Santa Special Cruise

Sail with Santa on the River Dee!

It’s the most magical time of year to be on the River Dee! Father Christmas has manage to squeeze a few dates into his diary to take a cruise with the boys and girls of Chester. Join us this winter for a fun family-friendly experience on the Lady Diana.

Book tickets

It's the most magical time of the year...

On this family-friendly cruise children will have chance to meet Santa, who will bring them each a festive book to read over the holidays. The Lady Diana will be spruced up with lights and tinsel, and the ChesterBoat elves will be on hand with refreshments, songs, and fun activities.

Your ticket includes…

– A fun one-hour cruise with festive music on a decorated boat (or a voucher to come for a half-hour cruise in the summer, if it is not possible to sail for any reason)
– Tea or coffee and a mince pie for the adults
– A gingerbread man and drink for children
– An age-appropriate book as a gift from Santa for children
– Colouring, activity sheets, and stickers to enjoy onboard or take away
– Time to meet Santa, have photos taken, and show him your letters

Important Info

– Please note that tickets are not refundable once booked. If you are unable to make your cruise for any reason (eg. illness, travel issues, or a change of plans) Santa will deliver your gift via Royal Mail along with a voucher to take a half-hour cruise at a later date.

– In the event that weather/river conditions prevent the boat from sailing, the event will take place on a stationary boat and you will receive a voucher to come for a half-hour cruise at a later date. This is rare but can happen in winter. Please consider before booking whether you would be happy with this.

– During the booking process you will be asked to provide your child’s approximate reading age. The elves will use this age to choose a book for your child, but no-one onboard on the day will be able to see the age you entered.

– There are 2 toilets onboard but no baby change facilities. The closest baby change facilities are located in the public toilets by the Bandstand, 100m from our moorings.

– There is limited space onboard for pushchairs, so they will need to be fully collapsed and stowed. You’re welcome to take a carrycot/bassinet to your table if it can be separated from the rest of the pushchair and placed on a seat.

Sailing Dates 2025

Santa will be sailing with us at…

12PM & 2.30PM on Saturday 13th December

12PM & 2.30PM on Saturday 20th December

12PM & 2.30PM on Sunday 21st December

Ticket Prices

Adults over 18 – £16.00

Child with gift from Santa – £18.00

Child without a gift from Santa (eg. big brothers and sisters) – £9.50

Baby with no gift or refreshments – FREE (but please note that there are no baby change facilities onboard, and pushchairs will need to be folded)