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Manchester Ship Canal

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Manchester Ship Canal

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Enjoy a relaxing day out cruising along the historic Manchester Ship Canal. As you travel along the canal, take in some spectacular scenery and enjoy a lively commentary from the on-board Blue Badge Guide telling the story of how this magnificent waterway shaped the city of Manchester and the North West of England. The cruise will pass through locks and bridges that have remained largely unchanged since their construction over 100 years ago, and show you some of the region's most stunning architectural and natural sights.

The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise by Mersey Ferries will sail from Liverpool and the Wirral, travel along the captivating Manchester Ship Canal to the historic Latchford Locks and back, giving you the opportunity to experience a round-trip in the same day.

manchester ship canal cruise

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manchester ship canal cruise

Mersey Ferries Manchester Ship Canal Cruise

Return coach travel from your local pick up point

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Travel Arrangements

We travel to Birkenhead where we board a Mersey Ferries boat to begin our Manchester Ship Canal cruise. Relax as you travel under bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over 125 years ago and experience the rich legacy of Victorian architecture and engineering masterpieces like the Grade II listed Runcorn Rail Bridge and the Latchford High Level Bridge. At Latchford Locks the ferry will turn and start the return journey back to Liverpool and Wirral. As you sail back along the canal, through Eastham Locks into the River Mersey, you will get a breath-taking view of the Mersey Estuary and Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront in the distance. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the stunning coastline, Liverpool's famous skyline and historic buildings. The cruise will last between 5-6 hours and upon your return to Birkenhead, our coach will be waiting to commence the return journey home.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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To make an online booking, please first select the number of passengers required in the dropdown menu below, then click the shopping trolley icon in the Book Now column. If the shopping trolley icon is unavailable, online booking is not currently available for this departure. Please call our reservations team on 01286 675175 or use the Call Back facility and a member of our team will be happy to assist.

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Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise

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Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.

Manchester is surrounded by miles of canals and waterways, built during England’s Industrial Revolution to allow coal to be transported into the heart of this great Northern city. Jump on board the City Centre Cruise from the docks at Castlefield Basin and watch Manchester, Trafford Park and Salford glide past you as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell. You’ll see the MediaCityUK development site, the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford – home to Manchester United Football Club – as your boat navigates the locks and docks of Britain’s first canal. Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

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Manchester Ship Canal

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Top ways to experience Manchester Ship Canal and nearby attractions

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Manchester Ship Canal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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manchester ship canal cruise

Description

Our city centre stop is closing from 27th nov all trips will be from salford quays, city river & canal tour.

Hop aboard the Princess Katherine for one of our boat trips around the Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal.  This 60/70 min river tour gives you an insight into the history of the area and a unique view of Manchester including Media City, Old Trafford and the disused dry docks.

Salford Quays  is quickly becoming a must do on the list of Manchester’s place to be with the  Imperial War Museum , Lowry Arts Theatre, BBC & Granada studios as well as the Lowry Outlet and a host of bars and restaurants it’s the perfect place to spend the day.

Tea and coffee is available on all our sightseeing boat trips, or you can choose something stronger from the fully stocked bar while you cruise along the waterway. 

Sights to see and what’s included

All tickets are return from Salford Quays and the trips include English commentary about the history of the Manchester Ship Canal and the surrounding area.

  • Old Trafford Football Ground
  • Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge
  • Mode Wheel Locks
  • Fully stocked bar serving teas, coffees or something stronger
  • Outside seating available on first come first served basis
  • Purpose built Dutch style sightseeing boat
  • Tickets available on board (check below calendars for available dates and times) 

Accessibility

The Princess Katherine does not have disabled access. There is one step up and four steps down in order to board the vessel. We are not able to accommodate full size prams , children’s buggies will need to be folded down prior to boarding.

The Princess Katherine is fully heated, equipped with an onboard licenced bar and two toilets.

