the cruise and would recommend us.
Florian_H, May 2026
too little commentary in my opinion; if the weather had not been fantastic on the day we would have been quite bored
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations.
The cruise is a 50-minute sightseeing experience, which includes one stop on the Wirral side of the river. We have recently introduced a digital audio guide, giving visitors the option to listen to recorded commentary via their smartphone or simply relax and enjoy the views of Liverpool’s waterfront.
Rich_D, May 2026
An enjoyable 50min to learn about Liverpool & the enriched history of the docks & landmark buildings along side it
Response from Host, May 2026
Many thanks for your review it's much appreciated
Stuart_C, May 2026
Get there a bit early to get a good spot on the boat as it gets busy. Would be better having a physical person doing the commentary rather than trying to listen on an app.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback Stuart, we do have printed commentary sheets if you would rather not use the app. We have live commentary on our special cruises.
SylviaSevilla, May 2026
Lovely day on the water. There are historical signs on board that explain the razzle dazzle of ships and their artists. The engines were loud. Could not download the program without internet. There was a sign that helped.
Realized that we should have bought this with the hop on hop off bus tour. The attendant at the bus ticket booth was most helpful and charged us the children’s rate so we got the same savings. Loved the bus and the humor of the guide.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your great feedback Sylvia. We have free wifi for guests to use the QR code if they don't want to use data. We are glad you also really enjoyed the hop on hop off bus.
Greg_N, May 2026
Extremely poor. Sold as a tour with colourfully painted boat but infact is just a trip across the river. No commentary offered other than download yourself. Not even any music. If they're really serious about making this a tourist destination, take a leaf out of the Magical Mystery Bus Trip. Offer some commentary with Gerry & The Pacemakers, and Beatles music playing in between commentary. As it is, it's not worth the money.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that the tour did not meet your expectations.
The cruise is a 50-minute sightseeing experience, which includes one stop on the Wirral side of the river. We have recently introduced a digital audio guide, giving visitors the option to listen to recorded commentary via their smartphone or simply relax and enjoy the views of Liverpool’s waterfront.
Phil_S, May 2026
Lovely trip to see the city from a different view. A bit choppy because of the weather but still enjoyed it.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for giving us 5 stars, we are really pleased that you enjoyed the cruise.
BRIAN_Y, May 2026
Very great experience on the Mersey though it was a horrible day weather wise would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the great review Brian, we are glad you would recommend us to others. Thanks for visiting us.
Michelle_F, May 2026
Note that pick up and drop are in different spots. It does mention in details but something to remember if you are planning other events.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review - we are not sure what you mean as the Mersey Ferry picks up and returns to the same spot, whichever side of the river you join us.
Michael_N, Apr 2026
For disabled there is no near parking nearest we found was 15 min walk, our 12.00 booking river trip was cancelled then told 1.00, then at 1.00 told all river cruises canceled for the day due to an incident on the ferry
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your feedback - we do publish our accessibility information on our website and state that we don't have parking at our Liverpool terminal. There is nearby blue badge parking but it does get busy. Unfortunately the incident which meant the ferry had to be cancelled was an event out of our control. You will be entitled to a full refund.
From $19.22
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Liverpool: 50-Minute Mersey River Cruise
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