-
Frequently Asked Questions for Self-Drive Barges
- How long is a normal cruise?
- One week, if you start on Saturday you would end on a Saturday. Shorter and longer cruises are possible depending on availability.
-
- What does the cruise cost include?
- A week of cruising, bedding, kitchen utensils, towels (one per person) and Captain’s manual.
-
- What is supplied on the vessels?
- Beds, pillows, duvets, and bed linens
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge, gas oven, crockery and utensils
- Towels and tea towels (one per person)
- CD player, TV’s & DVD players available for rent from some of our bases
- Cruising maps, boat user manual and tourist information (supplied onboard)
- Safety equipment, life jackets, boat hook, fenders
- Basic first aid kit
- Outside table, chairs and parasol (depending on vessel)
- Deck equipment (depending on vessel), mooring pegs, mallet, mop, bucket, ropes
- Bathroom facilities with hot showers
- Pump-flush toilets (electric flush toilets on newer vessels like the Royal Mystique)
- 12 volt power for electric shavers (some models offer additional shore power facilities and Royal Mystique allows 220 volt power while the engine is running)
- Warm air heating, fans or air-cooling (depends on vessel)
-
- Do I require a license or permit?
- A driving license is not required for your boating holiday in France, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, England or Scotland. After your instruction lesson you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. In Germany, a permit is required only for boats over 13 meters in length and only in certain areas. Contact us for more information.
-
- What type of currency do I pay?
- The cruise cost is USD. There is a fuel charge of 200 Euros upon arrival.
-
- Any additional taxes?
-
No.
-
- Are life jackets provided?
- Life jackets are supplied and safety rings are attached to every boat.
-
- Do we have to operate the locks?
- Depending on the region you are in, locks may be manually operated, manned by a lock keeper, electrically operated or automatic, but whatever the system, the maneuvers are always much the same.
-
- Are the locks easy to navigate?
- Yes, and passing through a lock will often be a highlight of your cruise! Once you have navigated one lock you will find out just how simple it is.
-
- Are any areas lock free?
- If you are looking for lock-free cruising head down to the Camargue in the South of France! The Norfolk Broads is also lock free. Many other cruising regions have few locks, so speak to someone in our friendly sales team and they will be pleased to help you.
-
- Can transfers be arranged?
- Yes we can arrange transfers to and from any airport, train station, town or hotel. You will need to contact the sales team and ask for the appropriate form to complete. Transfers are paid for on arrival in the local currency.
-
- Are towels provided?
- Yes, we provide towels (one per person).
-
- How will I know how to operate the boat?
- When you arrive at the base, you'll receive a warm welcome from our team and be shown to your boat. You will be given an in-depth briefing on every aspect of your boat - from which knots to use to how the oven works. Rest assured that the team at your base will make sure you are confident about every aspect of your trip before you cast off including how to go through locks, tying up at the water's edge and mooring in a marina (charges may apply).
-
- What speed should I cruise at?
- A cruising holiday is meant to be a relaxing one, with 5 km/hr being the recommended maximum speed. This means you can enjoy your surroundings at a leisurely pace and, more importantly, not cause any damage to the natural habitats at the water's edge.
-
- What time can I collect and return the boat?
- Normal collection time is between 4pm and 5pm and return time is by 9am on the final day.
-
- Is fishing allowed?
- Fishing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives on the rivers so bring your rods and don’t forget your fishing license! Licenses can be purchased from local shops for the duration of your cruise.
-
- Can I swim in any of the regions?
- Swimming is possible in many of the rivers, lakes and lagoons, but always check at the base if it is safe to do so. We don’t recommend swimming in the canals, but there are many great open-air swimming pools near to our cruising routes if you fancy a dip. You could also head for the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean or near our base at Nieuwpoort in Belgium.
-
- Is it possible to hire bikes?
- Yes, we have a brand new range of lightweight, 24-gear cross country bikes, mini-bikes for gentle excursions, children’s bikes, trailer bikes and children’s bike seats. Helmets can also be purchased from the base. We recommend you take at least two bikes per boat and it is advisable to reserve them in advance.
-
- What happens if I break down?
- In case of an emergency, you will be able to contact one of the base team 24/7 and we will respond immediately. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with your boat, we will do our best to send an engineer to you within four hours of your call. If your boat is considered to be unusable for more than half a day you will be offered compensation based on the daily hire fee. Please see full details of our pledge in our terms and conditions.
-
- How many hours should I cruise each day?
- Generally cruising 4-5 hours a day will ensure you see a lot of the region as well as keep the boat’s batteries well charged. However, there’s no need to set yourself rigid targets – cruise as the mood takes you and explore the countryside and see the sights at your leisure.
-
- Can we pre-order groceries?
- You can order groceries in advance and they will be delivered to your boat on your departure day. You will need to download the provisioning list and send it back to the base at least two weeks prior to departure.
-
- How can I recharge my camera/mobile?
- All boats are equipped with a 12 volt cigarette lighter (the same as a car) which can be used to plug in your adapter lead for a mobile phone or any other low power equipment with the appropriate connection.
-
- How do I get to the base?
- To find out how to get your departure base, click on your base name and you will find directions and address for the base.
-
- If I am doing a one way cruise how do I get my car back?
- There are two options available to you:
- We can arrange a taxi for you
- We can transfer your car from the start base to the end base so that it is waiting for you when you return (extra cost)
-
- What is the difference between one-way and round trip cruise?
- A one-way cruise enables you to start from one base and end at a different base. A round trip cruise is starting and ending at the same base.
-
- What does it mean when you show 2+ 2 for capacity?
- That means there is capacity for two passengers and fold out in the salon for two passengers.
-
- If you have any further questions, please contact The Barge Connection
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
