Boat tour etiquette: How to be a perfect passenger
Boat tours are a fantastic way to see places from a new perspective. From out on the water you can see the sights in a different way, and the best tour guides know loads of interesting facts about the surroundings. The Terrible Thames river tour offers up a gruesome take on London and the Thames, taking you for a ride down England’s most famous river while telling some of the stories that your history teacher would prefer you to forget. But while the tour is fun and interactive, it’s important to remember your boat etiquette - for the safety of all onboard. Here’s what to do when joining the Terrible Thames tour.
1. Board carefully
No pushing and shoving! Of course you’re excited and you’ll want to get the best seats, but it’s important to board any boat safely and carefully, respecting the other passengers. The Terrible Thames tour is a family affair, so if you’re part of a school or tour group, be mindful of other kids - especially younger ones - as you take your seats.
2. Listen to your captain
Once everyone is safely on board, the captain or another member of the crew will give a short brief, pointing out where the facilities are and informing you of any rules or guidelines while you’re on the boat. Make sure you listen to these carefully and respect them throughout the tour.
3. Don’t lean over the side
Again, this is about keeping everyone safe - and not giving the crew a panic attack! No matter how excited you are about the landmarks you’re seeing, remember not to lean out over the side of the boat. The Thames isn’t a fun place to find yourself swimming in - especially when you learn about all the ghastly things that have happened along it!
4. Interact when invited
The Terrible Thames tour is lots of fun, and everyone is invited to interact - but that doesn’t mean shouting out or interrupting out of turn. Join in when the cast invites you to participate, and in between, try to stay quiet so that everyone can see and hear.
5. Pick up your litter
Snacks and drinks are permitted onboard, so feel free to enjoy your sandwiches or a refreshing drink as the action unfolds. But just as you would on land, pop your litter into your bag or a bin. Don’t drop it on the deck - and absolutely don’t throw it overboard and make the Thames even more terrible.
6. Be polite
The cast and crew work hard to provide everyone with a fun experience during the tour, so they’ll appreciate a ‘thank you’ as you disembark. If you’d like to offer a tip, feel free to do so - many passengers like to show their appreciation in this way.
Book the Terrible Thames tour
If you’re keen to discover London’s darker secrets, don’t miss the Terrible Thames river tour, which runs throughout the school holidays. Departing from Tower Bridge Quay (formerly St Katherine’s Pier), it runs between 9.45am and 3.45pm depending on tides. Book your tickets today with KX Tickets.
