Hire the World Famous Mersey Ferry
Give your event the wow factor and impress your guests as you cruise past Liverpool and Wirral's world-famous waterfront, on your very own Mersey Ferry for the night.
Our historic vessels are available for exclusive hire, so whether it’s a birthday party, wedding reception, product launch or a night out for your friends and family, we can help. You can hire the Royal Iris of the Mersey with her traditional black, white, and red livery or the UK’s only operating Dazzle Ship ‘Snowdrop’ (subject to availability).
Our ferries are available for private hire from 7.30pm throughout the week including weekends and bank holidays. The vessels have a main deck and upper deck with total capacity of up to 270 guests. Our flexible catering team can prepare a range of options for your guests: from a simple, yet delicious finger buffet, a superb fork buffet or hot food such as their famous Scouse dish. Bars are available on both decks with a good selection of alcoholic and soft drinks to keep your guests refreshed.
The Mersey Ferries team is on hand to help plan and organise your event and can also help you to find top quality local tribute bands, DJs, photobooths and much more. Alternatively, you can bring your own entertainment on board at no extra charge.
Find out more about hosting your event on a Mersey Ferry, including cost, by contacting us at [email protected]
“We had the most wonderful wedding reception. From the attentive staff on board, the food, drink, band, cakes and decorations all made possible thanks to the seamless planning and arranging by the Mersey Ferries team."
Here you can find frequently asked questions about the boat hire. If you can't find an answer to your question, please email our team at: [email protected].
Vessel Hire
What is the capacity of the vessel?
Our boats can hold up to 270 passengers comfortably for an event
How do we check availability and confirm a date?
When you have a date in mind please email [email protected] to check availability. Once pencilled in, a date can be held provisionally for 14 working days after which the date needs to be confirmed with a deposit or it will automatically be cancelled / released. A charter hire agreement form will be sent out to you and this needs to be signed and returned back to us with the deposit. The deposit is 1/3rd of the charter hire fee and the final balance of the event is to be paid no later than 3 weeks before the event. Please note that payment of a deposit and signing the Charter Hire Agreement implies acceptance of our terms and conditions.
What payment do you accept?
We can take payment via Bank Transfer or with a Debit/Credit card online via a pay by link.
Hospitality
Can we organise our own catering?
No. We have our own experienced catering team who are used to providing services on our vessels. We can offer a range of menus, from a basic finger buffet to a more extravagant fork buffet. All our menus have been designed taking into the account the facilities on board the vessel.
What drinks are available from the bars?
Bottle beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks are available. Please note there is a no glass policy on the boat and all drinks will be either plastic bottles or plastic glasses.
Can we bring our own alcohol on board?
It is not permitted for passengers or organisers to bring their own alcohol on board.
We have a sponsor who wants to supply a drinks reception / welcome drink?
Yes you are able to provide your own welcome drink – however you can only provide enough for one drink per guest and there will be a corkage charge of £8.50 per 70cl bottle.
I’m 21 do I require any I.D?
Mersey Ferries follow strict licensing laws and anyone who appears to look under the age of 25 years will be asked for ID.
Can we have a token system for the bar?
Yes. We can arrange to have tokens given to you guests (or to the organiser) on arrival to use at the on board bars.
Entertainment
Can we provide our own entertainment?
We have a number of talented local artists that we can put you in touch with or you are free to arrange your own. We would ask that the entertainment does not cause offence in any way. Music must also be kept at a reasonable level and turned down if requested by the Captain. We will need full details of your entertainment plans two weeks prior to your event.
When does the entertainment need to finish?
All entertainment must finish prompt at the end of the agreed hire period.
What type of power is available on the ferry?
The power on the vessel is 240AC (Alternating Current)
Times
Can we have access to the Ferry before the event?
Access to the vessel prior to your event can be arranged upon booking. Set-up for all catering and entertainment is from Seacombe as it is the only accessible point to the ferry for vehicles. You may drive vehicles right down to the landing stage, giving easy access. Vehicles may be left on the landing stage until after the event to de-rig if there is room.
What time can we board the ferry?
Boarding time is the time stated on the charter hire agreement form.
Can the ferry stop off during the event?
If for some reason a passenger needs to get off the ferry then the Captain and crew will try their utmost to accommodate the request as soon as possible. It is possible to pre-arrange early drop offs if you require them.
What time does the bar close?
The bar will close 15 minutes before the end of the cruise.
Can we extend the cruise time on the night?
We are unable to extend cruise times on the night of the event. Cruise times must be confirmed at point of booking.
Other
What route does the ferry take?
The ferry takes a leisurely cruise North & South on the River Mersey. We can accommodate specific requests if the Captain considers it is safe to do so.
Can the ferry go out to the North of the River towards Crosby?
It all depends on the Captain, the tides and the weather on the day. The ferry has to get back to the normal route before sunset.
Can we get married on the boat?
Unfortunately we have not been able to get a license for weddings due to the fact that we have the capability to ‘sail away’ during the ‘Known Impediments’ part of the ceremony, you can however have a blessing aboard.
Can we decorate the ferry?
Yes you are allowed to decorate the vessel in the set up time given, as long as the vessel is left clean and tidy after the event. Please note that no candles (naked flames), flares, confetti, glitter balls or party poppers are allowed.
What’s the Smoking Policy?
Smoking is not allowed.