liverpool party boat cruises

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Description

Hold your special event on a Party Boat in several locations across Liverpool. Simply Good Times offer Liverpool Party Boats for private charter, and the best shared Party Cruises for all group sizes and occasions. Whether you’re organising a fun-filled Hen Weekend, or a Birthday Party, our Party Cruises boast luxurious décor and impressive facilities for hosting a celebration that create a timeless and unique experience.

Want to do this or plan a package? Simply

What happens on the day for Liverpool Party Boat Cruises ?

Private Parties Our Liverpool Party Boats can cater for intimate parties of eight right up to big bashes for two-hundred people! The Boats are available to for private charter at any time of the day and 365 days a year! Most of our Private Charters include Bottles of Bubbly for the group, a 1200W JBL PA System on board with a DJ, WC's, showers and a large plasma TV. Party Boats can be used for Parties, Product Launches, Film Premiers, and so much more! As experienced Event Organisers; Simply Good Times have the knowledge, experience, and contacts to provide truly memorable private parties aboard our Liverpool Party Boats!

Shared Party Cruises Our Liverpool Shared Party Cruises take place in the evening for around 3hrs. The boats have an on-board sound system and dance floor with flat screens that can be used for slide shows or karaoke. Your Party Boat will include a Glass of Wine on arrival, BBQ supper and Live Professional Disco as well as the occasional music themed evening from the likes of Brittany Spears, Madonna and ABBA. Some cruises also feature spectacular firework displays to be enjoyed from the deck (please enquire for more information).

2022 Christmas Boat Parties Available Now!

Private Xmas Parties: Throughout December, we have our large Party Boat available for Exclusive Private Hire in central Liverpool with a Bubbly Reception & 2 Course Christmas Dinner included in your trip. The boat comes fully equipped for big parties, with comfy seating, kitchen, a stocked and licensed bar, flat screen TV's, and a PA system for festive hits. (Wheelchair accessible).

Shared Xmas Party Cruises: We also cater for public cruises for Shared Christmas Do's which set sail in early evening and arrive back late. With 3 hrs of cruising, the theme is 'Christmas Celebrations' and you'll be joined by other corporate groups and parties with a glass of Mulled Wine, professional Christmas disco, and a sumptuous Festive Meal included in your trip.

Who is Liverpool Party Boat Cruises for?

Our Party Boats are an exceptionally unique venue to celebrate any occasion, whether it is for Corporate Entertaining, a Stay & Hen Party or simply a brilliant Birthday Celebration or Family Party.

Location Information

With several Party Boats to choose from, most are located a short walk from Central Liverpool. Please enquire or call for further information on locations.

Pricing, times and duration for Liverpool Party Boat Cruises

Prices start from £40pp for an exclusive Party Boat Charter (minimum 10x guests chargeable). Please note prices may vary depending upon group size and availability.

HAVE A QUESTION OR WANT TO PLAN AN EVENT? PLEASE CALL US. GET IN CONTACT

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Mersey Ferries Evening Cruises

Mersey Ferries are cruising into 2022 with one of their most impressive Evening Cruise line-ups to date! From ABBA, Beatles and Take That tributes to Funnyboyz Drag Queens and 70s, 80s and 90s Party Cruises, the world-famous Mersey Ferries will be offering lots of incredible experiences on the Liverpool Waterfront.

GIMME! GIMME! more Mersey Ferries Evening Cruises! Back by popular demand, the Evening Cruises on the Mersey return from Friday 29 April with an ABBA Cruise which kick-starts the varied programme of events.

Mersey Ferries Evening Cruises are the perfect night out, giving ticket-holders stunning views of Liverpool and the Wirral as they dance the night away to live music, DJs, and tribute bands.

The programme has a range of cruises to meet all musical tastes and includes a Motown Tribute Cruise, 90s Party Cruise , Funnyboyz Drag Queen Cruise , Take That Tribute Night, and an Evening Cruise with Callum Mac to name a few. Tickets are £20 and cruises run from April to October.

Discounts are available for group bookings of 20 or more tickets. To book call 0151 330 1420 or email [email protected]

Visit www.merseyferries.co.uk/eve to view the full cruise calendar and to buy your tickets.

Event Date: Friday 29th April 2022 - Saturday 29th October 2022

Location: Mersey Ferries Cruises - River Mersey

Categories: Accessible event | Arts | Family | Liverpool | Music | Ticketed

Contact Details: Mersey Ferries, Tel: 0151 330 1420

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THE 10 BEST Liverpool Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in liverpool.

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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Central Liverpool
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mersey Ferries

2. Liverpool Watersports Centre

3. Liverpool Boat Charter

4. The Danny

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6. Pride of Sefton Narrowboat

7. Liverpool Wake Park

8. Liverpool City Divers

9. Sunturtlesup

10. Liverpool SUP Co

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Liverpool Hen Party Boat

We love finding out what else is going on around Liverpool and how we can help you find other great things to do during your celebration. We know a lot of people like to book a Liverpool Hen party boat so we thought we would do some digging to see if we could help you out finding something right for you.

