Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise

The Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise departs from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal in Liverpool, England, and is the best-known way to see the city's waterfront from the water. The ferry route, immortalised by Gerry and the Pacemakers in Ferry Cross the Mersey, crosses the river to the Wirral shore, calling at Seacombe and Woodside, and the cruise combines the crossing with a recorded commentary. The roughly fifty-minute round trip passes beneath the skyline of the Three Graces, the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, and follows the line of the docks, the Anglican cathedral on the horizon, and the Wirral coast. Commentary explains the river's history as a trading route, the wartime role of the port and landmarks such as the Liverpool waterfront's UNESCO-linked heritage. Passengers can stay on board for the complete round trip or step off at Seacombe or Woodside for walks, the Spaceport at Seacombe or the U-boat Story at Woodside; check the day's timetable before planning a stop. Ferries have indoor seating with windows and an open deck, so rain does not cancel the view, although the open deck can be windy. Clear afternoons give the best visibility of the skyline, while sunset sailings show the river in warm light. Boats run on a reduced timetable in winter, and commuter services have different hours from leisure cruises. Tickets can be bought online or at the terminal, with child and family prices. The ticket office and a cafe are at Pier Head, a five-minute walk from James Street Merseyrail station and beside the Museum of Liverpool. Photography is encouraged from the upper deck, where the seats near the front or the stern offer the clearest angles. Seagulls are common around the pier, so food should be kept covered on deck.