Grabbing an Uber just got a little fancier – and we’re not talking about ordering an Exec when you’re feeling a little boujee after bottomless brunch. In the latest initiative from the ride-hailing app, Monday (February 14 aka Valentine’s Day) will see Uber and Thames Clippers partner up to bring an Uber Love Boat to the River Thames for one evening only.
Unlike your traditional Uber journey, the route is already laid out for you on the Uber Love Boat. For once, you’ll be happy to hear your driver will take the scenic route, as you pass some of the capital’s most famous landmarks. Starting at North Greenwich (or at a later point in the boat’s two-hour hop on, hop off journey), you’ll cruise along the Thames towards the London Eye, and back, accompanied by a live string quartet. Several London-based string bands, such as String Infusion, Prima Strings, Halo Strings and Giardino Strings, will perform love songs across different genres and eras. Uber commissioned research into Brits’ top 20 love songs of all time, with the iconic ballad I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston nabbing the top spot, so we can imagine that’ll be on the set list.
In a turn of events for anyone who’s ever been told off for munching on a McDonald’s chicken nugget in the back seat, there will be a selection of snacks on offer throughout the Uber Love Boat journey, including chocolate heart-shaped shortbread biscuits and salted caramel cupcakes, plus champagne, prosecco, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.
You can’t be fashionably late for this date though; the exclusive Uber Love Boat service will only run between 5.35pm and 6.40pm. Check out Thames Clipper’s westbound timetable to see the stops and times. You can book your spot in advance or on departure via the Uber App, Thames Clipper tickets app, online, or at a designated ticket kiosk at your chosen pier. You also have the option to tap on/off the Uber Love Boat using your Oyster card or contactless payment card.