Business Details
37 Years
experience
Luxury Canal Cruises for Events and Private Hire in Manchester
City Centre Cruises has been operating as a family-run business in Manchester for over 30 years, offering unique canal and river cruise experiences. Our two luxury purpose-built barges, named after notable local figures, provide exclusive venues for private events, corporate functions, and public cruises. We specialise in tailored experiences, from birthday celebrations to corporate entertainment, with onboard chefs, licensed bars, and state-of-the-art facilities. Our routes traverse iconic Manchester landmarks, including MediaCityUK, Old Trafford, and Salford Quays, offering unparalleled views.With a commitment to quality, we ensure every guest enjoys a memorable journey through Manchester's historic waterways. Our team's extensive local knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction have established us as a trusted name in the region's tourism sector. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, combining comfort, convenience, and cultural enrichment for all our passengers.
Services
Private Hire Cruises
Corporate Events
Wedding Receptions
Sunday Lunch Cruises
Water Taxi Services
Coach Group Tours
MUFC Matchday Travel
Birthday Celebrations
Hen Party Cruises
Christmas Parties
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Family business operating for over 30 years with expert local knowledge
- Exclusive venues on water with capacity for up to 50 guests
- Tailored events with onboard catering and entertainment options
- Unique routes passing Manchester's iconic landmarks and cultural sites
- Fully equipped barges with licensed bars and professional staff
Services
Private Hire Cruises
Host your special event aboard our luxury barges with exclusive private hire options. Accommodating up to 50 guests, we provide tailored experiences with onboard catering, entertainment systems, and professional staff. Ideal for birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions, our flexible packages include DJ hire, decorations, and bespoke menus to create unforgettable occasions on Manchester's waterways.
Corporate Events
Elevate your corporate gatherings with our unique canal cruise venues. Perfect for team-building exercises, client entertaining, or product launches, our boats offer state-of-the-art facilities including presentation equipment and high-speed WiFi. Our dedicated event coordinators ensure seamless execution of conferences, networking events, and business receptions while showcasing Manchester's iconic landmarks during scenic waterway journeys.
Sunday Lunch Cruises
Join our popular Sunday lunch cruises for a relaxing three-hour voyage through Manchester's historic canals. Enjoy freshly prepared two-course meals by onboard chefs while passing iconic attractions like Old Trafford and MediaCityUK. These fixed-date public cruises offer an accessible way to experience our luxury vessels, combining gourmet dining with live commentary about the region's rich industrial heritage.
Wedding Receptions
Celebrate your special day with a unique wedding reception on the water. Our fully licensed barges provide romantic backdrops for ceremonies and receptions, with capacity for up to 50 guests. We offer bespoke packages including floral arrangements, champagne welcome, and custom menus. The boats' versatile layout accommodates speeches, first dances, and evening entertainment while navigating Manchester's picturesque waterways.
MUFC Matchday Travel
Experience hassle-free travel to Old Trafford matches with our dedicated MUFC matchday cruises. These special services provide safe, comfortable transportation from central Manchester to the stadium area, avoiding road congestion. Packages include return journeys, live match updates, and themed onboard entertainment for football fans celebrating key fixtures and events.
Questions
What types of events can I host aboard your vessels?
We accommodate birthdays, weddings, corporate functions, hen parties, Christmas celebrations, and special occasions with tailored packages.
How do I book a private cruise?
Contact us via phone to discuss requirements, check availability, and secure bookings with a deposit as outlined in our terms.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Yes, we accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs with advance notice from guests.
Do you operate year-round?
Private hire cruises are available throughout the year, with seasonal variations in public Sunday lunch cruise schedules.
What payment methods do you accept?
We process bookings via telephone with card payments, requiring deposits for private hire arrangements.
Can I bring my own entertainment?
Guests may connect personal playlists to our sound system or arrange external DJ services for private events.
