How long is the cruise?

The charter runs for approximately 60 minutes.

What is the minimum group size?

This private cruise requires a minimum of eight people.

Is Prosecco included?

Half a bottle of Prosecco per person is provided as part of the booking.

Can non-alcoholic options be supplied?

Non-alcoholic options are often available on request—ask the operator when you book.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, basic flotation devices are available and the crew will brief passengers on safety procedures.

Boarding is from central Oxford waterways; the exact quay and directions are provided after booking.

Private Prosecco Cruise on Oxford’s Historic Waterways | Private | Boat Tour

Prosecco Cruise - Private offers a sparkling escape on Oxford’s historic waterways, floating past college boathouses, riverside willows, and the low stone bridges that mark the city center. For one hour guests enjoy a gentle river run with a minimum group of eight and half a bottle of crisp Prosecco per person—an ideal format for birthdays, stag and hen parties, anniversaries, or simply a convivial hour with friends. The pace is unhurried: the helm keeps things steady while passengers lean into the breeze, glass raised against a skyline of spires and chimneys that nod to Oxford’s long academic history.

This experience excels because it frames the city from the water, a viewpoint that reveals the pattern of back gardens, floodplain meadows, and boathouses invisible from the streets. Wildlife is part of the mood—coots and swans thread the reeds, and kingfishers and herons appear in quieter stretches—against banks of chalky soils and alder roots. The trip’s short duration and private format make it accessible and celebratory: there’s no need for previous boating experience, but the social cadence of a shared bottle brings a focused, festive energy.

Practical details are straightforward: the cruise lasts about 60 minutes, runs from the central Oxford waterways, and is provided as a private charter for small groups. Book early for weekend slots during summer and university term breaks; mornings and early evenings offer softer light and calmer water. The operator supplies chilled Prosecco but recommend dressing in layers and bringing a light waterproof—river weather can change quickly even on a bright day.

Why choose this outing? It’s compact enough to pair with punting, a college tour, or market shopping while delivering a distinctive vantage point on the city’s ecology and architecture. For photographers and groups, the boat’s low profile creates clean sightlines for college facades, river reflections, and candid group shots. For people who want to celebrate without the fuss of a long event, the one-hour private Prosecco Cruise is an efficient, elegant solution.

Expect an easy embarkation—boats load from low quays and the crew briefs groups before departure. Casual footwear and a light layer make boarding easy; keep phones in a waterproof pocket for river spray. Part of the pleasure is the social rhythm: toasts, timed photo stops, and relaxed conversation that fills an hour without pressure. The cruise respects local waterways and wildlife; guests are asked to avoid feeding birds and to carry out any waste. The short format makes this a perfect add-on to a day of museums, pubs, punts.

About Oxford River Cruises

Oxford River Cruises operates riverboat experiences on the River Thames from Oxford, England. The company offers a range of public and private cruises including sightseeing trips along the University Regatta Course, picnic cruises, afternoon tea cruises, evening cocktail cruises, and specialty dining cruises in partnership with The Folly. Boats include classic Edwardian launches and fully crewed private hire vessels that accommodate intimate groups. Private hires can host up to 12 guests and often include picnic or afternoon tea menus for celebrations and special occasions.

Cruises range from shorter 45-minute journeys to longer three-hour picnic cruises, and selected experiences combine a river voyage with dining at The Folly, offering options such as a six-course tasting menu, a tasting menu with wine pairings, or riverside lunches. Popular routes pass landmarks like Folly Bridge, Christ Church College, Christ Church Meadows, Iffley Lock, and Port Meadow, and provide views of university boathouses and college gardens. Many cruises operate through the University Regatta Course where rowing eights and pleasure boats are commonly seen. The operator provides scheduled public cruises and private, fully crewed charters, as well as dome hires for riverside dining events. Information on individual trip lengths, menus, and private hire packages is available through the operator’s booking channels. Oxford River Cruises focuses on delivering guided river experiences that combine Oxford sightseeing, relaxed dining options, and leisurely private hire on heritage-style launches.

Bookings typically include crew, safety briefings, and route guidance tailored to the chosen cruise. Accessible boarding options may be available on request.