Of course, we’d love you to check us out too! We offer some fantastic experiences, just check out our menu above for an overview.

We’ve had some great chats with our customers over the years and found out some of the best experiences they’ve considered for their hen, stag or kids parties. One of the favourites for hen parties is to book a Liverpool hen party boat.

We’ve looked around and found a list of some of these including some of the things people like to do during their boat trip. Sometimes this is a full blown party on the River Mersey or at the Albert Dock and other times it’s just to host some welcome drinks before heading out into the city for a great night.

A Liverpool hen party boat is a great daytime activity which after an amazing and memorable day with us here at Coverstar Experiences could be the perfect follow up.

Liverpool River Boat Party Cruises

Charter a boat! This Liverpool based based charter has been recommended by several of our customers. Great for small parties, drinks before heading out to club or for staying over. Give it a whirl! http://www.LiverpoolBoatcharter.com/

Disco Boat Liverpool

We found this Disco Boat on UKGirlThing and you can see more at:

https://www.coverstarexperiences.co.uk/liverpool-hen-party-boat/

Here’s a video to whet your appetite:

Circo Boat Party Liverpool

This is an even being put on by the brilliant Circo Liverpool, you can check out the Facebook page for it here 

Joker Boat Liverpool

If you are local to Liverpool you will no doubt have seen the awesome hotel barges at the Albert Dock. They are a part of Hollywood Barges  and the Joker Boat is one of the favourites. Check them out!

Titanic Boat Liverpool

This looks great, one of our customers told us about it.

Here’s some info:

• This boat has been designed as a scaled version of the Titanic which has a historic importance with Liverpool.
• Docked in Liverpool Marina next to the Albert Dock this Titanic Boat features an on-site bar and grill.
• Comes equipped with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge tastefully decorated and features a 52 Inch Tv with Sky.
• Close to local amenities including Matthew Street for those Beatles fans and Liverpool One for those shopping fans.
• Great for couples to stay in and comes with a very high star rating.

The Titanic Boat Liverpool can be booked at  https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/titanic-apt-boat.en-gb.html

Also check the following out, a quick Google search reveals many fantastic Liverpool Hen Party Boat opportunities!

• Skylark booze cruise Liverpool
• Batman barge Liverpool

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3 Best Liverpool Boat Trips to Take in 2024 (Tried & Tested!)

• September 21, 2023

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Liverpool boat trips are the best way to see Liverpool from a totally different angle and, I can’t hype them enough!

I’ve been to Liverpool more times than I can count, and I’ve actually taken the world-famous “ferry across the Mersey” twice now – once in winter, and once in summer.

Thanks to these experiences, I have a few recommendations and top tips up my sleeve when it comes to picking a Liverpool boat tour. Today, I’m going to share the very best ones with you!

In a hurry, and just want to know what the best one is? No worries – it’s this one.

Top Pick: Best Liverpool Boat Trip > World-Famous Ferry Across The Mersey Includes: 50 minute sightseeing cruise on the world-famous ferry 🛥️ BOOK NOW!

There aren’t a whole host of Liverpool boat trips to choose from. In fact, there are only three! Not all three are created equally, though, so in this blog post I’ll show you what the main differences are so that you can pick one that’s right for you.

Let’s get started!

🎵So ferry ‘cross the Mersey ‘Cause this land’s the place I love And here I’ll stay🎵 Gerry And The Pacemakers (1965)

Table of Contents

Best Boat Trips in Liverpool

1. ferry across the mersey.

⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 minutes | 🛥️ BOOK NOW!

This is the original and best boat trip in Liverpool – the famous and iconic ferry across the Mersey, made famous by Gerry Marsden on the Gerry & The Pacemakers song “ Ferry Cross The Mersey ”.

I’ve been on the Liverpool Mersey Ferry twice now, once in winter, and once in summer, and you can read an in-depth account of my experiences later on in this post.

For now, I’ll just let you know that it’s absolutely worth it, and one of the best ways to explore Liverpool.

During the 50 minute journey, you’ll sail along the banks of Liverpool, checking out some impressive Liverpool landmarks you may not otherwise have seen before crossing over the river to Seacombe Terminal.

This side of the river isn’t actually Liverpool anymore – it’s called the Wirral.  

After dropping off and picking up passengers (it’s still used as a form of public transportation by people who live in Liverpool ), you’ll sail down the Wirral’s coastline, checking out its shipyards and the massive cargo boats docked at its port before heading back to Liverpool.

Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by pre-recorded commentary about what you’re looking at, as well as unparalleled views of Liverpool and the Wirral.

There’s an indoor section on the ground floor and an open-roof section on the top floor, so the ferries across the Mersey are not weather-dependent. 

“It was great, loved hearing the history behind the docks.” – Maria ( Read More Reviews )

Click here to book your place!

2. Ferry Across The Mersey with Hop On Hop Off Bus

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 40 | 🛥️ BOOK NOW!

