Cruises on the River Tyne will resume from next weekend, with bookings now open. Tyne Cruises has launched three sightseeing cruises aboard its newly refurbished passenger vessel, the Canny Lass.
New vessel and amenities
The 16-metre catamaran features a spacious enclosed cabin with panoramic windows and outdoor viewing areas. It can carry up to 98 passengers but typically operates with between 50 and 70. The boat also includes a bar and a café serving locally sourced food and drinks.
The vessel arrived in Newcastle from Kent in June and has undergone transformation over recent weeks to prepare for sailing.
Cruise options and schedule
Tyne Cruises says the trips will offer local people and tourists a unique perspective of the region's iconic bridges. Services will operate six days a week from City Marina starting Friday, August 14.
The company offers a 60-minute 'City Cruise' passing under seven bridges in Newcastle city centre, a 120-minute 'Country Cruise' sailing under nine of the Tyne's bridges, and a 180-minute 'Sea Cruise' towards the North Sea, passing working shipyards, North Shields Fish Quay, and Tynemouth Pier.
Reviving river trips
Previously, the Tyne hosted various boat trips, including 80s and 90s themed parties and Motown events with meals and live music, but these ceased after the covid-19 pandemic. Tyne Cruises, aiming to 'showcase the best of the North East', now seeks to revive them, founded on the belief that the River Tyne should be experienced, not just seen.
