Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where do your cruises depart from and is there parking?
A. Our main departure point is Rutland Water, North Shore, Bull Brigg Lane, Whitwell LE15 8BL. Our scheduled sailings also call at Normanton on the South Sore of Rutland Water. Anglian Water provide car and coach parking next to our departure point at Whitwell. Charges apply. We accept no liability for any loss or damage to any vehicle or contents. There is no vehicular access to the Normanton pier. Car parking at Normanton is approximately 15 minutes-walk to the pier.
Q. Once I have purchased a ticket, can I change the date/time of my sailing, or cancel and get a refund?
A. No. Our tickets and boarding passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, and not for resale.
Q. Can I get a refund if someone in my group cannot travel?
A. No. Our tickets and boarding passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, and not for resale.
Q. Can I add extra people to my online booking?
A. Yes. You can do this by purchasing additional tickets online if space is available.
Q. Is the boat suitable for persons with reduced mobility or wheelchair users?
A. Yes. We have a lift on board and we can accommodate 6 standard-sized wheelchairs per sailing at Whitwell only. We cannot accommodate scooters or larger wheelchairs. Please make sure that our access is suitable before making a booking or purchasing a ticket. Please bring enough helpers to aid reduced mobility passengers or wheelchair users to board and disembark our vessel safely.
Q. If I have booked a private cruise can I cancel and get a refund?
A. If you wish to cancel your booking you must notify us immediately. Your booking fee is non-refundable. You will also be liable for the cost of any goods or services that we have reserved on your behalf and, if your cancellation is less than 12 weeks before your sailing date, then you will also be liable for the total price of the booking.
Q. Do carers go free?
A. No, although group discounts may be available. Please check with us for details.
Q. Can we bring dogs on board?
A. We have a limited number of places on board for dogs and we may make an additional charge. Please keep dogs on a lead and under control at all times whilst on board. We reserve the right not to carry any dog in the interests of safety.
Q. What time do we need to arrive for our cruise?
A. We operate to a strict timetable and you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. If you are late, the boat will not wait.
Q. Can we bring our own food and drink on board?
A. Generally, no. On public sailings only items purchased from our bar may be consumed on board. Separate arrangements can be agreed for private bookings.
Q. What happens if the weather is bad?
A. We still operate in the rain, but it’s worth checking ahead of your visit if there are high winds which may cause us to cancel our sailings. There is undercover seating on the lower deck for around 60 people. Please check our sailings and availability online prior to your visit, especially if you are travelling some distance.
Q. Are your cruises suitable for babies and children?
A. Yes. Children under 15 must be accompanied by someone over 18 and must be adequately supervised at all times whilst on board. You must let us know of any children under 3 when booking or purchasing a ticket.
Q. Do we need to wear life jackets?
A. No. We have sufficient life rafts or life rings for all our passengers.
Q. Can we bring pushchairs, prams or bicycles on board?
A. Yes. Space is available on the lower deck via 3 steps. We may ask you to fold pushchairs or prams. We have limited space for bicycles. Please ask before purchasing a ticket.
Q. Is there a toilet on board?
A. Yes. A toilet is located on the lower deck. Facilities for wheelchair users and persons with restricted mobility are available at the Harbour Bar, adjacent to our departure point at Whitwell.