City Centre Cruises
City Centre Cruises
5
City Tours • Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Private Tours • Day Trips
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Our family-run company has operated passenger boats in Manchester for over 25 years and our two vessels, LS Lowry and Emmeline Pankhurst, are named after famous local people who were born, lived and worked in Manchester and Salford, the very areas we operate in. Our restaurant and party boats cruise all year round for groups and individuals, providing unique venues to celebrate your occasion whilst discovering the world famous historic Manchester Ship Canal and Bridgewater Canal which in 2011 celebrated its 250th Anniversary. During your privately chartered cruise you have the best views of the exciting waterside developments from Castlefield in Manchester City Centre to Salford Quays with a great view of Manchester United’s 'Theatre of Dreams’, Media City UK, home of the BBC in the north, The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North.Our restaurant and party boats provide the perfect venues to celebrate your occasion, which may be a Birthday, Hen Party, Anniversary or Corporate event that can be customised to your needs. Whether you decide to dine, dance, drink, or all three, you can be confident that whatever your requests, we will deliver, meet and go beyond your expectations.
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City Centre Cruises
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(44 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
222 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
23
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
3
FCC
1 contribution
May 2022
We had a fantastic evening aboard where we had booked a corporate charter - the barge exclusively ours for 3 1/2 hours. Eamon and the office made the booking easy and catered for our requirements including decorating the boat. The buffet we had was fantastic - (not your normal sandwiches and sausage rolls) - we opted for the deluxe buffet which had a selection of hot and cold items, was really tasty and interesting items. All the staff during the cruise were great. Fortunately we had lovely weather which made it all the more enjoyable. We saw sights from a different perspective and it was a lovely tranquil journey.
If you are thinking of a different staff event instead of going to a restaurant then this is a great option and really good value for money. Nothing was too much trouble for them from booking to stepping off the boat at the end of the evening. Highly recommend.
If you are thinking of a different staff event instead of going to a restaurant then this is a great option and really good value for money. Nothing was too much trouble for them from booking to stepping off the boat at the end of the evening. Highly recommend.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trudie
Northampton, UK3 contributions
May 2022
What a lovely experience. This was booked for a colleague who is retiring and what a great way to celebrate. We were all greeted on board with big smiles and felt very welcome. Lots of room on board to move around, mingle and chat with everyone. The buffet was really good, we had a choice of hot food as well as cold. No boring limp buffet in sight! The bar also stocked enough drinks to satisfy all.
The views from the boat on either side were great. Going through the lock down to the Ship Canal was excellent and onto Media City, passing by Gnome Island :)
Would thoroughly recommend it to everyone.
The views from the boat on either side were great. Going through the lock down to the Ship Canal was excellent and onto Media City, passing by Gnome Island :)
Would thoroughly recommend it to everyone.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth E
Caerphilly, UK511 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This 3 hour cruise was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It was a different way to see the city and the commentary was very informative. The trip takes you as far as Media City on the ship canal.
The food has a homemade feel, but there is more than enough of it! The staff were friendly and attentive. Drinks were not included in the ticket price, but it was still terrific value for money.
Excellent Covid measures in place.
The food has a homemade feel, but there is more than enough of it! The staff were friendly and attentive. Drinks were not included in the ticket price, but it was still terrific value for money.
Excellent Covid measures in place.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SmithyHaydock
St.Helens53 contributions
Jun 2021
We had an excellent time on the Emmeline Pankhurst we left at 12.00 returning at 4.00pm great activity for a group of people. The commentary from the Captain was informative about the surrounding area as we sailed along. The three course lunch we had was delicious and the staff were efficient and friendly nothing was too much trouble. We stopped at the Lowery area where we got off for a short time. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emilia K
Manchester, UK1 contribution
Aug 2020
Me and my partner spent our anniversary on board of the cruise and it was a delight from start to finish.
Eamon and the staff were very accommodating and friendly and we would highly recommend this experience to both couples and families. It was awesome to finally see Manchester by water, something that was long overdue after living in this city for some many years!
We look forward to booking with you again Eamon :)
Eamon and the staff were very accommodating and friendly and we would highly recommend this experience to both couples and families. It was awesome to finally see Manchester by water, something that was long overdue after living in this city for some many years!
We look forward to booking with you again Eamon :)
Written August 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KM S
Farnborough, UK10 contributions
May 2021
Grandparents, parents and grandchildren all had a wonderful 3 hr Sunday lunch trip. Food was plentiful and delicious, staff did everything to ensure we had a good time and the different views of Manchester were fascinating, including the close-up working of a lock. Even the weather was great - not always the case in Manchester
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philippa C
13 contributions
Aug 2020
Had a gorgeous Sunday afternoon lunch cruise. Eamon and his team were brilliant, very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious, piping hot. Very relaxing, the time just flew by, couldn’t have asked for anything more, would definitely go again.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicola K
1 contribution
Oct 2022
We absolutely loved our barge experience along the Manchester Bridge Canel on Saturday. The boat, crew and staff were fantastic.
