Top 5 Chester Cruises: Tours, Sailing & Must-Do Boat Trips
Chester, that lovely walled city on the River Dee, provides a really special backdrop for some quite memorable cruises and sailing adventures, so you could say it’s more than just old Roman walls and Tudor buildings. I mean there are various boat trips which give a completely fresh way to see this really ancient city and its very pretty surroundings. Whether you’re into a relaxed sightseeing cruise, a boisterous party boat, or perhaps a hands-on sailing experience, there really is a Chester cruise to fit basically anyone.
With so many very tempting options out there, so it’s almost challenging to make a decision, and so I’ve created this guide, really to highlight five top Chester cruises which should absolutely be on your radar. I wanted to give a peek into what makes each one distinctive, so you know, helping you decide which one’s the right fit for your interests and also your budget. I’ll be really going into what you can expect, what makes them special, and the really helpful things like departure points and ticket info.
These cruises provide super interesting peeks into the area’s rich history, showcasing like super landmarks from a very unique angle. Expect very scenic views, too it’s almost fun commentaries, and very comfortable facilities as standard on these boats. Also, this experience is not just something that will take you from point A to B; these waterborne experiences promise, like really awesome views and unforgettable memories on the Dee, too it’s almost like poetry in motion.
Quick find: Jump straight to:
- Chester Sightseeing Cruise
- Roman-Themed Booze Cruise
- Private Charter on the River Dee
- Sailing Lessons on the Dee
- Dinner Cruise along the River Dee
Chester Sightseeing Cruise
The Chester Sightseeing Cruise, that is usually one of the first options that come to mind for those wanting, like really stunning views without breaking the bank. We have all been there right? These trips usually last somewhere around 30 minutes to an hour, so that is kind of ideal if you want a snapshot of Chester’s riverside sights.
The boats are generally designed to be comfortable, so that often means there is some covered seating and open-air decks, to give like all passengers that superb chance to snap that, very vital Instagram photo, but do check beforehand. This is an actually perfect activity for families, individuals, and anyone looking for a kind of gentle introduction to Chester from a very distinctive perspective.
You will glide past attractions such as the city walls, the Roodee racecourse, and some, kind of picture-postcard riverside properties, I mean these are the kind of things you see on postcards right? The live commentary, usually, provides a really interesting historical context, so that is good too. Tours usually, happen several times daily, and they are quite weather dependent.
What makes it special: Short, very scenic route, also very informative commentary.
What to expect: Expect that kind of very relaxed atmosphere, and like interesting facts about Chester’s riverside area.
Departure Point: The moorings are very central to the city so there is basically no problem getting to them at all.
Ticket Info: The ticket information is generally quite accessible to find out, both online and also, at the departure point. Booking online often has discounts involved.
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Roman-Themed Booze Cruise
For something very distinctive and themed, I would say this Roman-themed booze cruise provides a unique twist to a typical boat trip, so do remember to consider it when thinking about this activity. Passengers basically get to dress up in togas (toga-tastic?) and enjoy a kind of party atmosphere with themed music, themed drinks and maybe even some Roman-themed snacks. If that does not sell it to you, nothing will. This type of trip is kind of angled towards those seeking entertainment combined with some sightseeing.
This type of trip usually, features, a DJ, themed drinks (often with a very ancient Roman influence, of course), and really energetic staff that encourage passengers to, you know, embrace the party. Routes basically, tend to cover main sights along the Dee, even though that focus is really on entertainment and less on very detailed sightseeing information, to give you an actual picture. Timings can vary a bit. It usually ranges from a few hours on an evening.
What makes it special: The fancy dress, the Roman-themed drinks and music, that are, almost certainly, what differentiate it from others.
What to expect: Be prepared for a very high-energy environment where getting into costume is half the fun.
Departure Point: Usually, the most central of locations, or else they would not get as many people I would expect.
Ticket Info: The thing to do is to Book in advance, as this is usually a popular option, specifically at weekends, or public holidays and stuff. Read our full review: Roman-Themed Booze Cruise Full Review and Details
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Private Charter on the River Dee
For a really personal experience, consider a private charter, so, too it’s almost like it is only there for you, and, like your friends or family. Several companies operating on the Dee provide charters for small groups for all kinds of occasions and stuff, so there really is a ton to choose from, but not too much so it overwhelms you.
Private charters mean you get to kind of set the route, timing, and on-board activities to actually match the event that you wish it to be. Need that extra special feel for the guests right? Most charters offer options such as catering, decor, and a kind of flexible playlist.
Whether, that is like for a family reunion, a very special birthday bash, or just a get together with all, like your best friends, the private charter means that that can be catered for. Charter durations could be from a couple of hours to a day so it is flexible. The vessels themselves could be a more, like, simple motorboat, or more like a luxurious option for like more sophisticated gatherings I would assume.
What makes it special: Bespoke nature – so the boat ride can really be designed to fit, like your exact wishes.
What to expect: Full attention from the staff as the charter party has like exclusive use of the boat and its team of operatives.
Departure Point: This depends on who you decide to hire, that could be, like super flexible.
Ticket Info: These private charters do need booking far ahead, and always ask the firm how they take payment etc, and do all your usual due diligence.
Read our full review: Private Charter on the River Dee Full Review and Details
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Sailing Lessons on the Dee
You know you can also turn some Chester waterway time to, almost certainly, productive learning by, like, taking a sailing lesson. I always, well nearly always, say education can never be sniffed at. A couple of outfits give tuition from qualified skippers so you will get proper help. All levels of ability tend to be welcome.
Classes will really start with, a basic run through of the essentials, so you know things like, like, boat handling, like how to read the wind direction, how to tie good knots and some stuff about safety on the water, you know the good stuff. You might be a natural. Training on the River Dee gives a kinda calm and actually protected setting to learn, so you know you aren’t, like, suddenly sailing out to sea with a strong gale behind you. Usually, lessons run for half or full days and usually involve a real blend of theory, also practical applications of that theory.
What makes it special: Expert instruction, but also in a super, kinda safe environment on a river setting.
What to expect: Get ready for that hands-on experience; you are going to actually sail the boat with tutoring from the instructor so I’d take the seasickness tablets if that’s you.
Departure Point: Most of the companies that deliver this operate at one spot in the city – very accessible, you know.
Ticket Info: I would say it is always important to check about qualifications of those who will be your teachers, that is usually very important.
Read our full review: Sailing Lessons on the River Dee Full Review and Details
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Dinner Cruise along the River Dee
You can really merge a kind of relaxing evening with seeing the waterfront by enjoying a dinner cruise. The dinner cruise normally pairs eating dinner, with scenic vistas so there is basically everything you would want, or at least that is usually what I would think.
These evening experiences always begin around dusk; and you basically eat while the vessel takes a kind of tranquil sail by all those very nice Chester landmarks, the castle, the bridge and the like. Menus, that is to say, the food offered, really may differ according to the provider, ranging from buffets to, you know, proper plated formal meals, or anything in-between that, to be fair. Quite a few boats come with like proper bars, with drink choices like wines or beers as well as cocktails and soft drinks so that is something to look at when choosing. As far as how long these cruises usually last, usually a couple or three hours.
What makes it special: Basically you get treated to restaurant level cuisine so that must be great; with also that view of the Chester riverbanks.
What to expect: You are going to be sat in that really laid-back atmosphere, good grub, all while looking at all that scenery on show.
Departure Point: Same place, normally a Chester location close to town, basically.
Ticket Info: Be certain to check what exactly the dining arrangements actually consist of, so like if that matters, find it out before.
Read our full review: Dinner Cruise along the River Dee Full Review and Details
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