A venue for any event
We host a variety of events throughout the year from live Rat Pack nights, nights of Gin tasting, cruises with Father Christmas and mutiny as the Dastardly Irwell Pirates takeover for our amazing kids events.
- Hot Drinks
- Catering
- Iconic Photo Opps
A trip from history into the future
Manchester’s waterways have always been part of the heartbeat of it’s industry from the first attempts at creating navigable waterways in the 1700’s to the colossal epic of Victorian engineering the Manchester Ship Canal. Our tours take you from the along these through the changing landscape from the city centre along the Irwell, onto the Ship Canal and onward toward the Mersey Estuary with our Ellesmere Port trips.
- Audio guide
- Parking
“Come and explore with us”
Media City UK is home to the Princess Katherine which moors up alongside the Lowry Arts Theatre. Media City sits on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal on the site of the former Manchester Docks, itwas built with a ยฃ650 million is now how to the BBC as well as ITV. It is a great place to visit with the Imperial War Museum, Lowry Theatre as well as a host of bars and restaurants.
The rivers Irk, Irwell & Medlock feed into the Manchester Ship Canal as it starts it’s 35 mile journey from the heart of the Northwest toward the Mersey Estuary being joined with Rivers Weaver & Mersey.
What our customers says
was ace even had a bar no pork scratching or Newcastle brown but still a grand do. proper job
Jon Hodgson
2021-08-30T14:01:27+0000
Really informative and gentle way to see much of Salford/Manchester Iโve never seen.
David Beesley
2021-08-27T18:11:35+0000
The weather was good,the ๐ was shining. Could of stayed the boat for longer if it could travel further down the canal/river and be good if it could go through one of the locks. But overall a good day had by all ๐๐read more
Julie Birtwistle
2021-08-23T17:54:44+0000
Although the weather was awful an rain it did brighten up - very informative an nice atmosphere well run, good boat had an excellent time ๐read more
Lorraine Staton
2021-08-22T14:08:35+0000
fab night. brilliant entertainment. would definitely go on another
Natalie Reilly Williams
2021-08-20T16:44:14+0000
Very nice cruise and good explanation about Manchester city..
Nilan Rajah
2021-08-17T10:49:29+0000
Booked a trip at 2pm yesterday two adults, one six year old and one four year old, the staff were extremely friendly, nice and kind with the children and very helpful. The boat was very nice, clean and tidy, the trip was very good, nice sail along and the glass windows and roof made the trip very nice indeed, we passed Manchester United ground, Media city and lots of other boats moored up and lots of cultural places with a guided vocal tour. There was refreshments and a bar onboard and toilets.. all in all a fabulous trip at reasonable prices and a great experience.. will definatley be going again..read more
Dawni Fantine Taylor
2021-07-29T22:07:29+0000
6 of us went on the Elvis river cruise, fantastic evening people were so friendly and nice, Elvis was great, we can't wait to come back again, I will,give it 20 out of 10.
Thank you for a great evening
LIz
Gail
Ann
Lynn
And 2 Margaretsread more
Liz Price
2021-07-23T11:21:29+0000
great day out, well worth it for wonderful views of the canal .
Beryl Smith
2021-07-22T12:10:51+0000
A very pleasant hours trip in the sunshine . Very informative
Julia Hawkes
2021-07-18T12:17:33+0000
Elvis cruise on Friday was amazing
Joan Ross
2021-07-11T19:26:48+0000
Have done this trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just to sit ( or not ) your choice, and appreciate the differing landscape.read more
Beryl Sephton
2021-06-06T18:22:44+0000
very well organised and great singer
Linda Clark
2020-03-14T10:39:01+0000
I had a memorable experience.
