River Explorer Cruises are back! We can’t wait to see you again. Cruises sail between 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Cruises depart Pier Head, Liverpool on the hour and Woodside, Wirral at twenty past the hour.
We’ve introduced timed tickets, so don’t forget you’ll need to book online before you set sail.
Find out more about the temporary closure of Seacombe Terminal and the major refurbishment works taking place here.
To help keep everyone safe, a few things will have changed since your last visit. We have been awarded the official UK ‘We’re Good To Go’ mark to show that we have followed government and industry Covid-19 guidelines and have processes in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
For more information about the changes we have made to help keep our passengers and staff members safe check out our FAQs below.
Please note 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), customers will not be able to pre-book tickets for cross-river travel. If tickets are bought online, they are non-refundable.
We've missed you and can't wait to see you again! See you soon.
Booking Your River Explorer Cruise
Will I need to pre-book a ticket for a River Explorer Cruise?
We have limited the number of passengers that can travel on a River Explorer Cruise due to government Covid 19 guidelines. You will need to pre-book the time and date of your River Explorer Cruise online before you visit. Tickets can be booked online up to one hour before the cruise departure time.
You will also need to choose your departure point (either Pier Head, Liverpool or Woodside, Wirral) when you book your cruise. Please arrive at your departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled 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 time and date of your cruise. Tickets can be booked online up to one hour before the cruise departure time.
We have systems in place to comply with the government's track and trace legislation for all passengers over sixteen years of age, including QR codes to check in with during your cruise.
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. Therefore, we encourage customers to book online in advance to secure their ticket for a River Explorer Cruise.
Please note we only accept contactless payments at the terminals.
I’ve missed my sailing time, what do I do?
We will try and book you a ticket on the next available sailing, but this cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability. Please speak to one of our friendly staff members in the terminal for further advice.
Can I get off the ferry at Pier Head, 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 Pier Head, Liverpool or Woodside, Wirral. You can also stay on the ferry for the entire 50-minute cruise, the choice is yours.
If you would like to break your River Explorer Cruise journey and get off the ferry at one of our terminals, please let our staff members know when you show them your booking confirmation (digital or printed copy) at the ticket desk.
Can I book a group/ school visit?
To book your group or school trip call 0151 330 1420 (Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm) or email groups@merseyferries.co.uk.
Find out more about our group and school trips here.
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), customers will not be able to pre-book tickets for cross-river travel. If tickets are bought online, they are non-refundable.
Please arrive at the terminal 15 minutes before your preferred departure time to buy cross-river tickets on the day of travel.
Gift Vouchers
How do I use my River Explorer Cruise gift vouchers?
Please take your River Explorer Cruise gift vouchers to the ferry terminal on the day you would like to travel. It is not possible to pre-book your River Explorer Cruise with gift vouchers.
Places on River Explorer Cruises are subject to availability. Please arrive 15 minutes before your preferred departure time.
Covid-19 Safety Measures in place
Will I need to wear a face covering?
Face coverings are mandatory in our terminals, on the linkspan and on the ferry. Children under the age of 11 and passengers with exemptions will not need to wear a face covering.
You can remove your face covering only when you eat or drink whilst sat in your seat.
Please keep a safe distance from your fellow passengers on your cruise and use the hand sanitiser provided.
If I’m feeling unwell on the day of my cruise, what should I do?
If you’re experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, please stay home and follow the government guidance.
To move your River Explorer Cruise ticket to a future date please call our friendly staff members in the Contact Centre on 0151 330 1003 who will be happy to help.
Tickets for River Explorer Cruises are non-refundable.
What extra safety measures have you put in place?
We have been awarded Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ certification, as we have put in place a number of measures to help keep our staff and passengers safe. We have limited the number of passengers on our cruises and installed hand sanitiser stations in our terminals and on our ferries.
We have also introduced enhanced cleaning measures on the ferry and in our terminals and have signage to encourage everyone to keep their distance. We have installed protective screens at our ticket desks and have given staff members personal protective equipment such as face masks to keep them safe. One-way systems are also in place at our ferry terminals.
At this current time we are unable to accept cash payments at the terminals and only accept contactless payments.
Your Visit
What are the River Explorer Cruise sailing times?
River Explorer Cruises sail from 10am-4pm on Monday to Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. The ferry departs Pier Head, Liverpool every hour and Woodside, Wirral at twenty past the hour.
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 and will not reopen on Monday 17 May due to social distancing restrictions.
Further updates regarding the reopening of U-boat Story will be released in line with government advice and future changes to Covid-19 restrictions.
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.
Are Woodside Ferry Village, Fab 4 Café, the Beatles Story Shop and Matou at Pier Head 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.
We’ve introduced timed tickets, so you’ll need to book online before you get here. We have limited the number of passengers that can travel on a River Explorer Cruise due to government guidelines. Please make sure you have your booking confirmation ready when you arrive.
Don’t forget your face covering. You’ll need to wear it for your entire visit, at our terminals, on the linkspan and on the ferry. Children under the age of 11 and passengers with exemptions will not need to wear a face covering.
We’ve introduced enhanced cleaning measures and installed hand sanitiser stations on the ferry and at our terminals.
Remember to keep a safe distance from others at our terminals, on the linkspan and on the ferry. To help you with this we’ve also introduced a one-way system at the terminals.
Check out our short video which shows some of the latest updates and safety measures we’ve put in place to help keep everyone safe.
See Liverpool's most iconic sights aboard the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Our 50 minute River Explorer Cruise takes in the best views along the riverside.
Guided by expert commentary throughout the 50-minute trip, the River Explorer Cruise offers stunning views of Liverpool's skyline. As you relax and take in the views you'll be captivated as the rich and fascinating history of the UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront unfolds before you. Whilst at Woodside terminal you can also enjoy delicious food and drink from the international menus of Woodside Ferry Village
U-boat Story
Please note U-boat Story is currently closed and will not reopen on Monday 17 May due to social distancing restrictions.
Further updates regarding the reopening of U-boat Story will be released in line with government advice and future changes to Covid-19 restrictions.
| Adult (16+) | £11.00 |
| Child (5-15) | £7.00 |
| Infant (Under 5) | Free |
| Concession (Over 60s and NUS card holders) | £9.50 |
| Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) | £30.00 |
Check out an accessible, text only version of the Mersey Ferries Quiz here.
