Up to 140 AFC Bournemouth fans will sail the Thames to Fulham in a fan-led “Cruise to the Cottage” pre-match party. With music, drinks and views, the £20 trip blends travel and atmosphere as supporters celebrate a season of progress ahead of a key clash.
A group of dedicated AFC Bournemouth supporters are set to turn a London matchday into a memorable occasion off the pitch, as they prepare to sail down the River Thames ahead of the Cherries’ clash with Fulham on Saturday 9th May.
Dubbed "Cruise to the Cottage", the fan-organised event will see up to 140 Bournemouth supporters travel in style from Festival Pier in Waterloo to Putney Pier, just a short walk from Craven Cottage.
Boarding begins at 11:45am, with the boat departing at midday and arriving at 2:15pm- perfectly timed for the 3pm kick-off in west London.
"More Than Just Transport"
Organised by members of "The Famous Left Side", a group of devoted Cherries North Standers, the event, priced at £20 per ticket, promises more than just transport, as fans will be treated to a full pre-match party experience aboard the Emerald of London, a spacious two-deck vessel designed for entertainment.
With a fully stocked bar, panoramic views of the Thames, and both indoor and outdoor social spaces, the journey will offer a unique way for supporters to build atmosphere ahead of what could a crucial Premier League fixture - with both teams potentially having half an eye on Europe.
Fulham sit in ninth place in the Premier League table with 44 points from 31 matches, putting them in a good position for European qualification for the first time in several seasons. Cherries are not far behind them on 42, but have some tricky fixtures ahead including trips to both Arsenal and Newcastle away.
Music will be at the heart of the "Cruise to the Cottage" experience, with an AFC Bournemouth DJ providing the soundtrack throughout the trip. With a professional sound system on board, the aim is to create a festival-like mood on the water, giving fans the chance to sing, celebrate and connect before heading to the ground.
A Celebration of 2025/26
With Bournemouth players also making waves on the international stage, silverware secured by the women’s side in the National League Cup, and a stadium development in the pipeline too - therefore there is a sense of momentum surrounding the club. Fans will be hoping that this can be compounded by a positive run-in from Andoni Iraola's side, and for those making the journey to west London, the “Cruise to the Cottage” will hopefully offers the chance for fans to get together and celebrate another season of progression for AFC Bournemouth.
As the boat glides East to West past London’s iconic skyline, one thing will be clear: whatever happens on the pitch, Bournemouth’s supporters are determined to enjoy every moment of the ride...