top of page
FAQs
FAQs
Where do we get on the boat?
Our regular departure and return point for our standard 3-hour cruise is the canal arm outside The Castlefield Hotel:
Castlefield Bowl
Liverpool Road
Manchester
M3 4JR
For all cruises the boats will be available for boarding 30 minutes before sailing time. The bar will be open!
Where can I park?
We do not have any car parking facilities of our own, but there are many public car parks within walking distance.
Where do the cruises go?
Our standard cruise is 3-hours.
Departing from Castlefield and sailing along the Bridgewater Canal. Through Pomona Lock and onto the Manchester Ship Canal to Salford Quays and Media City, returning via the same route. Please visit our Route map page.
What are 'scheduled' cruises?
Scheduled cruises are 'public' cruises are are ideal for individuals, couples and small family groups.
• Individual table bookings can be made for all scheduled cruises
• Available on selected dates
• Fully licensed bars - open on all trips
• Tea and coffee available to purchase
• Gift vouchers available for Sunday lunch cruises
• Captain's live commentary on selected trips
• MUFC - drop off right outside the stadium for all matchday travel.
• Sunday lunch cruises
• MUFC match day tour
Does the boat stop on your cruises?
The boat does not make any stops on our standard cruises.
For our private hire 'Quays Explorer' luncheon cruises, a stop at Salford Quays is included.
Is there a commentary?
For our Sunday lunch, afternoon tea and MUFC tour scheduled cruises there is always a live commentary from the captain on the outward bound part of the cruise.
For private hire cruises a commentary is available if requested.
.
.
How much is a cruise?
We provide 2 types of cruises:
Private cruises
• From £750.00
• For larger group bookings where you will have an event exclusively on one of our boats.
• Ideal for corporate events, family parties, coach tours etc.
•
Scheduled cruises
• From £45.00 per person.
• For individuals, couples and small family groups:
• Sunday lunch
What time do you finish?
The latest finish time is 10pm
Therefore the latest sailing time for standard 3 hour Salford Quays cruise is 7pm
How much is it for a barge trip to a MUFC game?
Cost of return journey to Old Trafford is £20.00 per person
Information can be found on our 'Match Day Transport' page
Please call our office to check availability: 0161 902 0222
How much is it for karaoke?
We can arrange one of our regular providers at a cost of £180.00
Can we bring our own food?
No. You cannot bring our own food aboard.
Please regard us as you would for any other restaurant in the city.
All of our vessels have 5* kitchens on board. We provide many dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and buffets.
Special diets such as vegetarian, diabetic, coeliac and halal can be catered for.
All food, including special diets must be pre-ordered.
Can you cater for special diets such as gluten-free?
Our chefs can certainly provide for special dietary requirements such as diabetic, coeliac, halal and vegetarian. These must be pre-ordered when booking.
Can we bring our own drinks?
Passengers are strictly NOT permitted to bring their own drinks on board.
Our boats all have a fully licensed bar on board with drinks at competitive prices.
Please view us as you would any other licensed restaurant, bar or event venue in the city.
For more information, please see our bar tariff (javascript:void(0))
How much are your drinks?
You can find more information about our drinks and bar tariff.
Can you provide a reception drink for my guests?
For private hire bookings we can certainly provide a reception drink for guests as they board the boat. Options include Bucks Fizz, Cava, Prosecco, Champagne, Beer, Wine or even a cocktail such as 'Pimms'
All of our drinks are served in real glassware.
Are drinks included in the price?
Bar drinks are not included in the price. Available onboard is our licensed bar which will be open upon boarding. As well as lagers, ales, spirits and soft drinks, we have a selection of wines and fizz available.
On our sit down meal cruises our staff will serve your bar requirements at your table.
Our bar tariff can be found here.(javascript:void(0))
Are your boats heated?
Yes. All of our boats have full central heating with radiators throughout the cabins.
Do the boats have toilets?
Yes. We have 2 single toilets on-board our boats, 1 Female and 1 Male.
These are equipped with hot and cold water, liquid soap, hand sanitizer, towels, bins and mirrors.
Are your boats suitable for wheelchairs?
There are 4 steps up and then 4 steps down into the main cabin.
Our friendly and experienced crew will always be available to assist.
Sorry, but wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Is there a microphone available?
Yes, the boats have a microphone in the passenger cabin.
Available free of charge for speeches, quizzes etc.
These systems are not for 'karaoke' use.
Can I provide my own DJ or entertainment?
Yes you can arrange your own DJ etc.
If electronic equipment is to bought onboard, we would need to check that the equipment complies to current safety regulations and is suitable for use with our 240v power supply.
*Any DJ or entertainer that you supply will be included in our passenger number count.
How much is it for a DJ and Karaoke?
We can arrange one of our regular providers at a cost of £180.00
We would like decorations put up for our party - can this be done?
We can order decorations for your cruise and have them on board ready for your arrival.
• Three bunches of helium balloons (colour chosen by you) and banners for the special occasion: £45.00
• A personalised foil balloon showing an age or occasion is an additional £9.50
Your own decorations/pictures etc. can be dropped off with us and we will put up on the boat ready for guests arrival provided they are ready to hang.
You can also bring your own decorations and dress the boat yourself.
The boat is always available 30 minutes before sailing time.
Weddings - Please speak to us about your requirements
Are your boats suitable for wheelchairs?
There are 4 steps up and then 4 steps down into the main cabin.
Our friendly and experienced crew will always be available to assist.
Sorry, but wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Is there disabled access to the boats?
There are 4 steps up and then 4 steps down into the main cabin.
Our friendly and experienced crew will always be available to assist.
Sorry, but wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
How do I book a private hire cruise?
Firstly contact us to see if your required date and time is available.
A non-refundable deposit of £200.00 secures your booking.
The final balance for boat hire and any food, drink or entertainment ordered is then due 2 weeks prior to your cruise.
How do I book a barge trip to a MUFC game?
Please call our office to check availability: 0161 902 0222
Or go to our contact page
How do we book a small group for a Sunday lunch cruise?
Visit our calendar to see which dates are available.
Then call our office to book and make payment on 0161 902 0222
Or go to our contact page.
How do I make an enquiry about booking a cruise?
Please go to our contact page and complete the enquiry form with as much detail as possible.
What is your email address?
boat@citycentrecruises.co.uk
What is your office postal address?
Registered office:
City Centre Cruises Limited
14 Falterley Road
Manchester
M23 9BR
Phone - 0161 902 0222
Fax - 0161 902 0022
Email - boat@citycentrecruises.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS OUR OFFICE AND IS NOT WHERE THE BOATS ARE LOCATED.
Go to our Find us page for canal departure location in Castlefield.
How do I book a barge trip to a MUFC game?
Please call our office to check availability: 0161 902 0222
Or go to our contact page.
We travel to all Manchester United home games.
For the latest fixture list visit the official MUFC website
What is the cost of your boat trips to MUFC games?
Cost of return journey to Old Trafford is £15.00 per person.
Please call our office to check availability: 0161 902 0222
Or go to our contact page
We travel to all Manchester United home games.
For the latest fixture list visit the official MUFC website
.
.
bottom of page

