FAQ's about Canal Boat Holidays
Your questions about canal boat holidays answered.....
Click on the topic below for more details:
The difference between barge, narrowboat and canal boat holidays
Arrival & Departure
Tuition
Maps & Guides
Licences & Restrictions
Buoyancy Aids
Young Children
Bedding
Towels
Pets
Fishing
Groceries
Mobile phone charging
Mobile phone hire
Extras
Fuel
Car Parking
The difference between barge, narrowboat and canal boat holidays
In the UK there is essentially little of no real difference in these holidays. For the most part, canal boat holidays and narrowboat holidays feature a modern built boat that conforms to the dimenions of the canals and locks that make up the UK's inland waterways. These boats are often mistakenly referred to as barges and sometimes long boats (not to be further confused by the Viking Longships!). Barges do exist and are normally a good deal wider than the narrowboats and are retricted in their use again by the dimensions of the waterways and river navigations.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Arrival & Departure
Our Boat Operators will always endeavour to have boats ready for collection at 3.00pm on the start day of your holiday. If for any reason you are unable to arrive on time please contact their start base or Booking Office in order that special arrangements can be made well in advance of your holiday. A late arrival charge may apply. Your boat must be returned and vacated by 9.30am on the last day.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Tuition
No previous experience is necessary, as their boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is given at the start of every holiday. Comprehensive cruising information is in a manual on the boat and details are sent out with the holiday documents to introduce you to the theory of locks and the 'rules of the road'. Our Boat Operators all provide a 24hr emergency helpline.
.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Maps & Guides
A number of guides are available for planning your trip or locating all the sites of interest, pubs, shops and facilities along your route. They are inexpensive and a worthwhile investment and can be ordered direct (click here) or purchased at the Boat Operator's marina on your arrival.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Licences & Restrictions
You do not need a driving licence for a narrowboat and the boat itself is licenced by our Boat Operators for all waterways run by British Waterways. There are a few waterways outside their jurisdiction for which you will need to purchase an additional licence as you enter them, such as the Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. The start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat. The maximum number of people on board is restricted to the number of berths, with an absolute maximum of twelve.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Buoyancy Aids
There are buoyancy aids available free of charge for both children and adults at the marinas (compulsory for children under the age of 18 and non-swimmers). They do not need to be booked in advance and should be requested upon arrival at the marina so the correct size can be fitted.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Young Children
A narrowboat holiday is superb for families. Cot-sides can be provided for very small children on standard berths. Simply indicate this when booking.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Cots
If you would like to use a travel cot or you are bringing your own to use, please contact the booking office. Space is obviously limited and for health and safety reasons we can advise on suitable boats that they can be accomodated on.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Bedding
Freshly laundered bedding is provided on all of our Boat Operator's boats.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Towels
These are provided free of charge on all Alvechurch and Wessex boats and to overseas Viking Afloat and Red Line customers. If you are from the UK and hiring a boat from Viking Afloat or Red Line you will need to bring your own towels.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Pets
This really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together. Our Boat Operators charge £25 for each pet.
They obviously also request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Fishing
Fishing is prohibited on British rivers between 15th March and 15th June. Fishing is allowed outside these dates and on canals at any time, but a licence is required. This is available from any post office with a 1-day, 8-day or annual licence to choose from.
For reasons of hygiene, our Boat Operators regret that live bait may not be kept on the boat.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Groceries
One of the pleasures of a canal holiday is the option to stop off and experience the towns and villages along the way, shopping as and when you need supplies. If you are unable to bring some groceries with you or stop and shop on arrival, there are details of how to get groceries for the start of your holiday in the 'Holiday Guide' that you will receive with your final holiday documents.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Mobile phone charging
All of our Boat Operator's boats have a 12-volt electricity supply with a car-type cigar lighter socket that can be used with a mobile phone car adapter lead (bring your own lead). On some boats there is a 240-volt electricity supply that can be used for your own equipment at your own risk. 110- volt AC supply is not available in the UK .
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Mobile phone hire
Our Boat Operators have mobile phones available for hire whilst you are on holiday with them. They require a £50 returnable deposit and a hire charge of £25 for the first week (including £5 of calls) and £10 per week thereafter (no additional inclusive calls - top up cards may be purchased from a number of outlets). Please arrange mobile phone hire with the Booking Office at least two weeks before the start of your holiday.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Extras
There is a voluntary environmental offset donation suggested at £5 per car.
The only compulsory charges in addition to the brochure price are a fuel deposit and the cost of the fuel consumed and a Cancellation Protection Fee (calculated at the rate of 4% of the hire charge) and non refundable Accidental Damage Waiver Fee at £45.
We can also provide details of Personal Holiday Insurance for UK customers if required (strongly recommended).
There is no credit card surcharge applied for bookings made through Discount Boat Hire.com
Other charges are applicable for extra services if required.
If you wish to bring pets, then a fee of £25 per pet applies.
If you wish to utilise the optional high level berths, which are £50 per week, or £25 per short break each.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Fuel
The boat is ready fuelled for your holiday on arrival, but there is a fuel deposit payable with your holiday booking. This is £85 per week and is not included in the hire cost. When you return the boat to us the balance is refundable after deducting fuel used. However if you have used fuel in excess of the deposit you will be asked to pay the difference.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Parking
There is ample open air parking at the bases
which is provided free of charge. Our Boat Operators regret that
they cannot accept responsibility for loss or
damage to hirers’ vehicles.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index |
