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River Explorer Cruise

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 Edward III granted the ferries a Royal Charter in 1330 and The Beatles performed four times on The Royal Iris at The Cavern Club’s famous Riverboat Shuffle Cruises in 1961 & 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.

Please note we only accept card payments at the terminals. 

Do you want to combine you river cruise with a Liverpool open top bus tour? Please click here for details

Book online with Mersey Ferries and get maximum flexibility!

We encourage you to book online before your visit. Online ticket(s) 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. Your ticket(s) 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! Our staff at the entry gate will verify you ticket(s) on boarding. During school and public holidays, we encourage visitors to travel on the earlier daytime sailings if possible. If you need further information about your cruise, please email [email protected]

Timetables

Check the departure times for ...

  • Sorry, River Explorer Cruises are not running today.

  • Gerry Marsden

    Liverpool

  • Woodside

    Birkenhead

  • Seacombe

    Wirral

  • *River Explorer Cruise service terminates on the hour at Pier Head. Please note this is a one way service only. Direct Cross-River (Commuter Services) operate from Monday to Friday until 6:30pm.

Pricing

  • Adult

    16+

    £12.00

  • Child

    Ages 5-15

    £8.00

  • Infant

    Under 5

    Free

  • Concession

    Over 60s and student card holders

    £10.50

  • Family

    2 adults & up to 2 children

    £34.00

  • Family

    2 adults & 3 children

    £37.00

The Perfect Day out for all the Family 

Planning a trip on the ferry? Why not hop off at either one of our terminals (Liverpool Gerry Marsden or Seacombe) and turn your 50-minute cruise into a full day out for all the family!

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 bus, which you can catch from outside Seacombe Ferry Terminal.

Also, at Seacombe Terminal, you will find the newly opened Eureka! Science + Discovery centre. Explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics influence and shape our lives - connecting the everyday with the extraordinary. A River Explorer Cruise is an ideal way to make the journey to and from Eureka! Science + Discovery and Mersey Ferries is offering Eureka! Science + Discovery ticket holders a 20% discount on River Explorer Cruise tickets*.

To enjoy Wirral’s newest attraction book tickets in advance on the Eureka website

Hop off the ferry at Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal and enjoy a delicious coffee from the Fab4 Cafe. Explore Liverpool’s fascinating architecture and history, with a live guide on the City Explorer Liverpool open top bus, including stops at the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Quarter and the Chinese Arch. You can save money by buying a ticket for a River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour

If you're intersted in music, The Beatles Story, is just around the corner from Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal. The award winning museum is the world largest permanent exhibition purely devoted to telling the story of the lives and times of The Beatles. Enjoy discounted prices on both attractions with our River Explorer & The Beatles Story combination ticket. 

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. 

See you onboard soon!

Cruise Route

Make it a full day out...

River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour

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.

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Eureka! Science + Discovery 

Eureka! Science + Discovery is located at Seacombe Ferry Terminal, Wirral which is a short trip over the River Mersey from Liverpool City Centre. Mersey Ferries offers hourly departures from its Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal located at the Pier Head to Seacombe Ferry Terminal in Wirral.

Book advance to explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics  shape our lives.

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River Cruise & The Beatles Story

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.

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