More about Liverpool
Why go to Liverpool?
Take in the Albert Docks, browse the many gorgeous shops and admire the architectural beauty of this maritime city
While the city has plenty of chain restaurants, its independent food scene is lacking somewhat
A charming city with a fascinating history and vibrant fashion, culture, music and scene
Liverpool Cruise Port Facilities?
The song "Ferry Across the Mersey" is played when you board and leave one of Liverpool's historic boats that sail between the city and the opposite bank. During rush hours, the ferries carry commuters between Liverpool and Seacombe, a suburb, but it's the off-peak hours (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) that will interest most visitors. The roomy boats, built in the 1960's, have lots of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a snack bar. Departing the landing stage, the boat heads down the Mersey past the former docks, warehouses and new housing construction, then crosses the river stopping at Seacombe (Wallasey) for the aquarium and an attractive riverside walk to New Brighton, an old-fashioned resort town. The second stop is Woodside (Birkenhead) for the city's heritage trail. Birkenhead had the first publicly funded park, serving as a model for what would become New York's Central Park. Ferries leave Liverpool on the hour from Pier Head, adjacent to the cruise ship landing stage. To make the 50-minute cruise, buy a River Explorer ticket that costs ?12 for adults; ?9 for seniors and students; and ?6.50 for children.
Mathew Street, four blocks inland from Pier Head, is the site for much of Liverpool's live DJ and rock and roll entertainment, including the famous Cavern Club and the Cavern Pub, both with early Beatles connections. Next door, the Hard Day's Night Hotel, offering Beatles-themed rooms and holiday packages, also has a themed restaurant called Blake's named for Sergeant Pepper album cover artist Sir Peter Blake. A free music festival takes place in Liverpool every August Bank Holiday.
Getting Around?
Two hop-on-and-off bus operators are City Sightseeing and City Explorer Bus Tour. The latter's website gives details for mini-break passes that include such attractions as City Explorer, the Beatles Story, Mersey Ferries, Seacombe Aquarium and the Tower Experience at Liverpool Cathedral. Both operators, plus local buses, stop at Pier Head. The nearest Merseyrail (local trains) stop is two blocks inland at James Street Station behind the Port of Liverpool Building.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The local currency is the British Pound. For current currency conversion figures, visit Oanda or XE online. You will find ATMs at many bank branches. Banks usually take a commission when exchanging currency, while some travel agents and exchange offices advertise commission-free exchange. Check the rates they offer. Credit cards are widely accepted, but please note that many taxis do not take them.
Language?
When in England, English is always your best bet.
Where You're Docked?
Cruise ships dock at Princes Parade in a temporary tent-like building near the Titanic Memorial. The site is adjacent to the famous skyline trio of the Royal Liver Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and the former Cunard headquarters. As noted, in 2013, Liverpool City Council bought the latter building, and plans are now afoot to potentially turn it into a permanent cruise terminal as soon as 2015.
It is a ten-minute walk upriver to the Albert Dock for the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Beatles Story and several good lunchtime restaurants. Buses, including the hop-on-and-off sightseeing services, are a five-minute walk, while the ferries across the Mersey depart from an adjacent upriver landing stage. The UNESCO-designated Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is one block inland.
