Manchester Ship Canal Cruise 2010

Relax and enjoy a fascinating 6 hour, 35 mile journey along this famous inland waterway with the legendary Mersey Ferries. Between April and September the cruises take in spectacular scenery leaving you with an awe-inspiring sense of how the canal's construction shaped forever the city of Manchester and the North West of England.

Go on a journey through time, passing through locks and under bridges, mostly unchanged since they were built over 100 years ago. View the succession of swing bridges, a graceful sight as they turn through 90 degrees to allow ships to pass.

Marvel at the historic buildings, industry, fields, houses and the wide open space of the Mersey estuary as you cruise along, all surrounded by nature's beauty and tranquility.

A fascinating live commentary tells the story of the canal and how it was built, primarily to help Manchester's ailing cotton trade. However, in reality, it did more to boost engineering and became a focus for importers of food and raw materials.

Our vessels provide facilities for drinks, refreshments and snacks available to purchase throughout the cruise.

Our cruises for 2010 will depart from both our new terminal at Pier Head in Liverpool, and Seacombe terminal in Wallasey, or from Salford Quays the following day if you prefer to travel in that direction. All cruises include return bus transport to your starting point, unless as a group you wish to book your own transport.

Most of the cruises include an approximate 2.5 hr stop-over at the end of the cruise in either Salford Quays or Liverpool, depending on which direction you choose to travel in (canal traffic permitting). For stop-overs in Salford Quays there is an incredible choice of leisure and cultural facilities on offer, including The Lowry - home of Salford's most famous artist L S Lowry, Imperial War Museum North, dedicated to war and conflict from the 20th century, and Lowry Outlet Mall - a shoppers paradise with famous names at discount prices. The Liverpool stop-over offers the chance to visit the Beatles Story located within the historic Albert Dock where you will be transported on an exciting and atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of The Beatles. The famous visitor attraction now includes the amazing Fab4D experience at the Pier Head Terminal . You may prefer to visit the new U Boat story, a new and exciting interative exhibition, telling the amazing story of the German World War II submarine U-534.

There will be 58 sailings in 2010 between April and September and details of specific dates can be found on our website www.merseyferries.co.uk or by calling the information/booking line on 0151 330 1444.