Want to take your Liverpool sightseeing up a notch? Then this combo ticket , which combines the legendary Mersey ferry in Liverpool with a hop on hop off bus tour of Liverpool’s top city attractions, is your best bet.

It’s the best of both worlds! As well as exploring Liverpool from the water, you’ll also get to check out the main landmarks of the city from land, including the Chinese Arch, the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral (the biggest in the UK!), and fun attractions like The Beatles Story.

The ferry journey takes 50 minutes, and the hop on hop off bus route also takes 50 minutes to complete if you were to stay on the bus the entire time. Taking advantage of the hop on hop off option, you could easily spend the entire day exploring Liverpool with this one ticket!

“Could not fault the experience. We were showing a first time visitor to Liverpool the sites. Having very limited time the bus tour was an excellent introduction to the city” – Anne ( Read More Reviews )

3. Albert Dock Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 30 minutes | 🛥️ BOOK NOW!

Stepping away (but not too far away!) from the River Mersey for a second, let’s take a look at the other option for a Liverpool boat trip – the Albert Dock sightseeing cruise .

Here’s the deal – you can walk around the entirety of the Royal Albert Dock, so there’s not a huge reason to take this sightseeing cruise. With that said, if you have limited mobility or just really enjoy sightseeing from the water, why not – right?

This Liverpool boat cruise involves a 15 minute journey along the dock, followed by 15 minutes returning along the same route to get to your starting point. 

You don’t see a whole lot you wouldn’t have seen by walking, but you do get to learn more about the history of the dock, which is a win in my eyes! I spent a while looking for boat trips of Liverpool docks, but this was the only one I could find.

The audio guide is pre-recorded, so that’s worth bearing in mind, and departures are hourly, on the hour, from 12pm-4pm every  day, year-round.

“Overall was an enjoyable trip. I recommend 👌” – Keula ( Read More Reviews )

Click here to bo o k your place!

REVIEW: My Personal Experience on Liverpool Boat Trips

As I mentioned earlier, I have taken the Mersey river ferry twice now – once in winter, and once in summer. And let me tell you, they are two totally different experiences!

In this section of the blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about taking the Ferry Across the Mersey, including anecdotes and top tips from my own experiences.

Let’s get started.

Mersey Ferry tours depart on the hour, every hour, from 10am-4pm, every day. Even in winter!

To board, you’ll need to arrive at Pier Head at least 15 minutes before departure. The ticket office is easy to find – it’s right by the Museum of Liverpool and the Beatles statue .

Here, you’ll need to enter the Mersey Ferries ticket office to show them your pre-purchased ticket (get yours here), which the staff will exchange for a paper ticket.

Then, you join the queue to board the ferry.

If you’re desperate to sit outside in summer you’ll want to arrive slightly earlier than 15 minutes before to make sure you’re one of the first to board the boat. As you can imagine, pretty much everybody wants to get a good seat out on deck in summer!

The boat is noticeably quieter in winter, because Liverpool is freezing cold, and being out on the river is even colder! For this reason, you probably won’t struggle to get a decent seat indoors on the ferry.

Sometimes, you’ll get the cool and colourful boat you’ll have seen on the photos in this blog post, and other times, you’ll get a black and red one that looks like this:

It’s total luck of the draw, unfortunately!

The Experience on Board

Once everybody has boarded, it’s time to set sail! 

On the deck, there are plenty of chairs and tables, some with shade and some without. When I went on the boat on a Saturday in the height of summer there were still plenty of seats for everybody.

It’s very unlikely that you’ll have to stand the entire journey.

There’s a bar on the ground floor where you can buy drinks and snacks (including alcohol!). There’s also a bar on the open deck but that wasn’t open when I rode the ferry.

Top tip: I saw plenty of people bringing their own beers onto the ferry and didn’t see anybody policing this or any rules against it displayed prominently, so I say go for it to save on the ferry’s heavy markups.

The ferry is a sightseeing guided cruise , but the commentary is pre-recorded and, to be honest, not loud enough.

You can definitely follow along if you concentrate, but I’d take this as more of a scenic cruise to check out cool landmarks rather than learning lots of Liverpool facts .

That said, I did learn a few cool things – like the fact that the Beatles played on the Mersey Ferry a few times when it was occasionally used as a party boat! You could therefore technically count the ferry as one of Liverpool’s Beatles sites ! 😉

If you get seasick, there’s a chance you’ll feel queasy on the ferry. When the boat is turning around at Seacombe Terminal it can get seriously rocky! 

Thanks to a very unfortunate 4-day boat trip in Indonesia (and that’s a whole other story) I now get extremely seasick, so even sailing on the Mersey Ferry on a calm summer’s day felt like I was pushing things a bit too far.

If you don’t get seasick, or only get mild seasickness, you’ll be totally fine.

Liverpool Boat Trips in Winter

I took my first Liverpool sightseeing cruise in winter, in January or February (I can’t remember exactly) and it was FREEZING!