Barbara Sakanjole
2020-03-13T23:33:47+0000
Great atmosphere and enjoyed by all at the 80s
Sharan Ingram
2020-02-22T23:43:40+0000
6 of us went on the Elvis river cruise on Friday 7th February and what a fabulous Elvis (and were all big Elvis fans and so we r very picky)and what a fantastic time we had!great facilities and was so well looked after,lovely canapรฉs great drink service and a very relaxed atmosphere.you can sit n chill n have a sing song or dance the night away,we r definitely booking again see you soon river boat cruises(Iโm a hairdresser so Iโm going to recommend you to all my clients )๐๐ผ๐๐ผread more
Natalie Power
2020-02-10T00:39:27+0000
fantastic tour music and other lovely ppl who were on tour also
Christine Cook
2020-01-07T19:43:12+0000
very good the wine went down well
Stanley Spencer
2019-12-23T17:28:08+0000
we had a lovely time children really enjoyed it the staff was so friendly and so good with all the children
Cathy Briggs
2019-12-23T16:57:02+0000
We had a great time on the river cruise great trip mulled wine and mince pie professional staff photographs taken on the top of the boat enjoyed the trip great music thank you .read more
Phil Hodson
2019-12-09T19:19:27+0000
Had an evening city cruise in December 2019. Amazing experience. Decent price. Onboard bar. Highly recommend. Oh and the crew is really friendly.read more
Shiran Randeniya
2019-12-08T11:53:28+0000
had a great time on the Santa Cruise, looking forward to booking something else with you
Nichola Foord
2019-12-01T13:41:44+0000
Did the Santa cruise last Sunday! Visited the lowery & had lunch then got into the boat (3 adults 1 child aged 9) had a wonderful afternoon! We shall regard this as a beacon for the start of Xmas every year. It was wonderfulread more
Hazel Mercer
2019-11-29T13:07:15+0000
Went on Santa Cruise with some of my grandchildren last year. It was fantastic, they enjoyed every minute.
Sheila Fogg
2019-11-27T21:15:34+0000
Brilliant few hours being entertained by a great live singer.
Elaine Healey
2019-11-04T20:23:30+0000
Great singer great atmosphere great night out
Lynette Mack
2019-11-01T00:20:47+0000
I went on the proscetto and pooch boat today and it was really good.
my pooch may even be on the photo of the day so happy pooch haha.
well worth the money really good price.
will def go againread more
Kelly Sparrow
2019-10-19T15:53:18+0000
went on the elvis cruise fantastic would highly recommend. Thanks for a great night. 10 out of 10. Brilliant.
Catherine McGuire Maiden Bailey
2019-10-19T12:31:27+0000
Went in the Rat pack cruise and it was absolutely fantastic loved it from start to finish. Entertainment and staff are brilliant an the food was fantastic well worth it and will be booking again soon xread more
Tracy Crimes
2019-10-18T12:40:34+0000
The whole experience was fantastic. We went on the Elvis river cruise and he was amazing; top quality entertainment, good food and lovely staff/service. Great to see parts of Salford from the river too. Defo will be going to more of their events โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธread more
Mercedes Jacques
2019-09-18T21:52:08+0000
Fantastic night out on the ABBA Cruise! Thank you so much! Lynn & Julie x
Lynn Howarth
2019-08-22T21:50:44+0000
Amazing and relaxing. Can not recommend enough.
Steve Sharp
2019-08-20T15:08:33+0000
Took the river cruise from Mark Addy to Media City yesterday very clear commentary clean boat polite staff thoroughly enjoyed itread more
Chris Dave Smith
2019-08-09T21:52:27+0000
Well worth it ..I WOULD GO AGAIN !!
Pauline Leech
2019-07-24T17:59:22+0000
Whatโs not to like, water, boat and fabulous views of an amazing city ....
Easy to find and great for a good night out with great friends!
Enjoy!!read more
Elaine Williams-Jones
2019-07-22T00:35:49+0000
Had the most amazing time for my 40th birthday! Captain Salt and the girls running the bar were fabulous! Friends loved it! Thank you โคread more
Louby Lou
2019-05-29T13:38:27+0000
The fun we had ! the staff wonderful ! The artist Victor Haynes brilliant ๐๐
Carole Anne McCarthy
2019-05-24T00:28:57+0000
It made my friends birthday very special. very accommodating staff and friendly.lovely cocktail and tea and great commentary from the skipper .would highly recommend.
