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.
Enjoy your visit with our complimentary digital audio guide. Simply scan the QR code located at each ferry terminal or onboard the Mersey Ferry to access it. For the best experience, please bring your own headphones, ensure your phone is fully charged, and have mobile data enabled. Please note, the commentary will not play through the external speaker system. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can request a printed cruise route fact sheet from our team at the ferry terminal.
Set sail on the world-famous Mersey Ferry and discover Liverpool and Wirral’s most iconic landmarks. Step aboard our 50-minute River Explorer Cruise to take in breathtaking views of Liverpool’s striking skyline and the historic River Mersey - all while experiencing the charm and nostalgia of travelling on our much-loved heritage ferries.
Throughout your journey, you’ll can listen to our recorded commentary* and hear fascinating stories told through expert recorded commentary. From Liverpool’s vibrant musical routes to the ferries’ role in the First world War, and the city’s rich maritime history. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and take in the views as the captivating history of our world-famous waterfront comes to life.
*Please note commentary will be delivered via your smartphone.
Make it a day out
Why not turn your cruise into a full day out? Hop off at one of our terminals and explore even more. For inspiration, check out our Perfect Day Out blog post.
Did you know?
Celebrate the return of Cunard’s magnificent ship Queen Anne to Liverpool with unforgettable views from the world famous Mersey Ferry.
River Explorer Cruise – Hourly departures
See Queen Anne up close on one of our daytime River Explorer Cruises, featuring live commentary from a Blue Badge Guide. Normal River Explorer Cruise ticket prices apply to these cruises.
Afternoon Tea on a River Explorer Cruise
Make it extra special and enhance your experience with a pre-booked traditional boxed Afternoon Tea. Find out prices and times here
We encourage you to book online before your visit. Online tickets can be used on any date or time of your choice allowing you maximum flexibility. You do not have to select a date or time when buying your online tickets and your tickets are valid for 12 months.
If you need further information about your cruise, please see our useful FAQs section below or email [email protected].
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey on our 50-minute River Explorer Cruise for a unique view of Liverpool and Wirral’s spectacular waterfronts on the world-famous Mersey Ferry. Then visit 14 of Liverpool’s most famous landmarks from the City Explorer Liverpool open top bus, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch.
You can save money and buy a joint ‘River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour’ ticket.
Become a Day Tripper with this joint ticket which includes two iconic Liverpool experiences; a River Explorer Cruise and a visit to The Beatles Story.
Set sail on a 50-minute River Explorer Cruise from Pier Head or Seacombe Ferry Terminal and see the historic and picturesque waterfronts of Liverpool & Wirral. Then head to The Beatles Story at the Royal Dock to immerse in the rich history of The Fab Four.
Booking Your River Explorer Cruise
Do I need to pre-book my River Explorer Cruise tickets?
We recommend booking your tickets online before visiting. Your tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase - so you can choose the date and time that suit you best. When you arrive, there’s no need to visit the ticket desk - simply head to your departure point 15 minutes before your chosen sailing and show your booking confirmation (either printed or on your device) to our team at the boarding gate. Each ticket allows one complete River Explorer Cruise. During school holidays and public holidays, we’d suggest travelling on an earlier sailing to make the most of your day. You can view the latest timetable on our River Explorer Cruise webpage.
How do I book tickets?
Visit the River Explorer Cruise page to buy tickets online. You do not have to select a date or time when buying your online tickets and your tickets are valid for 12 months.
Can I buy tickets at the terminal?
Yes, tickets can also be purchased at the ferry terminal on the day, but availability may be limited. Please note that we only accept contactless payments at our terminals.
Can I get off the ferry during the cruise?
Yes! You can hop off at either Liverpool Gerry Marsden or Seacombe, Wirral, to explore, then rejoin the ferry later, or stay onboard for the full 50‑minute round trip - it’s up to you.
What if my cruise is cancelled due to weather or other issues?
While Mersey Ferries operate in most weather conditions, if we’re unable to sail, please check our Terms & Conditions or speak to the team at the terminal for assistance.
If I can’t travel on my booked date, what should I do?
Don’t worry - your ticket is fully flexible and valid for 12 months from purchase, so you can pick another date and time that suits you.
Are tickets refundable?
Sorry, River Explorer Cruise tickets are non-refundable.
Can I book for a group?
Yes, group bookings (20 or more people) receive a discount. You can book online for up to 30 people. For groups of 31 or more, please contact [email protected]. Find out more about group visits here.
Can I arrange a school trip?
Yes, visit our school visits page and complete the booking form to plan your school trip.
Can I use a Merseytravel ticket or concessionary pass?
Merseytravel tickets and concessionary passes can be used for cross-river travel, subject to availability, but not for the full 50‑minute River Explorer Cruise.
How do I use my Tesco Clubcard vouchers?
Please visit Tesco’s Clubcard website for details on redeeming your vouchers for a River Explorer Cruise.
Are dogs allowed on the ferry?
Yes, dogs are welcome on our Commuter and River Explorer Cruises, provided they’re kept on a short lead. Please note that dogs are not permitted on our longer cruises, including the Manchester Ship Canal Cruises, Liverpool Bay Cruises, and Evening Cruises.
Why is Woodside Ferry Terminal (Wirral) closed?
Woodside Ferry Terminal is temporarily closed while major refurbishment works take place.
Are there drinks and snacks available for sale on the Mersey Ferry?
Yes, our café bar is open during your cruise, serving a selection of drinks and snacks. There’s also a licensed bar on board offering a range of alcoholic beverages.
Are toilets available?
Yes, toilets are available for customer use both in the ferry terminals and onboard the ferries.
Are Mersey Ferries accessible?
Yes, both ferries are fully accessible on their main decks, including an accessible toilet. For more details, please visit our Accessibility page.
Do you offer a Blue Light Discount?
Sorry, Mersey Ferries do not currently offer a Blue Light Discount.
