Hotel barge cruising ( barging ) in France

Q &A Your Questions Answered

HOW MUCH DO THE CRUISES COST, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? 

Current rates are published in our brochure and on the itinerary page of this web site.

HOW DO I BOOK?

We recommend that you first check availability of your cruise choice. You will be offered a limited period option or a close alternative. To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 50% of the total cruise cost must be remitted within the specified period. The balance is due 6 weeks before the start of your cruise. If you book less than 6 weeks ahead, you'll need to pay in full right away.

HOW FAR AHEAD IS IT NECESSARY TO BOOK?

As early as you can if you're concerned to get your first or second choice cruise. However, last minute bookings are quite acceptable - the chances are we'll be able to offer you a cruise somewhere, even at very short notice. If you're visiting from overseas, allow at least four weeks between confirming your booking and receipt of documents.

WHO ARE HOTEL BOAT CRUISES DESIGNED FOR?

People from all over the world, all walks of llfe and all age groups - from young, single travellers to senior citizens no longer as agile as they were. Younger and more active guests generally enjoy helping the crew at locks and with boat handling.

ARE HOTEL BOAT CRUISES SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN? 

Yes, if you charter the entire boat.

WHAT MEALS ARE PROVIDED, AND CAN YOU CATER FOR SPECIAL DIETS?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. All freshly prepared on board by an accomplished cook who will be happy to cater for any special needs. But please give at least two weeks notice to us of your particular requirements.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING? 

Travel light It's an informal holiday so a large wardrobe is unnecessary Bring casual clothes including a waterproof jacket, warm sweater for cool evenings, soft-sole shoes for wearing on board, and comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and towpath strolling. A pocket fiashlight is often handy Try to confine your luggage to one soft suitcase which can be stowed easily as storage space on board is limited.

HOW DO I FIND THE CRUISE DEPARTURE POINT?

Detailed arangements and travel advice are included in our tour documentation, together with the boat telephone number.

Information & Conditions

Responsibility

In these conditions, governed and interpreted according to the rules of English law, THE COMPANY referred to is UKWH Ltd.

BOOKINGS, DEPOSITS AND OUTSTANDING BALANCE

We can provisionally reserve cabins for you by telephone but booking can only be confirmed on receipt of a deposit of 50% of the total cost per person per week. Our acknowledgement and receipt documentation constitute a legally binding contract between you and the Company. We will be legally bound to provide the accommodation as booked. You, in turn will legally bound to pay the balance of the cost, which must be paid at least 6 weeks before the start of the holiday. Bookings may not be transferred to a third party without the permission of the Company.

CANCELLATION TERMS

If confirmed arrangements are cancelled within the period shown prior to commencement, or are not cancelled but in the event are not taken up, the following charges apply:

Up to 45 days 100% of total holiday cost; 46-90 days 50% of total holiday cost; 91 days or more 15% of total holiday cost. The cancellation period is measured from date of receipt by the Company of written notification. We strongly recommend that youpurchase cancellation insurance to cover this fee should you have to cancel for medical reasons.

OPERATORS RIGHT OF TERMINATION

We reserve the right to decline a booking without assigning any reason for so doing. We reserve the right to terminate a passenger’s cruise, should the person, in our opinion, have placed themselves, other passengers, the boats or equipment in danger of injury or damage by ignoring safety advice or instructions of the crew. We also reserve the right to terminate the cruise of any passenger found smoking inside the boats, or who, in the opinion of the skipper of the boats behaves in a manner disruptive to the other passengers. Any refund of the price of the holiday would be paid entirely at the discretion of the Company. We reserve the right to cancel any cruise for which there are insufficient bookings, or if due to circumstances beyond our control, it has become impossible to carry out the cruise. In such cases, you will, if possible, be offered alternative dates. Otherwise any sum received from you will be returned in full but you shall no claim on any account against us.

WATER RESTRICTIONS & FORCE MAJEURE

We reserve the right to alter or amend a published cruise route (or routes) if this is made necessary by canal stoppages, water shortages, flood, or if we deem this to be in the best interest of our passengers and crew. We reserve the right to reallocate accommodation when, in our opinion, it is necessary to do so. You will have no claim on us and no particular right of cancellation should any rerouting be necessary. Whilst we make every effort to keep to the advertised timetables, we shall not be liable for any loss caused to you by delay, mechanical or electrical breakdown, failure to keep to time or any cause whatsoever. Should navigational difficulties prevail on the waterway, the cruise may be rescheduled to commence, divert or terminate at alternative locations or on an alternative craft in order to safeguard the holiday. This situation will not be considered grounds for cancellation of a confirmed holiday.

PERSONAL ACCIDENT & GUESTS PROPERTY

We shall not be liable for any loss or damage to any article or personal property belonging to you which may be sustained during the cruise or whilst the articles are upon the boats or premises or vehicles belonging to us or our agents. Except in respect of death or personal injury caused by our negligence, we shall not be liable for any personal injury suffered by you during the cruise or whilst upon the boats or premises or vehicles belonging to us or our agents. If we advise car parking facilities, we shall not be liable for any loss or damage to your vehicle or its contents. We can take no responsibility for the consequences of not being informed in writing of your dietary requirements, food dislikes or any relevant health problems.

GENERAL

Your holiday is fully protected under the EEC Package Holiday Directive (90/314/EEC). These conditions shall operate in accordance with English Law and the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts. Smoking is not permitted inside the barge. We reserve the right to levy a surcharge should our VAT rating or the rate of VAT change after your booking is made. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of our website and other publicity materials, we shall not be liable for any inaccuracies that may occur.

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