This is the main thing you need to bear in mind if you’re considering a Liverpool boat trip in winter. Wrap up warm, and try to sit indoors on the ground floor. 

For some dumb reason, I thought I’d have better views from the open deck. I mean… I was right, but the icy wind that blows across the Mersey is no joke, you guys! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so cold in my life, haha.

Here’s me trying to take a selfie, which was… pretty difficult, thanks to the crazy wind!

As long as you wrap up warm, I still think the Ferry Across The Mersey in Liverpool is worth it in winter. 

I took this journey before I developed my propensity for seasickness, though, so I can’t speak to the differences in how seasick I felt in winter vs in summer.

Liverpool Boat Trips in Summer

I also took the Liverpool ferry trip on a gloriously sunny day in June, and let me tell you, it made the experience so much better!

It was absolutely boiling out on the sun deck, the skies were blue, and the gentle breeze from the sailing was perfect. If you have the choice between going on Liverpool boat tours in winter or summer, I recommend winter.

That said, if you don’t have any choice on when you can take the trip, just do it! No matter what season of the year it’s worth your time. Yes – even if you’re only in Liverpool for a day or two.

Final Thoughts: Best Boat Trips in Liverpool

Liverpool is a stunning place to visit, but there’s no better way to see how mind-bendingly gorgeous it is than on a Liverpool Mersey boat trip!

In case you need a reminder, this is the boat tour I recommend . I’ve personally been on it twice so you can rest assured that the recommendation is solid.

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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Cruises & Boat Tours in Liverpool

Experience Liverpool from a new perspective with cruises and boat tours. Take in iconic landmarks and breathtaking views of the city as you travel across serene waters. Liverpool cruises and boat tours will take you on an adventure like no other.

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Liverpool River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour

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The 9 best party cruises for 2024.

The best party cruises have something fun for everyone.

The Best Party Cruises

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You won't be bored on a party cruise.

The magic of a cruise vacation is created with culinary delights, exotic ports of call, comfortable accommodations, carefully curated spaces and, of course, parties. These onboard celebrations can take many forms: large dance parties and quiet lounges, family-friendly and adults-only, adrenaline-pumping and relaxing activities, elegant and come-as-you-are events, and entire ships transformed into themed cruises .

Prepare for fun times on the following ships hosting the best party cruises at sea.

Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Explore the eastern and western Caribbean aboard Oasis of the Seas , one of the largest cruise ships in the world. On this 6,771-passenger vessel, 18 decks of fun and 2,109 crew members await your next voyage.

• Bionic Bar: For late-night parties where "mixology meets technology," order cocktails from unexpected bartenders: robots! These two specialized tech creations are well-versed in classic alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails, and they can also mix a bespoke drink designed by you.
• Adrenaline-pumping amenities: Get ready for day and night thrills at four separate venues. Ripcord by iFly is billed as the only skydiving simulator at sea; North Star allows cruisers to snap stunning photos from the tallest viewing deck found on any cruise ship; Sky Pad provides a virtual reality experience while patrons jump on a bungee trampoline; and the Ultimate Abyss, named the tallest slide at sea, plunges 10 stories down.
• Surprise events: Scattered throughout the ship are several surprise activities that pop up among the scheduled itinerary of events. Join a toga party; boogie at a disco brigade; dress for a masquerade party; or transport back in time at an '80s-inspired extravaganza.

Book a  Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival: Liberty

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise for two to 14 days through the Caribbean, Bahamas or Panama Canal on the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty . In addition to decks of party fun, cruisers can dine at eateries designed by famous chefs, watch live sports and movies under the stars, and enjoy activities with the kids.

• Sailaway Party/Mega Deck Party: Get the party started on launch day at the Sailaway Party, where all passengers can gather for music, dancing, drinks and smiles. Then, see everyone again at the open-air Mega Deck Party under the stars on the Lido Deck, complete with more dancing, games and giveaways.
• RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar: Taste the flavors of the tropics at these two popular venues for drinks, music and good times. Choose from a chill menu of cocktails and specialty beer while you stay cool by the pool.
• Fun and games: If parties with your friends include spirited competition, this is your ship. In addition to showing off your skills on the basketball court and obstacle-filled mini golf course, play cornhole, sign up for the scavenger hunt and compete in art games. Then, try your luck gambling in the casino, playing bingo, and joining the "Deal or No Deal" onboard game show.

Find a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages: Scarlet Lady

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Bring your fabulous self aboard Scarlet Lady , the inaugural ship of Virgin Voyages , an adults-only cruise line . Fares include all food, essential drinks, Wi-Fi access, tips, group fitness classes, entertainment and more than 50 onboard events and activities for 2,770 sailors.

