Thames river cruise: which one to choose

Who it suitsAnyone who wants to choose the pier on the day: start at the London Eye, get off at the Tower of London, or carry on to Greenwich. It is also the only plain sightseeing boat here whose listing mentions an audio guide in languages other than English.

Pick something else ifYou only want Westminster to Tower Bridge and back. The Thames River Sightseeing cruise on that stretch starts a little cheaper, from €16.46. Note too that this is a single or return ticket, not an unlimited day pass.

Who it suitsTravellers who want the shortest and cheapest way to see Parliament, St Paul's, the Tower and Tower Bridge from the water, and who are happy to walk on from Tower Bridge afterwards.

Pick something else ifYou want to stay on board without changing boats. The round trip normally means getting off at Tower Bridge and waiting for the next boat back, about 1 hour 10 minutes in total. For a longer uninterrupted ride, take the Greenwich cruise.

Who it suitsVisitors pairing the river with an afternoon in Greenwich. You pass everything the Tower Bridge cruise shows, then carry on past Canary Wharf to the Cutty Sark, for a few euros more.

Pick something else ifYou are short on time or have no plans in Greenwich, in which case the Tower Bridge cruise is enough. Wheelchair users should check first: the listing gives no accessibility information, and the operator says you may have to wait for an adapted boat and that electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Who it suitsCouples and friends who want the lit-up river and a drink without paying for a full dinner. The route runs between Westminster and Canary Wharf, so it covers more water than the short daytime cruises.

Pick something else ifYou are travelling with anyone under 16, because the cruise is adults only, or you want to learn what you are looking at. Canapes are not a meal either, so plan to eat afterwards. Wheelchair users are excluded by the listing.

Who it suitsPeople marking an occasion who want the whole evening handled in one booking: a set menu of salmon gravlax, marinated chicken and tiramisu (with a vegetarian alternative), then music and dancing as the boat returns.

Pick something else ifThe river is the main attraction for you. From €116.46 this costs more than twice the sunset cruise, which shows the same lit-up bridges. It is also not for children under 13 or wheelchair users, and the operator asks for smart casual dress.

Who it suitsTravellers who want an English afternoon tea and a river cruise in one sitting, including families: there is a children's menu, and vegetarian, gluten-free and plain-sandwich options can be requested when booking.

Pick something else ifYou mainly want the sights. The listing only names the Tower of London and Tower Bridge on the route, and the table will hold your attention. A plain sightseeing cruise costs about a third as much. The listing also marks it as not wheelchair accessible.