The Princess Katherine has booth seating for six to a table, for bookings of two you may share a booth with another couple, bookings of four or six have a booth to themselves. You are welcome to sit in the outside if you wish.

Departure Point

We are currently only operating the Salford Quays departure point – https://manchesterrivercruises.com/salford-quays/

manchester ship canal cruise

All sailings are subject to the weather and the levels of the River Irwell . Tickets entitle the holders to round trip from point of embarkation. If passengers decide to disembark the vessel, return trip is subject to availability.

Please check above calendars for available trips and daily schedule.

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6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for the best boat trips in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place!

Manchester is famous for many things like music, street art and nightlife but it’s also a great place to discover from a boat.

There are so many canals like the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Ashton canals but also many rivers (though River Irwell is the main one), making it a great place for a boat tour.

Canal cruise in Manchester

🕒 IN A RUSH?

The best boat tour in Manchester is this Canal & River Cruise . It lasts 70 minutes and can be boarded from the city centre or Salford.

See prices here.

Several companies offer boat tours in Manchester and you can opt for a sightseeing one as well as a dinner cruise in Manchester.

You can also privatise some boats for a team building or birthday party.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best Manchester boat trips.

Table of Contents

1. Canal & River Cruise by Manchester River Cruises

Media City in Salford

⏰ Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | ⭐ Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

The Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long that links Manchester with the Irish Sea. The canal was officially opened in 1894, so it plays a big part in Manchester’s industrial history. 

With this Manchester canal tour , you get to enjoy a scenic tour of not only the Ship Canal but also the River Irwell.

This 70 minute boat trip takes place on board the sightseeing boat the Princess Katherine.

From the boat you will get to see places like Media City, Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the Ship Canal locks, the old Pomona Docks and the Imperial War Museum. 

As well as seeing all these interesting sites, you will also learn about Manchester’s history by listening to the onboard commentary. 

You will discover the industries that used the Ship Canal and how they made the city one of the most economically powerful in Europe.

There are two options for boarding the Princess Katherine for this Manchester boat tour. 

You can meet from their city centre location at Ralli Quay on the other side of the river from the People’s History Museum. 

Alternatively, you can board from the Millennium Life bridge close to the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

2. Elvis-on-the-River Cruise

salford quays in manchester

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

For themed boat trips in Manchester look no further than this Elvis-on-the-River cruise on the Irwell.

Looking for an evening cruise that will have you singing and dancing, then search no longer. It will help if you also have a bit of Elvis fever.

This river boat cruise in Manchester is two and a half hours long and departs from Salford Quays boarding point under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre.

As you step on board Princess Katherine you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco.

There will also be light snacks and canapes served on the cruise. Music comes in the form of an Elvis Presley tribute artist who will perform all of the legend’s biggest tracks.

As you tap your feet and chatter away, you will get to see some of Manchester’s top sites from the boat, including the Old Trafford stadium and the beautifully lit Media City.

Previous guests on board the Elvis-on-the-River cruise wax lyrical about the Elvis impersonators voice.

There’s no half-hearted out of tune singing on this cruise boat, you might even feel though you’ve listened to the real deal.

3. Swing and Rat Pack River Cruise

Imperial War museum in salford quays in manchester

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

This Manchester boat tour is a fantastic evening activity to enjoy with friends or family.

The Rat Pack were an informal group of entertainers which included big names like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Swing music just evokes that feeling of peace and can only be described as feel-good music.

This two and a half hour swing and rat pack river cruise takes place aboard the Princess Katherine, the perfect sightseeing boat.

You will be welcomed with drinks and provided with snacks along the way. Cruising along the River Irwell, you’ll listen to some of the best Rat Pack and swing artists from the era.

As you listen, you will be able to appreciate the glittering lights of Manchester as you head from Salford Quays to the heart of Manchester.

Seating on the boat is arranged in booths of four and it might be that you will have to share booths with other rat pack cruise guests.