• Drag brunch and dance party: Join the ladies in the Razzle Dazzle restaurant for an early meal seasoned with glitz, glam, humor and style. Then, spend an evening in The Red Room, where drag queens bring the party to life with dances and banter.
• Scarlet Night Party: Wear your best scarlet attire and immerse yourself in the saga of a "mysterious goddess of the sea and the sailor who won her heart." The whole vessel becomes part of the story with games, tales, live music, pop-up performances, a red pool and a late-night dance party.
• The Manor: Bring your dancing shoes and enter this two-level nightclub through a hall of glittery mirrors. Inside are drinks, music and the Festival Stage Acts – a collection of rotating comedy acts that change every few weeks.
• Studio 72: Dance to the beats of the '70s and early '80s at this high-energy venue. Live music, light shows and surprises await.

Explore Virgin Voyages deals on GoToSea.

MSC Cruises: Divina

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

This 4,345-passenger ship combines modern comfort with eco-friendly tech in an atmosphere of Golden Age glamour. You'll enjoy lots of party venues on Divina 's two- and three-night cruises in the Caribbean.

• Bars and lounges: Spend time with friends in your choice of 17 themed spaces, including a cigar bar, a jazz bar, a sports bar, indoor/outdoor/poolside bars, Italian lounges and the casino. Then, try your talents at karaoke (available in multiple languages).
• High-tech spaces: A stocked video arcade, cyber cafe and full-size Formula 1 racecar simulator await.
• Get Together parties: Gather with likeminded cruisers from across the world during special events like the Veterans Get Together, Solo Guests Cocktail Party and LGBTQIAP+ Get Together.
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: Book a cruise that includes a stop at this exclusive private island in The Bahamas. Step off the ship and head to the sand for a day of sun, fun and exploration with your shipmates. Scuba dive, climb the lighthouse, rent a cabana, have a spa treatment or sip your favorite beverage by the sea.

Compare MSC Cruises on GoToSea.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Breakaway

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Take a transatlantic voyage or book a cruise in the Caribbean or Mediterranean on this 3,963-passenger ship. Refurbished in 2020, Breakaway offers a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade, unique entertainment venues, and a host of complimentary and specialty dining options.

• Spice H20: Pool party by day; dance party by night. This transformative space, inspired by Ibiza's beach parties, offers cruisers a refreshing dip in the pool, hot tubs and a waterfall when the sun is high. Return after dark to enjoy the venue's dance floor and large video screen.
• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar: Escape the heat in the coolest spot on the ship – a frozen bar. Sip specialty drinks in this adults-only spot inspired by Scandinavian ice hotels. The bar, tables, decor, seats and glasses are all made of ice.
• Syd Norman's Pour House: Step back in time at this classic rock 'n' roll venue built to look like the intimate, gritty clubs of days gone by. Performers bring to life all the top tunes of the '60s, '70s and '80s while the crowd sings along.
• Bliss Ultra Lounge: Stay out on the dance floor all night long at this high energy lounge. The distinctly nightclub vibe is created by DJs spinning up-tempo music, ultraviolet lights, plasma screens and a delicious selection of cocktails.

Book a  Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

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Celebrity Cruises: Apex

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Elevate your celebrations of important life events aboard the sleek Celebrity Apex . Work with a specialist to plan a luxury wedding, vow renewal or engagement party on a sailing through Europe or the Caribbean. Itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the Cayman Islands , the Bahamas and more.

• Magic Carpet: Gather with friends and family at this unique venue. The cantilevered, floating platform is perched out over the ocean on the starboard side and can move to different decks during the voyage. Room for 100 guests, a full bar, live music and views up to 13 stories above sea level create a memorable experience.
• Resort Deck: Enjoy multiple locations throughout this architecturally pleasing space decorated with various art installations. Intimate cabanas sit near the swimming pool, bar and two-story martini hot tubs, while the covered adults-only Solarium is a luxurious spot to unwind. Additionally, the Rooftop Garden offers cocktails, dining, comfy seating, live performances and games. This venue can accommodate up to 270 guests for day and night fun.
• Eden: Choose this glass-wrapped, three-story, 11,800-square-foot space for your next party. This popular venue features tranquil gardens, constantly shifting views, cozy seating, fresh air and an array of nightly events.

Find a Celebrity Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Make memories on a multigenerational cruise packed with parties for all the ages aboard the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish . Discover a host of family-friendly sights and sounds to delight everyone on this new Disney Cruise Line ship.

• Oceaneer Club: Entertain cruisers ages 3 to 12 at five Disney-themed spaces: Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Mickey and Minnie Captain's Deck, Imagineering Lab, and Fairytale Hall. The fun includes training as a super hero recruit; an interactive creature challenge; nautical-themed games; hands-on activities; and arts and crafts.
• Edge/Vibe/The Hideaway: Hang out with friends at these three popular clubs for tweens and teens . Counselor-led activities and photo wall backdrops in the chic loft are perfect for cruisers ages 11 to 14. A funky, Parisian art loft awaits those ages 14 to 17, while young adults ages 18 to 20 can plan private parties at The Hideaway.
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge/Keg & Compass: Enjoy some adults-only time at two venues created for grown-up gatherings. At night, the ship's Star Wars-themed lounge becomes a destination for signature cocktail tastings. Or, grab a craft beer and cheer on your favorite sports team in the pub space inspired by Viking ships.
• Pirate Night: Dress as your favorite buccaneer for a swashbuckling good time with the whole family. Shows, trivia, dancing with Disney characters, special effects and fireworks with Captain Jack Sparrow create a night to remember.

