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. Ticket(s) booked online can be used on a date and time of your choice allowing you maximum flexibility! Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of purchase as per our T&Cs. You do not need to show your ticket(s) at the ticket desk, saving you time! 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 member at the boarding gate (digital or printed version). 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. Check out our River Explorer Cruise timetable here.
How do I book a ticket?
Visit our River Explorer Cruise web page to buy your cruise tickets. Tickets can be booked anytime online including 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 Seacombe, 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 Seacombe, 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 speak with our team at the ferry terminal.
I’m now unable to travel on the date that I’ve booked, what should I do?
River Explorer Cruise tickets booked online are completely flexible allowing you to choose another date and time for your cruise. Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of booking.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets for River Explorer Cruises are non-refundable.
Can I book a group visit?
You can make a group booking online and a discount will be applied if your group is 20 or more. You can book online for groups up to 30 people. If your group size is 31 people or more or you need to contact us regarding your group booking, please email [email protected]
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.
How do I use my Tesco Clubcard vouchers for a River Explorer Cruise?
Please see the Tesco Clubcard webpage for details:
https://secure.tesco.com/clubcard/vouchers/mersey-ferries
Are Dogs Allowed on the Ferry?
Dogs are allowed on our Commuter and River Explorer Cruises as long as they are on a short lead. We do not allow dogs on our longer cruises such as Manchester Ship Canal Cruises, Liverpool Bay Cruises or Evening Cruises.
Why is Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral closed?
Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral has temporarily closed for major refurbishment works.
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 alcoholic 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.
Are the Mersey Ferries accessible?
Yes, both ferries are fully accessible on their main decks. Please see our accessibility web page for more information.