This dinner cruise was booked via Virgin Experiences almost two years ago, long before the COVID pandemic. Due to the various lockdowns this was the fourth and finally successful time that we had scheduled the dinner cruise on the Thames.
What a journey into London we had, as the road to Farnborough railway station was blocked by a fallen tree after all the winds and the torrential rain. After traffic jams and multiple diversions we reached the station having missed the next two trains. The train that we caught then ran late into Waterloo. After a dash to the Jubilee Line, we managed to catch the boat minutes before she sailed – time for a glass of something! T
It had been raining in Farnborough and the good news for us was that Embankment Underground station links via tunnels to Westminster Pier keept us dry as we dashed to catch the boat.
Leaving Westminster Pier
The occupied tables around us were well spaced out due to COVIDV restrictions. Probably due to our late arrival the nearby tables were already eating their first course. Ours arrived just after we left the pier. We enjoyed our glass of fizz and then our wine arrived too!
Outside was quite gloomy as we passed the Shard.
The Walkie-Talkie wasn’t as draped in cloud.
Out on deck and the main course
As we reached HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge I went onto the upper deck to take some more pictures.
The boat stopped further down the river to take onboard the hot main course for the nearby kitchen. We were being entertained by a singer, Amanda, who was entertaining us with a guide to where we were as well as her songs.
Going back to Westminster Pier
A misty Canary Wharf.
Back in the main cabin dessert had arrived along with coffees.
Back on the upper deck I took images of the lit buildings.
Back to Waterloo
In our earlier visits to London the Underground had been empty so it was a bit of a shock when the Jubilee Line train arrived absolutely rammed full – just like rush pre-COVID!
While we waited at Waterloo I took images of our fellow passengers similarly waiting for their trains.
Our train to Farnborough was on time and to our relief wasn’t very full.
The London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River on TripAdvisor
Great way to see London from the Thames
What a wonderful way to see London in the evening – the staff were friendly and gave exceptional service. The occupied tables were well spaced and the three course meal was excellent.
The wine served as part of our ‘package’ was good and the additional drinks were competitively priced.
We really enjoyed the live entertainment on the cruise, Amanda was excellent and made a great effort to involve everyone and to create a great atmosphere.