Explore Disney Cruise Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean: Themed Cruises

Sailing on a themed cruise with Royal Caribbean International is a nonstop party. Pick your favorite pastime, hobby or passion and book an immersive experience on a ship full of fun folks who share your interests.

• Star Trek: The Cruise VII, Mariner of the Seas : Explore the Caribbean alongside an impressive list of stars from STNG, DS9, Voyager and more. Hang out in the Star Lounge, Studio B, pubs, bars and night clubs with your fellow Trekkies.
• The '80s Cruise, Mariner of the Seas: Step back in time and get ready to sing and dance on this seven-day, all-inclusive cruise . More than 50 concerts are planned for this voyage, including '80s music star performances by 38 Special, Debbie Gibson, Ray Parker Jr., Wang Chung, Sheena Easton and many more.
• The Old School Cruise 2024, Navigator of the Seas : Rock with the old school bands of the '60s, '70s and '80s on this cruise sailing from California. Kool & the Gang, Club Nouveau, Midnight Star and more provide the music for this retro dance party.
• Super Legends 2024, Navigator of the Seas: Take an epic musical cruise with the timeless legends of old school, Latin soul, freestyle and Tejano, all on one voyage. This three-night concert at sea sails roundtrip from Los Angeles.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Azamara: Journey

Revel in elegant merriment aboard this mid-sized luxury ship. If stylish celebrations are what you seek, the 690-passenger Azamara Journey is the perfect setting.

• Club Crooner: Enjoy the musical stylings of the great crooners from the past and present at this swanky onboard nightclub. Talented performers channel their inner Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole and others for an evening of songs and cocktails.
• And the Beat Goes On: Join in the songs and dances from the greatest hits through time via a musical journey across genres. Set lists include famous tunes by Madonna, Ricky Martin, Katy Perry, Journey and many more.
• Six Strings: Watch the singers and dancers at this venue of classic rock with an acoustic vibe. Reminisce with tunes from The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Aerosmith, Queen, The Rolling Stones and others.
• Onboard fun: For daytime fun, challenge your shipmates to tournaments in darts, table tennis and trivia. In the evenings, enjoy the tunes of pianists, a quartet, a five-piece band and a DJ spinning dance music – or make your own music with a night of karaoke. Be sure to bring white attire to wear at the signature White Night festivities, which include special food and drinks, live music, and dancing on the pool deck.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Angela Minor fell in love with cruising during her first voyage as a teenager aboard the SS Emerald Seas where she performed on the ship. Her voyages have taken her into the Caribbean, the Atlantic, the Pacific and Alaska, where she once lived on an island. Minor used her extensive travel knowledge and research skills to write this article.

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Retracing the Beatles' steps in Liverpool is the highlight of this British Isles cruise

LIVERPOOL, England – Sixty-four years ago the Beatles embarked on a long and winding road toward international superstardom, ultimately becoming what many consider to be the most influential, culturally significant and celebrated band in pop-music history.

All these decades later, Beatlemania has barely missed a beat.  

Nowhere is this more apparent than this city on the River Mersey in northwest England, where John, Paul, George and Ringo were born, raised and played their first gigs together.       

The Beatles’ far-reaching and colorful legacy is one of the main reasons Liverpool attracts more than a million tourists each year – double the city’s population. According to a government report, Beatles-related tourism to Liverpool brings in more than $150 million annually and supports 2,500 jobs.

I recently joined the throng of nostalgia-hungry Beatles fans during a visit to Liverpool, a port stop midway through a two-week cruise around the British Isles on the 2,668-passenger Holland America Rotterdam. 

Day-tripper: Seeing the Beatles sites in Liverpool in 1 day

Unfortunately, I had to cram all of my Beatles sightseeing — including visits to two museums and venues where the group honed their musicianship and the places that inspired some of their songs — into just one jam-packed day before our ship set sail for Wales.

Yes, to borrow the words of Lennon and McCartney, I was a day-tripper.

I was on a sold-out tour with 43 fellow cruise-ship passengers called “In the Footsteps of the Fab Four.” The excursion was led by John Bruce, a Liverpool musician and guide who proudly noted that he was born in the same hospital as John Lennon. 

“She’s got a ticket to ride,” he quipped as a woman boarded the bus at the start of the tour. It was the first in a day full of references to Beatles songs and amusing — and sometimes poignant — stories.

John Lennon's orange glasses and the famous bronze statue of the Fab 4

We started on Liverpool’s waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock, a mid-19th-century complex of dock buildings and warehouses that also houses several museums, hotels, bars and restaurants.