The cruise starts from under the Millennium Footbridge, otherwise known as the lift bridge, just outside the Lowry Theatre.

Guests onboard the Princess Katherine highly rate the music and extremely friendly and accommodating staff.

Whether you want to sit back and relax or dance the cruise away this is an enjoyable evening activity in Manchester.

4. Sunday Lunch Cruises

If you want to find a lunch spot with a twist head out on this Manchester city river tour.

This tour is run by City Centre Cruises and the cruise sets sail from Castlefield along the Bridgewater Canal Tow Path at 1pm.  

On their website they release the dates for Sunday lunch for the up-and-coming months.

Their lunch menu changes but you can expect to enjoy a homemade soup for starters with fresh hot rolls.

A classic British Sunday lunch for mains includes roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Desert often includes their melt in the mouth apple and blackberry crumble with custard.

Of course, you can’t have Sunday lunch without some tea and coffee. People rave about the food and it’s a great way to experience a class British meal if you are visiting from overseas.

There is also a bar on board where you can purchase drinks separately.

The boat you will dine on is a barge boat named after Manchester’s political activist Emmeline Pankhurst.

As you dine on this canal boat tour in Manchester your captain will provide you with informative insight into the local area and the Manchester canal network.

Your skipper, Alan, makes the experience all the more pleasurable with his wit, humour and friendly manner.

5. Cocktails Cruises

Cocktail making manchester

For a lively evening on the water why not try one of Cocktails Ahoy’s cocktail cruises .

Perhaps you’ve already been out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and want to try something different for a night out? Well, this is a fun choice.

This cocktail cruise runs from Castlefield down the Bridgewater Canal.

The cruise takes place on their canal barge Bohemia. Bohemia has space for up to 60 guests, has a well-stocked cocktail bar and a dance floor.

As the boat can accommodate so many people, this is a great idea for a birthday or anniversary celebration as well.

This boat cruise is three hours long and you can enjoy seven freshly made cocktails.

There’s also a resident DJ on board who plays some classic tunes that will get you dancing.

As well as regular cocktail cruises Cocktails Ahoy also do themed cruises like the ‘Sex and the City’, Peaky Blinders and’ 80s themed night.

6. Bridgewater Cruises

Bridgewater Cruises offer two options for Manchester city river tours.

First up there’s the restaurant boat, the Francis Egerton. This boat is used for public cruises and private charters as well.

Their restaurant boat has a ton of different dining cruises to choose from. There’s the two-course lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and the Worsley Gin cruises.

Alternatively, you can book a private charter canal boat tour in Manchester on the Lady Harriet.

This boat is suitable for up to 12 people and can be booked for an hour and 15 minutes, two hours or three-hour cruises.

People departing on the Francis Egerton should head to the towpath side of the Humpback Bridge in Worsley Village in Greater Manchester.

The Lady Harriet departs from the Bridgewater Marina which is around 15 minutes’ drive from the Trafford Centre.

Bridgewater Cruises is a family run company and you can really tell this in the details from booking to the trip itself.

It’s a truly unique experience and one that will allow you to create lasting memories whilst also seeing interesting spots along the Bridgewater Canal.

Whether you head there for dinner, a birthday celebration or a surprise party this barge boat is a unique thing to do in Manchester.

Best Boat Trips in Manchester: Frequently Asked Questions

Here we will answer all the most frequently asked questions about boat trips in Manchester.

What is the famous canal in Manchester?

There are a few well-known canals in Manchester but the most famous one is the Manchester Ship Canal. It’s 36-mile long and links Manchester to the Irish sea.

It was originally built so the cotton arriving in Liverpool could be transported straight to Manchester where it would be turned into textile. The Manchester ship canal was completed in 1893 and is still in use today.

Another very famous canal in Manchester is the Bridgewater canal. It is the oldest canal in England and particularly popular for canal walks , boating and SUP.