Will come again
Thank you , Julie and Val xread more
Julie Berry
2019-05-07T15:43:42+0000
Came on Motherโs Day was really lovely, boat was clean, staff was lovely and the fizz and cake was delicious
Nicola Rydings
2019-04-07T17:56:23+0000
Would definitely recommend you try this, staff were very friendly the food was lovely. brilliant atmosphere and we even made some new friends. And The singer Russell was great . Canโt wait to do it againread more
Sharon Ann Chadwick
2019-02-24T14:27:09+0000
We had a great time today on the Pirates & Mermaids cruise, would definitely recommend
Debs Hanson
2019-02-22T22:27:21+0000
Amazing experience best valentines ever๐ฅฐ
Bharathi Subramanian
2019-02-15T07:47:12+0000
good night out with a difference if you like swing music
Liz Counebear
2019-01-19T20:38:32+0000
I took my 5 year old daughter to see santa on the boat on Monday. We had an amazing time, the staff were friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The decorations and Christmas crackers were a lovely touch. Thank you and see you again next year!read more
Sarah Lee Jones
2018-12-18T17:48:26+0000
Had a lovely time with Santa and his elf. Great for young children and toddlers.
Kath Moorcroft
2018-12-18T14:04:16+0000
Brilliant trip on the Santa cruise, staff were brilliant my little boy loved it.
Sue Walker
2018-12-16T16:24:01+0000
Fantastic cruise with Santa ๐
๐ผ. Staff were all lovely and welcoming. My little girl loved her gift from Santa and we all enjoyed the trip. Would definitely recommend and hopefully we will be back again next year to do it again.read more
Von Brown
2018-12-09T22:30:23+0000
A great way to spend an hour and a bit on a Sunny Sunday in December. The staff are really friendly and do their best to make the Christmas atmosphere magical for the kids. our daughter loved it and we're so glad we booked it!read more
James Marson
2018-12-09T17:24:13+0000
Had a fantastic morning on the Santa river cruise. The staff are so friendly. the boat was full of decorations and the kids thought it was brilliant. Great choice of drinks. The hot chocolate was lovely. clean inside and spacious seating.read more
Clare Louise Coleman
2018-12-02T20:23:10+0000
Amazing!!!
the best experience!!!
Jose Vecic
2018-12-01T10:03:32+0000
Brilliant night (Rocky Horror Party), nice group of friendly people on board. Music was great. Had a fabulous time.
Bernie Paynter
2018-10-28T11:18:28+0000
Took my daughter on the pirates and mermaid cruise on Sun 21st Oct. Was absolutely brill x
Sharon 'Hightower' Dixon
2018-10-22T20:44:48+0000
I love the fresh air and atmosphere
Tracy Queenie Springthorpe
2018-10-10T22:48:46+0000
Fabulous rat pack cruise for my Mumโs Birthday, would highly recommend.
Jeff Moss
2018-09-28T22:35:03+0000
Had a great evening cruise last night. Really enjoyed the sights and the boat was lovely and clean and the cocktails nibbles/snacks were delicious. Definitely recommended xread more
Gillian Mary
2018-09-24T14:27:40+0000
What a fab way to enjoy Manchester!
Really enjoyed the swing and rat pack night with Russell Shaun the singer!
I would suggest eat before hand. The canapรฉs were lovely for during the cruise and the bar was well stocked.
Such a different enjoyable evening and the view of media city the Lowry and war museum from the boat at night is lovely!
Thankyou xx
5 stars from meread more
Kay Derbyshire
2018-09-08T12:11:42+0000
lovely day out.nice cuppa tea only a quid. seen amazing buildings highly recommended
John Carroll
2018-09-08T05:35:03+0000
I nice relaxing hour exploring... I definitely will bring visiting family!!!
Cherie Freilich Hayward
2018-08-28T20:09:43+0000
Great trip
Kevin Lavin
2018-08-20T14:32:36+0000
Really nice, good commentary, nice gin and tonic!
Grazie Dixon
2018-08-10T22:37:26+0000
Ken Kellett
2018-08-09T18:31:13+0000
You should do the cruise when youโre in Manchester - lovely!
