New London Cruises: Top Sailing Tours & River Trips Reviewed

Visiting London? You know, seeing the city from the River Thames gives a totally different vibe, it’s almost magical! The thing is, there are heaps of options, so it’s kind of tough to pick the trip that’s perfect, very much for your liking, and for everyone. I’ve taken a good few of these myself, and have rounded up the very best London cruises and sailing tours, each giving you a unique viewpoint on London. What’s even better, whether you are after historical insights, want party vibes, or need some relaxing moments, you are sure to find one that ticks the box.

1. City Cruises: The Standard Tourist Option

If you are a first-timer wanting to get all the important spots covered, City Cruises is just a really good place to start. This, incidentally, is actually the most obvious option to get your sightseeing done on the river. You know, they’ve got regular departures from spots such as Westminster, Tower Pier, and Greenwich, which is ideal for hopping on and off. Apparently, most of these tours will give a guided commentary. In other words, it will offer facts on spots such as the Tower of London or the Houses of Parliament. The cool thing, you can choose various tickets that would allow you to hop on/hop off all day, so you actually get to explore certain bits a bit more. To be honest, it’s a solid choice for tourists who are wanting to check out top sights at their own speed, at their chosen speed exploring at their own speed.

I guess if you are after a more unique experience, so that may be a bit *too* standard. Still, if convenience is key, it might just hit the spot. Just saying.

Highlights:

Hop-on Hop-off tickets: Perfect for custom itineraries.
Frequent departures: Actually really convenient.
Guided commentary: They help get the historical context.

2. Thames Rockets: Thrill-Seeker Adventure

Do you need some excitement, by the way? Is standard sightseeing just really not your thing? Thames Rockets might just be what you would enjoy, I’m thinking. Like your normal river cruise this is not. The thing is, these are high-speed RIB boats that whizz all along the Thames. Indeed, it mixes sightseeing and an adrenaline rush. It almost feels like being in an action film – with blasts of upbeat music, which is also the reality in some way blasts of upbeat music. It’s absolutely fantastic. The tours will still cover important landmarks; that said, it’s delivered with so much fun.

I guess the cost can be slightly higher than other normal tours; however, trust me, it’s really an unforgettable time. Expect plenty of laughs and holding on tight!

Highlights:

High-speed RIB boats: Expect a great amount of fun!
Exciting commentary: Really delivered with heaps of humor.
Thrill ride: You’re getting more than a regular cruise.

3. Bateaux London: The Fine Dining Experience

Should you wish to mix elegance with your tour of the Thames, so you’ve got to try Bateaux London. Like really elevate your trip by actually having dinner or afternoon tea all the while gliding by London’s attractions, on attractions, even. Typically, there is smooth jazz which tends to play as the background to a fantastic meal, so creating quite an upmarket feel. You know, the glass roof boat, Harmony, gives everyone spectacular views. This is something which really has quite the romantic sort of date or celebratory occasion. If you need something a bit special, this is just actually wonderful. Is a peaceful lunch with your favorite people, perhaps what you want? You see, fine dining with amazing landscape may make Bateaux London be an ideal choice.

Do bear in mind that since it is an upmarket experience, it would mean that the price is very much on the steeper end of the spectrum. Worth it, you ask? Completely.

Highlights:

Fine dining cruises: Enjoy good meals, and food.
Glass-roofed boat: Guaranteeing pretty great panoramic views.
Live jazz: Really creates a great mood.

4. Thames River Sightseeing: For Budgets and Ease

Is actually saving money a top concern? Still after a great sightseeing cruise though? So you have to consider Thames River Sightseeing. Now these tours will offer a great price range, which can make it actually perfect for individuals, perhaps even families that watch their spending. Just picture it. From Westminster Pier you will go, hitting attractions such as the London Eye, and you know, the Tower Bridge. Also, commentary is there too so you wouldn’t be left out regarding knowledge about the landmarks along the way, and such. It’s something that may not be having the premium features such as that offered with other expensive options. Be that as it may, in general it really hits well when factoring worth for budget-minded travellers. With reasonable price, you will find no obstacles getting you a great experience, that is a wonderful experience too!

If you’re after all the bells and whistles then this probably won’t cut it. That said, when prioritizing savings, it makes perfect sense.

Highlights:

Affordable: Tours for those on a budget.
Regular routes: Including top landmarks, incidentally.
Informative commentary: The guided explanation is awesome.

5. French Brothers: Local Feel and Longer Trips

Should you want escaping main London just a little and wanting extended tours along the Thames, you’d need French Brothers. Instead of just being inside central London, so that company would offer tours heading toward areas such as Windsor and Hampton Court. If your plan is to have more in the scenery along with smaller boat vibes, so that just might float well. Usually, it might even have family-run operators in the feel of this; you will even escape a great deal from tourist-filled spaces too, that’s my assessment. Family run, smaller boats may add more fun to you. To me that looks like a brilliant experience, it is more like a local scene. So take your loved ones here!

Bear in mind, tours are quite longer so, actually, you would require allocating most of one whole day, even. This might be awesome for travellers intending getting right away from Central London; and furthermore experience other lovely stretches just on Thames!

Highlights:

Extended routes: Tours that get beyond central London, clearly.
Family-run vibe: Very unique authentic boat cruise feels like.
Relaxing pace: Perfect to do when chilling along the Thames River banks, basically.