At the dock a sign in front of the popular Beatles Story museum beckoned us inside to learn “the story of the band that changed the world.” It features re-creations of key locations and events in the band’s career and includes fascinating pieces of original memorabilia. There are sections on each band member’s solo career following the group’s breakup in 1970. 

It was especially moving to see John Lennon’s iconic orange-tinted spectacles, which he was wearing when he wrote the 1971 song “Imagine.” Lennon was fatally shot outside his New York City apartment nine years later. 

Two blocks away is the most popular selfie spot in Liverpool: a bronze statue of the Beatles, inspired by a 1963 photo of the group strolling along the River Mersey. The statue was unveiled in 2015 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Beatles' last performance in Liverpool.  

Exploring the Cavern Club and other Beatles haunts on Mathew Street

Many of Liverpool’s must-see sites related to the Beatles are clustered on Mathew Street, less than a mile east of the Beatles statue. You’ll know you’re in the vicinity when you pass the Hard Days Night Hotel, the Hey Jude Hair and Beauty Salon and the Rubber Soul bar.

Mathew Street is home to the legendary Cavern Club, where the Beatles played an astonishing 292 times between 1961 and 1963 when they surged to prominence on the Liverpool music scene. 

The original Cavern Club was demolished in 1973 but reopened 10 years later at a spot 20 yards down the block, using the same dimensions and many of the club’s original bricks. The Cavern Club still hosts live music; McCartney performed there as recently as 2018. 

Across the street is a statue of a young John Lennon and the Wall of Fame, which showcases 58 records from Liverpool-based artists that reached No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart. Besides the Beatles, Liverpool has produced numerous other hitmakers, including Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Searchers and Cilla Black, who once worked as a hat-check girl at the Cavern.

The Liverpool Beatles Museum, another attraction on Mathew Street, has more than 1,000 items of Beatles memorabilia displayed on three floors. I especially enjoyed seeing two of the original seats from Shea Stadium, where the Beatles played a landmark concert in 1965 in front of 55,000 screaming fans. The museum is owned by the family of Pete Best, the Beatles’ original drummer who was fired by the group in 1962 and replaced with Ringo Starr.

Seeing Penny Lane and Strawberry Field in south Liverpool

After visiting Mathew Street, we drove through south Liverpool and passed by the Beatles’ childhood homes and schools. We stopped at Penny Lane, which Paul McCartney immortalized in a 1967 song that was a tribute to his Liverpool upbringing. Over the years, Beatles fans have pilfered so many of the Penny Lane street signs that the city has had to affix them to metal posts.    

We also stopped at the entrance to Strawberry Field — formerly the site of a Salvation Army children's home — where John Lennon played as a child. It inspired him to write the 1967 song “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Bruce, who has been leading Beatles tours for six years, played the two songs over the bus’s sound system — along with his own recording of “Let it Be” — while he offered his interpretation of the songs' meaning.       

“I’m a musician and I have a passion for the Beatles,” he says. “When you reveal the reasons about why they wrote some of their songs, it’s incredible. Sometimes I’ve had people at Penny Lane with big tears in their eyes because it means so much to them.”

More cruising: See the wilder side of Alaska on an expedition cruise

British Isles cruise on the Holland America Rotterdam

The cruise started and ended in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the Holland America line was founded 151 years ago. The Rotterdam ship, which took its maiden voyage in 2021, is the newest addition to Holland America’s fleet of 11 ships. 

Our sailing was close to capacity, with more than 2,600 passengers, about half of whom were Americans. There was also a large contingent of Dutch passengers; all of the ship’s announcements were made in both English and Dutch. Cruises to the British Isles typically run from late April through October.    

We stopped in 10 ports over the course of two weeks in such places as Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency that was the birthplace of another famous pop group, the Bee Gees.

But it was Liverpool — and my pilgrimage to trace the footsteps of a group that produced so much groundbreaking and enduring music — that I’ll remember the most.     

Fittingly, as our bus returned to the cruise pier at the end of the tour, Bruce ended his commentary with yet one more reference to a popular Beatles song.

“Congratulations,” he told us. “You’ve just spent a day in the life of the Fab Four.”

Cruising Antarctica: A little seasickness and a lot of penguins

Cruise: British Isles and Beatles history

The Beatles Story:  beatlesstory.com .

Liverpool Beatles Museum:  liverpoolbeatlesmuseum.com .

Holland America Line:  hollandamerica.com .

Dan Fellner of Scottsdale is a freelance travel writer. Contact him at  [email protected]  or visit his website at  DanFellner.com .    

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Suri cruise, 18, goes for a run in central park before dinner with mom katie holmes.

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Suri Cruise made the most of an 80-degree day in New York City while jogging in Central Park.

The 18-year-old was up bright and early on Tuesday morning for some exercise before meeting her mom, Katie Holmes, for a meal later in the day.

Cruise was photographed running through the park in black biker shorts and a white tank top tucked into her sports bra, putting her toned midsection on display.

The teen, who wore over-the-ear headphones, held her phone in one hand while sprinting through the winding walkways.