Maria-Theresia Wollner
2018-06-22T22:16:00+0000
Reasonable drink prices
Good facilities
Old skool rocking up n down the irk
Mike Pooley Poole
2018-05-23T10:56:13+0000
June Young
2018-05-09T23:33:52+0000
swinging on the river event was absolutely amazing !!
Abbey Watson
2018-05-07T23:32:32+0000
Carol Calder
2018-04-20T10:01:22+0000
Fab night out ..we did the gin cruise in December so funny ..going again in August
Kay Byrne
2018-04-16T09:20:24+0000
Went on the pirate cruise with my grandson had a really good time. ๏ฟฝ๏ฟฝ
Norma Brickell
2018-04-15T14:54:41+0000
Katarzyna Katarzyna
2018-02-19T16:11:19+0000
Manu Bhardwaj
2018-01-14T21:47:43+0000
A great trip, the children loved it, Chef Charlotte Elf was fabulous and Santa was wonderful. An excellent time was had by all. Thank you ๐read more
Kim Louise Mason
2017-12-18T10:26:46+0000
A relaxed trip with a fabulous afternoon tea, best scone I've ever had,
Jayne Fitton
2017-11-02T07:09:36+0000
Absolutely loved pirate and mermaid take over. Very well thought out, very well executed and superb staff. Cant wait to see what else is aimed at kids. Cant recommend enoughread more
Laura Cornick
2017-10-30T22:57:36+0000
Highly recommended, went on pirates and mermaids cruise and the girls loved it. The captain, princess and pirate were fab xread more
Zoe Brown
2017-10-29T17:07:24+0000
It was brilliant the staff interacted with the children altogether from getting on to getting off it was a funpacked hour highly recommendedread more
Jacqueline Cox
2017-10-28T19:19:46+0000
Wenzdi Roberts
2017-10-06T21:08:35+0000
Neil Collier
2017-09-21T16:06:20+0000
awesome service..warm friendly pilot and staff value for money
Suren Suku
2017-09-17T20:10:58+0000
Polly Sim-Mutch
2017-09-17T18:12:44+0000
Thanks to Simon & team for a very enjoyable Manchester River Cruise today. It was interesting to see the changing Docks & development of Salford & bdyond. All of our Group had a really nice afternoon. Would recommend. Very reasonably priced trip. Many thanks.
Janet - Macmillan @Salford Royal.read more
Janet Atherton Grove
2017-08-23T20:30:24+0000
Michael Anderson
2017-07-31T21:34:28+0000
A really enjoyable and pleasant little jaunt (a nautical term) on the River Irwell and Manchester Ship Canal. Very good commentary along the way. Clean boat with lots of seating with tables. Covered inside with large class windows and open up on top. Two loos and a little bar selling tea/coffee and something slightly stronger. Competent and polite crew. Will definitely go on another trip. Patricia Meeread more
Pattie Mee
2017-07-14T11:51:52+0000
Lea Mottley
2017-06-20T02:41:40+0000
Deyar Hawizi
2017-05-28T20:27:40+0000
Had a lovely afternoon on the Santa cruise, myself and my family really enjoyed ourselves and my son loved it and enjoyed story time with the elf, Santa and driving the boat was "awesome" in his words.read more
Kimberley Anne Atkinson
2016-12-19T14:38:29+0000
We had a lovely time on the Santa Cruise. All the staff were really friendly and what a lovely touch to let the children drive the boat. Looking forward to next year's santa cruise already โread more
Jayne Cunningham
2016-12-19T14:22:45+0000
Miroslawa Tandyrak
2016-12-19T14:12:22+0000
We had a lovely day on the christmas cruise!!! Defo worth a visit! Me and my 4 boys loved it especially driving the boat! Book us in again for next year!read more
Michelle Mckenna
2016-12-19T13:37:25+0000
A lovely boat. It was good in the day and at night would be a great party boat with all of the views and lights of the Quays.read more
Anne 'Ratchford' Cox
2016-07-11T08:30:46+0000
Stephanie Warwick
2016-03-17T21:06:26+0000
