Business Details
Luxury Boat Cruises in Southampton
Established over five decades ago, Blue Funnel Cruises has become Southampton's premier provider of scenic boat tours and maritime events. Our fleet, led by the MV Ocean Scene, offers year-round public and private charters tailored to diverse occasions, from corporate functions to intimate celebrations. With a dedicated team and a commitment to exceptional service, we ensure every voyage delivers unforgettable experiences. Our vessels feature fully licensed bars, gourmet catering options, and accessible facilities, accommodating up to 300 passengers.As a family-run business since 2001, we combine generational expertise with modern amenities to create memorable journeys along the Solent and surrounding waterways. Our operational history, extensive local knowledge, and focus on customer satisfaction have solidified our reputation as a trusted leader in maritime tourism. We maintain rigorous safety standards and continuously invest in fleet upgrades to enhance passenger comfort and reliability.
Services
Day Cruises
Party Nights
Private Hire
Christmas Cruises
Hamble River Tours
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of maritime tourism expertise in Southampton waters
- Customisable private charters with full catering and event planning
- Accessible vessels accommodating manual wheelchairs
- Award-winning Christmas cruises and themed party nights
- Flexible booking options with 7-day email support
What people say
Memorable Christmas cruises
Stunning Solent views
Excellent catering options
Unique event venue
Knowledgeable crew
Services
Day Cruises
Explore Southampton Water and the Solent on our scheduled day cruises. Visit historic ports, watch container operations, and view cruise ships in dock. Our routes include the Hamble, Itchen, and Test rivers with expert commentary. Passengers enjoy panoramic views from multiple decks and can choose from hot drinks, light snacks, or full meals prepared onboard. With departures throughout the year, these cruises cater to tourists and locals alike seeking maritime experiences.
Party Nights
Experience themed night cruises with live DJs and full bar service. Our popular 80s nights, summer sound parties, and Cowes firework cruises feature spacious dancefloors and open-air viewing. The MV Ocean Scene's upper saloon transforms into a vibrant nightclub while maintaining safety and comfort. Tickets include themed entertainment and selected food packages. These events operate seasonally from May to September with special Christmas party options available.
Private Hire
Customise your perfect event aboard our vessels. We accommodate weddings, corporate functions, conferences, and private parties with tailored catering and itinerary options. The Ocean Scene offers 300-passenger capacity with full-service bars, while the Jenny Blue provides intimate charters. Our team assists with event planning, equipment hire, and special requirements including product launches and memorial scatterings conducted at the confluence of four rivers.
Christmas Cruises
Celebrate the holiday season with our special Christmas cruises. Choose from lunch cruises featuring three-course meals, lively disco cruises with festive music, or formal dinner dances. All voyages include welcome drinks and seasonal decorations. Our Christmas menu features traditional dishes prepared fresh onboard, with dietary requirements accommodated when pre-ordered. These popular events operate throughout December with specific themed offerings each evening.
Hamble River Tours
Discover the Hamble River's maritime heritage on dedicated cruises. These shorter voyages showcase historic yacht-building locations and marina developments featured in classic TV series. Passengers enjoy fish and chips packages or hot drink combinations while viewing coastal landmarks. The tours operate seasonally with flexible departure times, combining educational commentary with relaxed sightseeing opportunities along this iconic waterway.
People
Im Lee Rayment
Managing Director
With over 20 years leading Blue Funnel Cruises, Im Lee Rayment brings extensive maritime expertise to our operations. A Southampton resident since 1993, he combines local knowledge with industry experience dating back to his marine superintendent days. His leadership maintains our position as leading pleasure boat operators while expanding service offerings to meet modern demands.
Questions
How do I book tickets for public cruises?
Book directly through our website, selecting your preferred cruise date and time. Online payments are processed securely, with tickets issued immediately.
Are food and drinks included in cruise tickets?
Basic refreshments are included in specific ticket packages. Full meal options and bar services are available for additional purchase during booking.
Can I bring my wheelchair onboard?
Manual wheelchairs are welcome with assistance required for deck access. Disabled toilet facilities are available on the boarding deck level.
What happens if I need to change my booking?
All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. Please ensure correct date selection at booking time.
Do you offer group discounts?
We welcome groups of all sizes and provide tailored pricing for large bookings. Contact our office directly for group rate information and availability.
What's included in private charter packages?
Private hires include vessel rental, catering options, staffing, and basic event equipment. Custom quotes cover specific requirements like security, damage retainers, and special entertainment provisions.
