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Love is in the air again as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and this year, Uber is bringing love to the water with live performances from the English National Opera on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
The return of The Uber Love Boat follows research revealing opera as one of the most romantic music types according to Brits, with almost a quarter (22%) saying that it is the most romantic music type behind classical (35%) & blues (24%).
Interestingly, it appears 18-24 year olds are the smoothest operators, with 30% claiming opera is the most romantic genre of music, compared to less than a quarter (20%) of those aged 55-64.
While opera may be a popular music choice for sparking romance, data reveals (52%) of Brits have never experienced a live opera performance, despite almost a third (31%) saying it’s something they want to do.
In addition, trips to the opera prove to be more popular among men than women, as over a quarter of British males (35%) say they’ve witnessed a live opera performance at least once, compared to 27% of females.
When it comes to Valentine’s Day plans, going for dinner remains the top activity for the majority of Brits in 2023, although some couples are trying something new, with over a quarter (27%) saying they would rather be taken to the theatre, whilst going to the opera was the number one date for 1 in 10 Brits.
When it comes to the younger generation, more than a quarter (34%) of 18-24 year olds say they would love to take their significant other on a romantic boat ride this Valentine’s Day, rather than dining out at a restaurant.
However, for 57% of Brits, staying in is the new going out as they would prefer to celebrate at home with a takeaway or relax watching a film than go out for the evening.
Top 10 Valentine’s Day activities – revealed by Uber:
- A romantic dinner at a restaurant
- Staying in and enjoying a home cooked meal
- A luxury hotel or spa break
- A night at the theatre
- Staying in and watching a film
- A romantic stroll
- A romantic boat ride
- Sightseeing in the city
- A trip to the cinema
- A music concert
The Uber Love Boat by Thames Clippers service is the ultimate Valentine’s Day date, bringing together the cheapest opera performance in London with a romantic boat tour cruising past the most iconic sights in London.
To make sure that you hit the high notes, there will be a range of special Valentine’s Day menu offers aboard the Love Boat including deals on champagne and a range of snacks.
Menu items on offer include:
- Rhubarb Danish Pastries
- Chocolate & Raspberry heart shaped cookies
- A selection of Prosecco and wine
What’s more, those who purchase any large bottle of prosecco from the onboard café bar between 11-14th February will receive two free heart-shaped cookies.
The Uber Love Boat by Thames Clippers service is the perfect start to a romantic evening, with passengers able to board from North Greenwich Pier for a journey west along the Thames. Guests on board will be serenaded by a set list of romantic arias selected to complement the timings of travel between the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers piers, providing some with their first ever operatic experience
Andrew Brem, General Manager at Uber UK said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the English National Opera to bring some extra magic for Londoners this Valentine’s Day in a unique setting. The ENO is a much loved and vital institution that enriches the lives of so many. We hope the Uber Love Boat will give many Londoners and visitors alike the chance to enjoy opera, and for many maybe for the first time.”
Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of the ENO said: “Opera tells some of the greatest love stories of all time and what better way to enjoy these romantic arias on Valentine’s Day than on a ride through the heart of London, serenaded by our world-class singers. Here at the ENO, we are dedicated to making opera for everyone, so we jumped at the chance to bring our accessible opera in English, to such a unique location.”
The Uber Love Boat services will depart at 19:10 and 19:40 from North Greenwich Pier and can be boarded with any of the standard ticket types. You can either start your journey at North Greenwich, or hop on at a later point in the boat’s two-hour round-trip journey.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a fleet of 20 boats departing from 24 piers along the River Thames, enabling you to get where you need to be in style.
Anyone looking to experience more of what The English National Opera has to offer can debark the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service at Embankment Pier and take a short walk up to the London Coliseum.
The ENO have a host of world-class operas coming up, including; Bizet’s fiery classic Carmen (1 – 24 February) for the romantics, art lovers should check out Glass’s Akhnaten (11 March – 5 April) and fans of epic quests and myths could sample Wagner’s The Rhinegold (18 February – 10 March). Under 21s go free, under 35s get huge discounts, and tickets for everyone start from £10.
