You might have walked along Newcastle Quayside hundreds of times, but Tyne Cruises is giving people the chance to see it from the River Tyne itself, with cruises departing from Newcastle City Marina.
Based underneath the Tyne Bridge, Tyne Cruises operates aboard the Canny Lass, a refitted catamaran with space for up to 98 passengers. Please note while it does have a licensed bar, it does not cater to be a party boat.
We were invited down today pre public launch to experience it for ourselves on it’s one hour experience. I have to say with the sun in the sky, a breeze to compliment and views from being on the River itself made for a wonderful trip between Dunston Staiths and St Peters Basin. I sat, admired and just took it all in with my thoughts.
Inside the boat you will hear commentary about parts of the Tyne or of the many bridges you pass. It’s early days and they are already taking on feedback as to outside speakers to enhance that experience, which I’m sure you will have very shortly.
There are three main sightseeing cruises available, with trips lasting from one to three hours and taking in everything from Newcastle’s bridges to the journey down the Tyne towards the coast.
City Cruise
If you want to stay closer to Newcastle, the one-hour City Cruise takes you along the city section of the River Tyne.
The cruise heads underneath the bridges linking Newcastle and Gateshead, giving passengers views of the Quayside and its landmarks from the river.
At around an hour, it’s also the shortest of the three regular cruises and a good option for those who want to get out on the Tyne without making a full afternoon of it.
Find out more and book the City Cruise HERE
Country Cruise
The two-hour Country Cruise spends a little longer on the Tyne and heads away from Newcastle city centre into quieter sections of the river.
It’s a chance to travel further along the Tyne than the City Cruise while seeing some of the less familiar stretches of the river beyond the Quayside.
Find out more and book the Country Cruise HERE
Sea Cruise
For the longest trip, the three-hour Sea Cruise heads east from Newcastle towards the North Sea.
The route follows the Tyne downstream, passing areas associated with the river’s shipbuilding and industrial past as well as the Port of Tyne and North Shields Fish Quay before continuing towards the coast.
It’s the most extensive of the three regular trips and gives passengers a chance to follow the Tyne from Newcastle towards the point where the river meets the sea.
Find out more and book the Sea Cruise HERE
What’s the Canny Lass Like?
All three cruises take place aboard the Canny Lass, which has been refitted and modernised and can carry up to 98 passengers.
There’s indoor seating as well as a limited amount of outdoor seating at the bow and stern. So, if the North East weather is on your side, there’s the option of sitting outside during the journey.
There’s also a licensed bar and café on board serving food and drinks.
Families are welcome, while well-behaved dogs can travel on selected City Cruises. Places for dogs are limited and need to be booked in advance. Assistance dogs are welcomed on all cruises free of charge.
Manual wheelchairs can be accommodated on board, although powered wheelchairs currently can’t be accepted because of weight restrictions on the gangway. There is also currently no accessible toilet on the vessel, something worth being aware of before booking.
Special Cruises and Private Hire
Alongside the City, Country and Sea cruises, Tyne Cruises also plans to run seasonal and speciality cruises throughout the year.
The Canny Lass is available for private hire too, opening up the boat for private parties, celebrations and events on the Tyne.
With the departure point right on Newcastle Quayside, you don’t have to travel outside the city to get on board either. Cruises leave from Newcastle City Marina before returning passengers to the same location at the end of the trip.
Tyne Cruises operates from Newcastle City Marina, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1LF, with regular sailings starting on 14th August 2026 and bookable now.
Tickets for the sightseeing cruises start from £18 per person, with different ticket options available depending on the cruise.
For sailing dates, current prices, availability and bookings, visit Tyne Cruises at tynecruises.com.