What canal runs through Manchester?

There are a few canals that run through Manchester but the main ones in the city centre are the Rochdale and Ashton canals.

Is the Manchester ship canal still used?

Yes it is still used to transport goods from the port of Liverpool to Manchester as well as for tourism purposes. There are a lot of Manchester ship canal cruises going between Liverpool and Manchester.

What are the best canals around Manchester?

The best canals for walking in Manchester are Rochdale, Ashton and Bridgewater canals.

Can you walk along Manchester canal?

Yes you can walk along all the canals in Manchester. They are also a great place for a bicycle ride.

Can you swim in Manchester canals?

No, you can not swim in any of the canals in Manchester. Even if you were allowed, it’s highly unlikely you’d want to. They are canals and therefore not the cleanest places for a swim. There are many wildlife swimming spots around Manchester that you can check out instead.

What is the longest canal in Manchester?

Manchester Ship Canal is the longest canal in Manchester. It’s 36-mile long and goes all the way to Liverpool and the Irish Sea. 

What is the oldest canal in Manchester?

The Bridgewater Canal was the first canal in Britain and therefore the oldest in Manchester as well. It was opened in 1761 which is over a 100 years before the Manchester Ship Canal.

What are the 3 rivers in Manchester?

There are three rivers in Manchester: the Irk, the Medlock and the Mersey but it’s important to note that the Irk flows into River Irwell which is at the limit between Manchester and Salford.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the best boat trips in Manchester, have fun!

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Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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Moscow to Saint Petersburg

13 days – 12 nights

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Moscow

Gold, Platinum  Airport transfer / Check-in at centrally located Marriott Aurora***** or Ararat Park Hyatt*****

Imperial : Private airport transfer / Check-in at the luxurious Four Seasons Moscow***** only a minute from the Kremlin and Red Square

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Volga dream experience:

Moscow

Gold: City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery Imperial, Platinum:  City tour / Lunch in a Moscow City Skyscraper / Novodevichy Cemetery / Sparrow Hills

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Meals: Breakfast

Platinum / Imperial

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Moscow

Gold:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store

Platinum:  Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye

manchester ship canal cruise

Gold:  Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

Platinum:  Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro Tour.

manchester ship canal cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

manchester ship canal cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uglich

Gold, Platinum:  Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

manchester ship canal cruise

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Yaroslavl

Gold, Platinum:  Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

manchester ship canal cruise

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

Goritsy

Gold:  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery  

Platinum:  Ferapontov Monastery

manchester ship canal cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

manchester ship canal cruise

Gold, Platinum: Kizhi Island / Lake Onega

manchester ship canal cruise

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – Compositions by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Svirstroy

Gold, Platinum:  Svirstroy village / Local resident’s home / Local primary school

manchester ship canal cruise

Volga dream experience: Farewell Dinner, Captain’s cocktail

St. Petersburg

Gold:  City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress

Platinum:  City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace

manchester ship canal cruise

Gold:  The State Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

Platinum:  The State Hermitage Museum (Early Entrance!) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and a historic Cottage

manchester ship canal cruise

Gold:  Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

Platinum:  Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room

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Meals: Breakfast / Imperial

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Gold, Platinum, Imperial: Check-out / Airport transfer

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Russian Tours and Cruises from Express to Russia

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Frequently asked questions from our travelers, what is the best time of the year to go on a moscow - st. petersburg river cruise.

The cruises are operated from the month of May until the beginning of fall. The best weather conditions during this period are usually from June through late July, but if you are looking for a trip at a more relaxed pace with less tourists in the cities on the route, we highly recommend to take a look at the months of May and September.  For more info, please see our useful tips .

Which cities and towns will I visit on a Moscow - St. Petersburg cruise?

The cruise itinerary covers all the main and the most important locations on the route. During the cruise you will have a chance to get acquainted not only with Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also with smaller towns and villages like Goritsy, Kizhi, Yaroslavl, Mandrogui. The number of cities and towns to be visited and the exact itinerary vary depending on the duration of the cruise.

