Enjoy Liverpool’s ultimate sightseeing experience on our 50-minute daily River Explorer Cruises. Learn more about the fascinating history of the River Mersey, and see incredible views of Liverpool's world-famous waterfront from the deck of the famous Mersey Ferry.
See Liverpool and Wirral's most iconic sights aboard the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Our 50 minute River Explorer Cruise offers stunning views of Liverpool's skyline and the River Mersey.
#DidYouKnow that The Beatles performed four times on The Royal Iris at The Cavern Club’s famous Riverboat Shuffle Cruises in 1961 and 1962?
Find out lots more interesting facts about city's rich musical heritage, learn how the ferries played their part in the First World War and hear more about Liverpool’s maritime history from the expert recorded commentary, which plays throughout the cruise.
All you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the views. You'll be captivated as the rich and fascinating history of our world-famous waterfront unfolds before you.
We encourage you to book online before you visit. Your booking allows you to set sail on any scheduled River Explorer Cruise on the date selected (subject to availability).
Please note we only accept card payments at the terminals.
This year why not make up for lost time and make memories together? Hop off the ferry at either one of our terminals (Liverpool Gerry Marsden or Woodside) and turn your 50-minute cruise into a full day out for all the family.
Stop at Woodside Ferry Terminal and start your day on a high with a visit to Woodside Ferry Village for some delicious food and drink before you explore Wirral.
There’s lots to see and do in Wirral, from the historic Birkenhead Park with its open meadows and lakeside walks, to the seaside fun of New Brighton which is packed with fairs, shops and restaurants to Port Sunlight, the beautiful garden village. All of these attractions are only a couple of stops away by train from Hamilton Square Rail Station or you can catch the 411 bus outside Woodside Ferry Terminal to reach New Brighton.
Hop off the ferry at Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal and get ready to explore Liverpool’s fascinating architecture and history. Only a short walk from the terminal are two world-class museums: the Museum of Liverpool and the Maritime Museum where you can learn about Liverpool’s incredible history and seafaring past.
The Royal Albert Dock is just around the corner from Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal and is a great place to shop, dine and take in the sights. Here you can also visit Tate Liverpool, one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art in the UK and the award winning The Beatles Story, which is the world's largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles.
With all this and lots more to do on both sides of the river the ferry is the best way to see and experience Liverpool and Wirral with your loved ones. We even have two Mersey Ferries for you to travel on, the Royal Iris of the Mersey in traditional black, white and red livery and the Dazzle Ferry, the only operating Dazzle Ship in the UK. The eye-catching design was created by Sir Peter Blake as part of the First World War commemorations.
See you onboard soon!
Booking Your River Explorer Cruise
Will I need to pre-book a ticket for a River Explorer Cruise?
We encourage customers to book their tickets online before they visit. Tickets can be booked online on the day of your visit. Your booking allows you to set sail on any scheduled River Explorer Cruise on the date selected (subject to availability). One complete cruise trip is permitted per ticket. During school and public holidays, we encourage visitors to travel on the earlier daytime sailings if possible.
Please arrive at your departure point at least 15 minutes before your selected cruise time and have your booking confirmation ready to show to our staff members (digital or printed version).
How do I book a ticket?
Visit our River Explorer Cruise web page to pre-book the date of your cruise. Tickets can be booked online on the day of travel.
Can I buy a ticket at the terminal on the day that I would like to travel?
Yes, you can buy tickets at the ferry terminal on the day. Tickets are limited and are subject to availability.
Please note we only accept contactless payments at the terminals.
Can I get off the ferry at Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Liverpool or Woodside, Wirral during my River Explorer Cruise?
Yes, with a River Explorer Cruise ticket you can break your 50-minute River Explorer Cruise by getting off the ferry at either Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Liverpool or Woodside, Wirral. You can also stay on the ferry for the entire 50-minute cruise, the choice is yours.
How do I get a refund if the ferry does not operate due to weather or other operational issues?
Mersey Ferries has an excellent reliability record and operates in most weather conditions throughout the year. If in the unlikely event that Mersey Ferries cannot operate, please check our Terms & Conditions and email onlinebookings@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk with your booking information.
I’m now unable to travel on the date that I’ve booked, what should I do?
We are happy to offer a date change free of charge. To move your River Explorer Cruise ticket to a future date please call our friendly Contact Centre team on 0151 330 1003 who will be happy to help.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets for River Explorer Cruises are non-refundable.
Can I book a group visit?
To book your group trip call 0151 330 1420 (Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm) or email groups@merseyferries.co.uk.
Find out more about our group trips here.
Can I book a school trip?
To book a school trip, please visit our dedicated school visits web page and complete the booking form.
If I have a Merseytravel ticket or concessionary travel pass, can I use the ferry for cross-river travel?
The use of Merseytravel tickets and concessionary travel passes to cross the river during River Explorer Cruise sailing times is subject to availability. Merseytravel tickets and concessionary travel passes are not valid for the full 50-minute River Explorer Cruise; they can only be used for cross-river travel.
Customers with Merseytravel tickets and concessionary travel passes can only buy cross-river tickets in person on the day of travel (subject to availability). Please arrive at the terminal 15 minutes before your preferred departure time to buy cross-river tickets on the day of travel.
Your Visit
Why is Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wirral closed?
Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wirral has temporarily closed for major refurbishment works. The works will see the linkspan bridges, which are over 130 years old and coming to the end of their operational life, replaced and the landing stage undergo a major refurbishment, including upgrading the mooring bollards and installing new powered gangways. Find out more about the refurbishment works here.
Is U-boat Story Open?
Please note U-boat Story is currently closed - please see further details here.
Is Café Cross the Mersey open on the Ferry?
Café Cross the Mersey will be open during your cruise, so you can buy drinks and snacks. A licensed bar selling a range of acholic drinks is also available on board.
Are Woodside Ferry Village, Fab 4 Café and Matou at Liverpool Gerry Marsden open?
Please check the individual websites for opening hours and further information.
Are the toilets in the terminals and on the ferries open?
Yes, toilets in the terminals and on the ferries will be open for customer use.