11 Frequently Asked Questions When Booking A Riverboat

Hello Navigator!

is it your first boat rental without license?

At Danfluvial we want you to have zero doubts before booking a river boat. 

I am Rocío, CEO of Danfluvial and here I leave you a compilation of the most frequent questions that I usually get before embarking on a trip through the canals of Europe. 

 

1- Where can I refuel my boat without permission?

All ships have a Diesel engine. Along your river cruise you don't have to worry about refueling.  

On the first day you pick up the boat with a full tank and on the last day you deliver it as it is. All boats are equipped with an hour meter that will be checked on departure and arrival. So, on the first day, the port of embarkation staff makes a note of the engine hours of that ship in your reservation. 

On the last day you are billed according to the number of operating hours the motor. Therefore, you pay for the actual hours sailed according to the rates in force announced at the port of embarkation.

The price per hour varies by region and type of boat; It depends on the fuel market and is subject to change. We will be able to give you an approximation of our current rate before your holiday and the actual rate can be confirmed at check-in.

In some ports it is necessary that you leave an advance of the price of diesel. At the end of the cruise it is adjusted and: either they return the difference or you pay more. 

The engine hours charge covers running costs (fuel for navigation and heating, gas and engine wear). 

 

2- Plugs, electricity and heating on board the river boat

How charge mobiles? It can be used hair dryer or razor?

All the boats have a 12 V socket. This type of plug is the same as we have in the car, cigarette lighter type. With this outlet you can charge mobile phones, cameras and low-power devices as long as you carry the cable. 

Most modern boats also have 220V plugs and run while sailing thanks to a generator. (Vision range, Horizon, Sixto Prestige C, Quattro C, among others) Be careful! The generator makes noise and should not always be on.

But not everyone is like that.

If you need to charge something at 220V with a normal plug like the ones we have at home, there are two alternatives. Either wait to be in port and when you connect the boat to the electrical outlet you can use the boat plug or you can rent a transformer in the port from 12 to 220V. 

*eye! It is not available in all ports, check with us.

There are electrical devices that, despite operating at 220v, are not recommended since they have a lot of power. For example, it is not recommended to use hair dryers or shavers on the boat. The electrical power of these appliances will cause other appliances such as the refrigerator to stop working.

In addition, all boats are heated. 

 

3- How much do you have to pay when booking a river boat?

When confirming the reservation you must pay 40% of the rental price plus cancellation insurance (in case you want to take it because it is optional).

The rest of the amount is paid 6 weeks before shipment.

if you make one last minute booking (less than 6 weeks) you must pay 100% of the total amount of the trip. 

you can pay for bank transfer or card on a secure payment platform.

When you get there you have to post a bond by credit card or cash. If you do it with a credit card, it is the same as when you rent a car: they block an amount and on the last day they release it. 

The amount of the deposit depends on the model of the boat and it is confirmed with the pre-reservation. 

 

4- Do I have to pay to dock the boat?

Usually no, but you have two options:

1- You can moor along the canal or at the entrance or exit of towns for free. 

2- Or you can moor in ports. The cost usually varies depending on the destination between 5 and 30 euros per night. Whenever you moor in port you have the right to electricity and water for the boat.

* For example: tie in Carcassonne (Canal du midi) it is usually 10 euros a night approximately and in another port of the Channel 4-5 euros. 

At Danfluvial we always recommend one night in port and another on the canal to discover the experience of sleeping under the stars and in the middle of nature.

 

 

5- River cruise: One way or round trip. Advantages and disadvantages.

There is no path better than another. 

If you choose one way You have the advantage that you don't go through the same place twice and you can visit more towns without having to go back. However, you must bear in mind that the route is previously defined and you will have to navigate a mandatory number of hours per day to reach the final port.

The one way is usually for full weeks, there are very few cruises available in one way for mini cruises.

In case you opt for round trip You don't have to see it as a disadvantage. Think that if there are 5 towns on your way out, you can visit 2 or 3 and the rest on the way back. Or, on the way out, stop at all of them and on the way back just stop to eat and sleep.

The advantage of reserving a river boat is that you go at your own pace, when you decide to come back, you come back. 

If you want to spend a whole day in a town, you can do it without having to reach an end point.

 

6- Can you cook on board?

Of course! 

All river boats are equipped with refrigerator and kitchen. They also have utensils to cook and eat on board. Plates, glasses, cutlery, pots, pans...

Most boats have an oven and some more modern ones have a microwave (Horizon and Vision range)

If you want to know if there is a specific utensil, write to us and we will tell you more details.

 

7- Do I take the boat alone?

Yes. As of boarding time, you are the captain of your river vacations.

You or any companion over 18 years of age can take the boat through the canal or river.

According to local legislation, it is not necessary to have a skipper title or any other type of license. The only requirement is that there are two people over 18 years of age on board.

I recommend you take a look at this post in which I tell you what the briefing consists of before setting sail.

All our river destinations such as France, Belgium, Italy, Holland, etc… Boats are reserved without permission.

However, in Porto or some ports near Berlin you do need to have a license, ask us about these more specific points before setting sail. 

 

8- Do babies count as passengers?

Yes. As in cars, babies, even if they are under 2 years old, count as passengers.

Even sleeping with the parents, we must take them into account when renting the boat and choosing the capacity. For safety reasons, the boats are approved for a specific number of people.

Remember that you can reserve river boats from 2 to 12 people.

 

9- Is it dangerous for children?

No. booking a riverboat is a wonderful adventure for children.

Most of our clients travel with minors and it is a very fun vacation option.

Upon arrival at the port of embarkation they provide a life jacket for them and it is recommended that they wear it. It is not dangerous, but we must not forget that we travel by ship. So care or caution with them is important.

I recommend you read this post about river tourism with children. 

 

10- Can I travel with my pet?

Of course. It is a great travel alternative because you do not have to leave them at home or in a kennel or with another person to take care of them.

They also want to enjoy the getaway. In some ports you must pay a supplement between 30-60 euros to go with them, in others it is free.

In any case, they are always welcome on board.

 

11-Who attends me when I arrive and in what language?

To the confirm the reservation we send you the documentation of the cruise with shipping port information and the contact details of the port.

We also send you inventory: captain's handbook to have everything clear when boarding.

When you arrive at the port of departure you will have to look for the fleet office. It is not a Danfluvial office since although we work hand in hand with them we are in Spain.

The language will depend on the destination.

In the south of France they usually speak Spanish in almost all ports but it will depend on the staff of the port of embarkation.

In other destinations they usually speak English and Spanish.

Keep in mind that they are used to receiving people from all over the world and they make themselves understood. Even so, if you have any questions or there is something you cannot clarify, you can contact us by phone or whatsapp. 

I encourage you to discover canals and rivers, nature in all its splendor and beautiful places with family, as a couple or with friends. 

Do you have any questions? Write me in comments or contact me whenever you need. 

Write me and we can talk about your next trip. 

With affection for you, 

Rocío Mauduit