Is it better to start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg?

The starting point of the cruise is totally up to you. You won’t miss any important sights whether you start the cruise in Moscow or in St. Petersburg. We always recommend checking the flight schedules from your city first in order to decide whether it is more convenient for you to fly into Moscow or St Petersburg.

A Russian Land Tour or a River cruise - which is better?

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

manchester ship canal cruise

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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  1. Cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal

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  2. Manchester Ship Canal Cruise (MSCC)

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  4. Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Mersey Ferries (Liverpool)

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  5. Manchester Ship Canal Cruises I Boarding Information 2024

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VIDEO

  1. BUSY AFTERNOON CRUISE SHIP DEPARTURES SOUTHAMPTON 25/08/23

  2. Partial Manchester Ship Canal Passage

  3. HiRes Slideshow. Manchester Ship Canal. 7/2/2024

  4. Going To Sheffield City For Buy Cruise Ship Vol 501

  5. Manchester Ship Canal Salford 1954

COMMENTS

  1. Manchester Ship Canal Cruise (MSCC)

    Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Accessibility Wheelchair access is possible on to the main deck of the vessel only. Please note that outdoor areas on the main deck are extremely limited. The only access to the top deck is via steps. Toilet facilities for passengers with disabilities are available on the main deck.

  2. Manchester Ship Canal Cruises I Boarding Information 2024

    The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise route map shows the departure points at Liverpool Gerry Marsden (Pier Head) Ferry Terminal and Seacombe Ferry Terminal. The map shows the journey of the ferry from Eastham Ship Canal entrance and through Halton and Widnes to Warrington. The map highlights the bridges and locks customers may see on the cruise.

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    Manchester Ship Canal, Rivers Irwell & Weaver. ... Manchester River Cruises provides a unique venue for hosting your event. From birthday parties, wedding receptions or private tours for your group, Manchester River Cruise is the premier boat company in the Northwest. +70 Passengers.

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    Manchester Ship Canal Cruise 2024 Group Rate £42pp (published rate £48pp) Prices are for groups of 20 or more adult visitors. You can book group tickets online and the group price will be applied. We are now taking reservations for group organisers, coach operators and tour operators. Please email [email protected] with your ...

  5. Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Mersey Ferries

    The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise is one of Mersey Ferries' most popular cruises. Making sure our customers have a great experience is what matters most to us and we have made some changes based on customer feedback. For the 2022 season the cruise route has been changed from sailing between Liverpool and Salford to operating from Wirral ...

  6. Manchester Ship Canal Cruises

    If you want to go on a Manchester Ship Canal cruise, you want to come with us! Take a look at our range of Manchester Ship Canal cruises: If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Terms and conditions apply to all our bookings. Need help? +44 161 960 0534 [email protected].

  7. Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

    Full description. See Manchester from another perspective on a scenic canal cruise. Make your way along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, admiring some of the city's key sights including Manchester United's home ground and the historic Stephenson's Railway Bridge. Board from Salford Quays and see sights from the modern Media City, now ...

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    2024 Manchester Ship Canal Cruise season now on sale! Set sail with Mersey Ferries for a day cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal. On this incredible round-trip cruise, you will depart from Liverpool and Wirral and travel through Eastham Locks for an unforgettable trip on the canal. Relax as you travel under bridges and sail past swing bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over 125 ...

  9. Heritage Cruise

    An informative cruise along the Irwell and Manchester Ship Canal. In 2019 the Manchester Ship Canal celebrated its 125 th birthday. The Institute of Civil Engineers called it one of the most important civil engineering projects of the late Victorian period. The canal turned Manchester into a seaport despite being 40 miles from the coast, transformed the economy and put the city on the world map.

