WHO ARE WE?      presents Self drive rental boats with Crown Blue Line
CROWN BLUE LINE
FAQ'S
CHOICE OF REGION
CHOICE OF BOAT
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Frequently Asked Questions about self drive canal cruisers.

Do I need any previous boating experience?
Do I require a driving permit?
Will I be able to moor easily?
Are the waterways and locks easy to navigate?
How do I know where to go?
How far can I go?
What sort of boat should I choose?
Start and finish times
Is it expensive?
What happens if we run into difficulties?
Will I need special insurance?
Car parking
How do I book?

Do I need any previous boating experience?

No, many of our holiday makers are first timers. All of the Crown Blue Line boats are easy to handle, and no previous experience is required before taking the helm.

Do I require a driving permit?

No, a driving licence is not required. In France, after your instruction lesson, you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. No permit is required in Holland or Ireland.

Will I be able to moor easily?

Stop when and where you like, at a marina, or in the open countryside. There are plenty of moorings all along the waterways which are usually free of charge except for some harbours in popular centres, where a fee is sometimes payable.

Are the waterways and locks easy to navigate?

The quiet waterways chosen by Crown Blue Line are largely non-tidal with only the gentlest of currents making them extremely easy to navigate. The current and levels are calmed by locks. Many are operated for you by lockkeepers, or automatically as you approach, others you operate yourselves. You'll enjoy the locks, they are great fun and a good place to meet fellow travellers.

How do I know where to go?

Just consult the section dedicated to the different regions available. If you would like detailed maps of any particular area contact us and we can sell you the guide for the canal in question. These can be ordered when you are booking your trip.

How far can I go?

Normal cruising speed averages about 8-10 kilometers per hour and it takes about 10 minutes to go through a lock provided that you do not have to wait.

What sort of boat should I choose?

Just consult the choice of boat section. Each boat is of course fully equipped to give you all of the home comforts that you need.

Start and finish times

Hire duration is normally one or two weeks. 10 and 11 day periods and some short breaks are also available.Normal takeover time is between 4pm and 5pm. Return time is 9am on the final day. One week is seven nights.

Is it expensive?

A rental boat holiday represents excellent value for money. Divide the price of the boat by the number of people on board and you will see what good value it is.

What happens if we run into difficulties?

Crown Blue Line is at your service 7 days a week. At each base there are staff who speak English and for any problem you can call them at any time.

Will I need special insurance?

Your boat is fully insured and you are only responsible for any damage up to the amount of your security deposit. Alternatively you can opt for the damage waiver scheme. Check out the Prices and Conditions section for further details.

Car parking

All of the bases offer free outside car parking and enclosed parking at a modest charge.

How do I book?

When you have decided on your region, the number who will be travelling, the type of boat, and the dates, just E mail us and we will get back to you immediately with the boats available. When we have found a boat and a departure date suitable for you, you must print out the booking form and send it to us by fax or mail. Payments are usually all by credit card with numbers given by E mail, fax or phone, but of course all other payment methods are acceptable.

h2olidays, Port de Plaisance, 21170, Saint Jean de Losne, France