1Good afternoon and welcome aboard the River Queen; my name is Sophie, your commentator today.
2In the next ninety minutes we will travel upstream past some of the finest buildings in the city.
3First of all, on your left you can see the old customs house, built nearly three centuries ago.
4It served as a warehouse until the nineteen sixties, when it was converted into a concert hall.
5Coming up on the right bank is the botanical garden, which is well worth a visit after the cruise.
6Right, moving on to practical matters: the boat used to stop at the museum pier, but no longer does.
7Instead, we now make a fifteen minute stop at the north pier, where there is a small craft market.
8If you would like refreshments, the bar on the lower deck serves tea, coffee and light snacks.
9A return ticket bought online costs fourteen pounds, two pounds cheaper than buying on the day.
10One last thing: for your safety, please remain seated while the boat is approaching any bridge.
11Should you wish to take photographs, the open upper deck offers the clearest views of the skyline.
12Now sit back, relax, and I will point out the university boathouses as we pass them shortly.