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    The Manchester Ship Canal is a 36 mi-long (58 km) inland waterway in the North West of England linking ... Mersey Ferry operate the river cruise along Manchester Ship Canal. Tonnage handled by the Manchester Ship Canal ports; 1895 1905 1915 1925 1935 1945 1,358,875: 3,060,516: 5,434,046: 5,881,691: 6,135,003: 6,531,963

  11. Arvonia Day Trips

    The cruise will pass through locks and bridges that have remained largely unchanged since their construction over 100 years ago, and show you some of the region's most stunning architectural and natural sights. The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise by Mersey Ferries will sail from Liverpool and the Wirral, travel along the captivating Manchester ...

  12. Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

    Set out on a thrilling adventure through Manchester's vibrant history and promising future with the 'Manchester: Canal & River Cruise'.

  13. Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

    Pass by the first of the 120-meter-long locks of the Manchester Ship Canal, admiring the impressive Imperial War Museum and old Pomona Docks before heading into the heart of Manchester along the River Irwell. During the cruise, listen to commentary that describes the history of the Manchester Ship Canal.

  14. Mersey Ferry Cruises

    Manchester Ship Canal Cruise. Experience over 125 years of history on a day cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal. Enjoy a fascinating journey along the inland waterway, taking in the spectacular scenery and watch as swing bridges turn to allow ships to pass. Adult. £48. Groups. £42.

  15. Explore Manchester's canals on a city cruise

    Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries' Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

  16. Manchester Ship Canal

    Mersey Ferries run these 6 hour Manchester Ship Canal trips on occasions during the year when tides allow. They use the same 'ferries across the mersey' that plough back and forth across the river on a daily basis. ... Last Sunday I spent six hours frozen stiff and very bored on the Manchester Ship Canal Cruise. OK - it was June and supposed to ...

  17. City River Tours

    City River & Canal Tour. Hop aboard the Princess Katherine for one of our boat trips around the Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal. This 60/70 min river tour gives you an insight into the history of the area and a unique view of Manchester including Media City, Old Trafford and the disused dry docks. Salford Quays is quickly becoming a ...

  18. 6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips To Book Now

    With this Manchester canal tour, you get to enjoy a scenic tour of not only the Ship Canal but also the River Irwell. This 70 minute boat trip takes place on board the sightseeing boat the Princess Katherine. From the boat you will get to see places like Media City, Manchester United's Old Trafford, the Ship Canal locks, the old Pomona Docks ...

  19. History of the Manchester Ship Canal

    Tuesday, October 27, 2020. When Queen Victoria opened the Manchester Ship Canal on 21 May 1894 it was the largest river navigation canal in the world, and a feat of Victorian engineering, which allowed vessels to transport goods from the Irish Sea through Cheshire and into Manchester- for the first time. Costing around £15 million to build ...

  20. Moscow to St. Petersburg Russian River Cruise

    Cruise Moscow to St. Petersburg aboard the luxurious MS Volga Dream ship as you sail the Volga River. 5 Star Luxury Russian River Cruising. Cruise Routes (Interactive Map) Call Us: +1 (508) 257 18 06 (9am — 12pm, EST) , ... After meal we embark on a canal cruise sailing under the city's many historic bridges and past its magnificent pastel ...

  21. Moscow St. Petersburg Cruise

    8 days and 7 nights. Enjoy a short Russian river cruise on a comfortable 4-star ship. Our program includes all the most important sights on the Moscow to St. Petersburg route. Besides the Two Capitals, you will visit the ancient towns of Uglich, Goritsy, the island of Kizhi, and Mandrogui village. $ 811 From/Per person.

  22. Moscow

    Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow. This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. ... The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

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    Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Departure from the Kitay-Gorod / Ustyinsky pier (Kitay-Gorod metro station) Cruise duration 3 hours. We invite you to visit the snow-white motor ship Chizhik-II and go on a gastronomic cruise along the Moscow River from Zaryadye Park to the Moscow City business complex and back.