London to Greenwich by cruise: 2 choices?

[WESTEAST]

Trying to decide which company to take to cruise from London (Westminister Pier) to Greenwich Pier: City Cruises or Thames River Cruises.  Leaning towards Thames River Cruises as it appears to make fewer stops and understand more of an old-fashioned feel.  Recommendations please.  

[Bob++]

I have done the trip, but have no idea which firm it was. TBH, I doubt that there is much to choose between them.

 

Do not expect much from the commentary; they are almost universally poor and the boredom of having to repeat it over and over shows through. Here is a useful video: 

 

[GastroGnome]

Thames are marginally better IMO - but you can take the regular commuter boats and download a podcast to play as you go along. 

 

Sorry realized that could have been a lot more clear!!  You can download "walking guides" (although this is for a boat) which you start and stop at fixed places.  A sort of personalized commentary.  You can of course listen to any podcast of your choice...

Edited June 16, 2019 by GastroGnome
Clarity!!

[dogs4fun]

We took the Thames River Cruise - have no experience with the other company. That said, the commentary is more in line with the commentary offered on HOHO buses although presentation was live rather than through earbuds. 

We enjoyed ourselves as we had also supplemented our enjoyment by research before the cruise.

[WESTEAST]

On 6/15/2019 at 1:58 PM, Bob++ said:

I have done the trip, but have no idea which firm it was. TBH, I doubt that there is much to choose between them.

 

Do not expect much from the commentary; they are almost universally poor and the boredom of having to repeat it over and over shows through. Here is a useful video: 

 

Thank you for the video and info!

[WESTEAST]

Thank you everyone for replying - very helpful.  

[Globaliser]

On 6/15/2019 at 9:58 PM, Bob++ said:

Do not expect much from the commentary; they are almost universally poor and the boredom of having to repeat it over and over shows through.

IME, they're fabulous for cheese lovers.

[WESTEAST]

A follow-up question, is it advisable to book tickets online?  Is there a priority line for pre-purchased tickets?

Expect with so many boats, one waits for the next one if full?

 

Thanks!

[wendychloecruiser]

On 6/19/2019 at 9:35 PM, WESTEAST said:

A follow-up question, is it advisable to book tickets online?  Is there a priority line for pre-purchased tickets?

Expect with so many boats, one waits for the next one if full?

 

Thanks!

 

Don't worry about prepurchasing tickets...lots of boats. 

[EllieinNJ]

Do you recommend purchasing round trip tickets or taking the light rail back?

[Cotswold Eagle]

4 hours ago, EllieinNJ said:

Do you recommend purchasing round trip tickets or taking the light rail back?

 

I usually suggest visitors do the boat one way and DLR the other, for the different experiences. Unless you really like boats or trains 🙂