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 1,281 reviews
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.
Maria_M, Mar 2026
Infotmative and amazing, the time provided for the tour was more than enough, enjoyed the beautiful views.
Andy_M, Mar 2026
A great audio guide is available via an app on smart phone was spoiled but other passengers playing the guide through phone speakers although the well documented instructions ask that you use headphones!
Janette_R, Mar 2026
Weather didn't help as it was raining. cloudy and miserable, but just a grey boring scene!
We had booked to go the previous day, but the Liverpool half marathon was on and we were unable to get to the ferry, so had to lose our money and re-book the ferry. We're not able to walk too far due to disability and would have had to walk a long way to the ferry when all the surrounding roads were closed, preventing us getting a cab there. It might have been nice if something had been added to the site noting the restrictive access on that day. I did message, asking if we could transfer to the following day, but did not get a response.
We just wanted to do the famous ferry 'cross the Mersey, so we did it, but I wouldn't recommend it as being anything special, when there are so many more interesting things to do in the City.
Murali_K, Dec 2025
I feel its a Waste of time and waste of money its boring for fifty minutes. I would not recommeed it. Its 26 pounds.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Sorry that you were disappointed The price for the 50 minute cruise with commentary is £13 for a full price adult.
Nicole_V, Dec 2025
I mean, not sure what the hype is. The boat was so incredibly rusty and in bad shape. The pictures shown are deceiving as this is not the boat that was facilitating the cruises. The cruise is basically going around in a circle with commentary. Didn't find it interesting or worth the money.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Sorry you were disappointed. We have two ferries that operate the River Explorer Cruise. They are both heritage ferries but one is painted in our traditional colours and the other is painted in the Dazzle colours. Both are about 60 years old and require regular maintenance - we advise on our website which one is currently in service. In 2026 we are welcoming a brand new ferry The Royal Daffodil the first new build in over 60 years.
colleen_w, Nov 2025
It was a brilliant experience, the best city , the people were brilliant and helpful and we will be back again soon
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Wow! what a wonderful 5 star review - thank you! We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Dylan_D, Nov 2025
it was a really good tour of both liverpool and the wirral and they tell you stories about the past which i found really interesting. However, it was really cold in the winter (We went in october) so id suggest bringing a big coat and getting a hot chocolate from the on-boat shop.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your great review - we are pleased you enjoyed the experience despite the cold. A hot chocolate sounds a great idea!
Sharon_C, Oct 2025
Great trip across the Mersey - lots to see and a great experience - my granddaughter loved it and so did we
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for the great review - glad you all loved the cruise. Thanks for visiting us.
Jeanne_S, Oct 2025
Nice sights of landmarks on the River. Ferry very noisy. Website to review the excursion too way too long and wouldn’t allow me to continue
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the review Jeanne, we are pleased you enjoyed the views. The ferry can be busy when the schools are on holiday.
Patricia_M, Oct 2025
This was an absolutely delightful experience! It was fun and informative! I learned a lot about Liverpool and the Beatles. Damion and Joe were awesome. Damion is a great storyteller and musician!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the 5 stars Patricia, it is good to hear how much you enjoyed the ferry and the sightseeing bus.
Leigh_A, Oct 2025
Unfortunately the river cruise was cancelled because of bad weather. Waiting for a refund. Operator indicated that need to contact Viator
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Sorry , we had to cancel the cruises that day for safety reasons due to storm Amy. All those with tickets were refunded upon applying for the refund.
Griet_V, Sep 2025
Very interesting information about Liverpool. Clear soundsystem. Perfect timing.
We had beautiful, sunny weather with very clear light. Great for good pics.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for the lovely review, we are please you enjoyed the cruise.
Kim_J, Sep 2025
Lots of information given , we were lucky enough to have beautiful September weather that day which made it even more enjoyable
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for giving us 5 stars Kim, we are pleased to hear you enjoyed the cruise.
Shauni_F, Sep 2025
Nice boat trip , especially when the weather is good. Get to see all the sights from the river Mersey
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the review , we are glad you enjoyed your trip on the Mersey
Denise_R, Sep 2025
It was a short trip but with interesting information. It was a good view of the city from the river.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the review Denise - glad you enjoyed it.
Elizabeth_W, Sep 2025
Interesting commentary. Enjoyed seeing the different parts of the docks on both sides and hearing about the history. Something warm to do if it's cold and raining.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the lovely review Elizabeth
Peter_B, Sep 2025
It was a great trip. The tour guide was very good and informative. Would recommend to anyone visiting Liverpool
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for giving us 5 stars Peter
Pat_B, Sep 2025
Unfortunately there was a drunken woman threatening to jump over the railings and took a while for staff to restrain her.She was loud and shouting.Couldnt hear the commentary,we were worried for her safety and spoiled and distracted which should have been a relaxing cruise.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your feedback, sadly the lady in question was ill and was trying to harm herself so we have to take theses issues seriously. If you had spoken to our staff they would have allowed you to sail again that day so that you could have a more relaxing cruise.
Yvonne_H, Sep 2025
Nice way to see Liverpool and its sights. Drinks hot & cold some alcoholic drinks are available and a small selection of cakes available on board
From $19.16
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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