We had a fabulous afternoon and would highly recommend City Centre Cruises.
We had a fabulous afternoon and would highly recommend City Centre Cruises.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tntround1
48 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Absolutely brilliant day out with family and friends. The food was exquisite and the trip around Salford Quays was wonderful. The price was reasonable and service was great. A 5 star rating doesn’t do it justice.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LA78
Liverpool216 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Firstly I do not know why it's down as Manchester as if you go on the internet you will find this treat under "Visit Salford"!
We booked this a few months ahead of the planned trip and it turned out to be in the last very hot spell of weather, lucky us!
Be careful as it may be described as a "Circular" tour but is in fact one way. In our case from Worsley Green to Salford Quays for around £15 each which includes afternoon cream tea.
As it's one way best you get dropped off and picked up in the quays. If not you can use public transport, bus, Metro-link etc.
It took around 3 hours, the commentary was very good my only comment was that it was just a bit too early i.e. well before we got to the subject that was being talked about.
The boat takes you along the Bridgewater canal towards the Trafford Centre but crosses the Manchester Ship canal via the Eccles aqueduct just before this. You then head towards Pomona dock where you enter a lock to drop down to the Manchester Ship Canal. The boat then travels under Trafford Road swing bridge and in to Salford Quays.
The food was very good and overall was well worth the money. They do offer other cruises with or without food and is cheaper. They also serve drinks including alcohol and you pay your tab at the end of the trip. They know what you have had as tables are allocated before you set off. I think the prices are reasonable, not expensive compared to other establishments.
You may also have to share a table with people you do not know depending on how full the boat is but hey strike up a conversation.
I would highly recommend this trip for both locals and visitors alike.
We booked this a few months ahead of the planned trip and it turned out to be in the last very hot spell of weather, lucky us!
Be careful as it may be described as a "Circular" tour but is in fact one way. In our case from Worsley Green to Salford Quays for around £15 each which includes afternoon cream tea.
As it's one way best you get dropped off and picked up in the quays. If not you can use public transport, bus, Metro-link etc.
It took around 3 hours, the commentary was very good my only comment was that it was just a bit too early i.e. well before we got to the subject that was being talked about.
The boat takes you along the Bridgewater canal towards the Trafford Centre but crosses the Manchester Ship canal via the Eccles aqueduct just before this. You then head towards Pomona dock where you enter a lock to drop down to the Manchester Ship Canal. The boat then travels under Trafford Road swing bridge and in to Salford Quays.
The food was very good and overall was well worth the money. They do offer other cruises with or without food and is cheaper. They also serve drinks including alcohol and you pay your tab at the end of the trip. They know what you have had as tables are allocated before you set off. I think the prices are reasonable, not expensive compared to other establishments.
You may also have to share a table with people you do not know depending on how full the boat is but hey strike up a conversation.
I would highly recommend this trip for both locals and visitors alike.
Written July 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How long is the cruise?
Sarah G
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
The cruise lasts for three hours
How Can I message this company for info for a birthday party
Sheilaelizabeth13
Stockport, UK153 contributions
If you look on their website, the contact box is top right side, if you click on this a page appears with a message facility.
GaleManchester
Manchester, UK31 contributions
Hi its my mums birthday and I would like to do something a bit different she is in her 80 but a bit of a party animal can you tell me the minimum amount of people you need how long is the cruise and is there music thanks gail
Audrey C
Leigh, UK27 contributions
The minimum is 2 people. We have been 3 and 5. We enjoyed the trip on the Bridgewater Canal the best as it is more scenic. We only did Sunday lunch where you just get your lunch and the tour comentary but I believe you can book party cruises for special occasions.
kcsjajgj
Belfast, UK10 contributions
Hi, we are in Manchester on Sunday 10th June and I wondered if you open then? How much for two adults please
Spursgirl13
Hoddesdon, UK400 contributions
They are open it's £18 for 2
d0nnaengland
manchester england26 contributions
how do i book this?
Sarah G
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Hi,
You can email us via the form on our website or call the office on 01619020222 between 10am-5pm.
Many thanks!
Joanne B
Island of Malta, Malta14 contributions
Hi we are in Manchester how can we book and prices please for tomorrow?
Spursgirl13
Hoddesdon, UK400 contributions
On the boat or online it's £8 person on way £16 return
parker5
manchester16 contributions
I would like to book a meal for two as a Christmas present. How would I book this meal for an afternoon.
Mike F
Manchester, UK31 contributions
Visit the City Centre Cruises Web Site. You will be able to buy a Gift Voucher for a cruise and a meal and the recipient of the gift is able to make their own booking as and when they want to go. It makes for a different type of Christmas present.
Chavi E
Manchester, UK4 contributions
HI i was wondering how much it would be to rent a boat at night for about 15 girls on the 19 or 20 of october with no food we just want a good dance, and some fun, and how long are the cruises?
Bigmactheknife
Bury, UK7 contributions
Hi, It's £500 to hire the boat for a private do and the cruise is between 2.5-3 hours long.