Later that night, Cruise swapped her athletic wear for a flowy white sundress as she headed out to dinner in Soho with her mom and grandmother Kathleen A. Stothers-Holmes.

The aspiring actress accessorized with tall brown boots and a blue tote bag while on her way to Sant Ambroeus restaurant, where she met up with the family matriarchs.

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum looked chic in a butter-yellow midi dress with black socks and wedge sandals.

Holmes, who tied a dark denim jacket around her waist, added tortoise sunglasses with a gold drop necklace to the look.

The 45-year-old wore her hair in a side-swept braid as she and Stothers-Holmes walked home from the eatery.

However, Cruise arrived and left separately from the group, which also included Holmes’ close friend Michael Fitzgerald.

The teen is expected to graduate from high school sometime this month, though her post-graduation plans have not been made public.

Cruise, whose milestone birthday was in April , has remained out of the spotlight for most of her life, with Holmes telling Glamour last year that she wanted to “protect” the teen because “she was so visible at a young age.”

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While the mother-daughter duo are extremely close , the teen has no relationship with her famous father, Tom Cruise.

An insider told Page Six in March 2023 that the “Mission Impossible” star hadn’t seen his daughter in a very long time and played no role in her life —  due to his role in the Church of Scientology.

Nearly a year later, an industry source told us the actor had not seen Suri since 2012 when he split from Holmes after six years of marriage.

“Katie has safeguarded Suri and she’s a devoted mom,” the source said. “This is a girl who is a private citizen. She hasn’t lived her life in public.”

During a 2013 deposition, the “Top Gun” star admitted his ex-wife filed for divorce “to protect Suri from Scientology,” court documents revealed.

Similarly, former Scientologist Leah Remini told The Post in 2020 that  Scientology considers Holmes a “suppressive person,”  which has kept him away from his daughter.

“Therefore Tom believes, like all Scientologists, that he can’t be connected to Suri,” she said. “I’m sure his master plan is to wait until Suri gets older so that he can lure her into Scientology and away from her mother.”

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Photos from the Naming of Cunard’s Queen Anne

• June 8, 2024

Cunard Line’s Queen Anne was named on June 3 in Liverpool as tens of thousands of people gathered at Liverpool Waterfront to witness the historic celebrations, which featured performances from iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and more.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing, 184 years ago in May 1840, according to a press release, and was the company’s headquarters for 128 years.

Here are photos from the ceremony:

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The Dark Rumor Behind Free Ice Cream Parties On Cruise Ships

People that have taken cruises know there are certain features and perks that can pretty much be expected on any sea journey. Meals, entertainment, activities, pools, and fitness centers are typically included in the price of a ticket. But, sometimes, the crew will surprise guests with unexpected benefits like an impromptu ice cream party. 

There is certainly plenty to go around; according to CNN Travel , Royal Caribbean's gigantic Symphony of the Seas cruise ship stocks 700 pounds of ice cream for up to 8,800 passengers and crew during a seven-day journey (just one more way people can eat a lot on cruises ). But, as it turns out, unexpected ice cream parties could have a darker undertone than just a captain who is feeling generous.

One TikToker went viral in early 2024 when she posted a brief video about the purported real reason cruise ships throw these types of sweet soirees. The former cruise ship singer claimed that, in the event that too many people die while aboard a ship, and the morgue is full (yes, cruise ships have morgues), the staff must make room for the extra bodies by emptying out ice cream freezers. 

@darastarrtucker Replying to @🌼🐛Ramen Goblin🐝🍀 #cruiseship #cruiseshiplife #cruiseshiptales ♬ original sound – Dara Starr Tucker

She also said that, alarmingly, anywhere between four and 10 people will pass away during any given cruise, and that onboard morgues hold about seven bodies. So, per her math, if the count is on the higher end, adjustments will need to be made, and it's often in the form of divvying out free ice cream.

Not everyone is convinced by the math

The TikTok video from early 2024 gained plenty of comments from followers. Some were shocked, others corroborated the claim, and still others said that throwing ice cream parties to make space for deceased bodies was complete farce. In the aftermath of the short clip, YouTube page, @HighSeasCruising , posted its own video, debunking the claim, largely by using simple math. 

As they said, the number of people who die annually on cruises is around 200, and most of these individuals die from natural causes due to old age. The YouTuber is also skeptical of the TikTok video because, as it points out, the original poster worked in the entertainment department, not the medical nor food service departments, and thus, they noted, didn't experience the workings of those areas first-hand.

The Street mirrored the skepticism, claiming that the number of deaths that happen on cruise ships are closer to three to four per week (not per cruise). A study conducted by Bowling Green University suggested the numbers are even lower, finding that, between the years of 2000 and 2019, there were 623 reported deaths on cruise ships, coming out to about 33 deaths per year. 

Regardless, cruise ships have very specific protocols for any onboard deaths, and the staff is trained to handle such sensitive situations with dignity — not with ice cream freezers.

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