The Cruising Experience
You can do as much or as little as you choose each day of your Billet canal or river cruising experience. It could see you helping with locks or crewing the boat (full training and tuition given). You may choose to relax on the stern deck, chatting with companions and crew whist enjoying the sights and sounds along the canal. You may enjoy the peace of the bow deck reading a book or listening to music. Many guests will enjoy planned walks or strolls along the canal tow path; with The Billet ever ready to take the guests back on board whenever they tire.
Food and drink
After a leisurely breakfast, cruising commences from approximately 10.00am with mid-morning coffee/tea and artisanal or home-made snacks being offered before we stop for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30 depending on route. A light lunch will consist of a variety of either home-made patés, soups, salads, toasted sandwiches or fruit. Afternoon cruising will include Afternoon Tea, or freshly ground Coffee, with artisanal or home-made cakes or scones, before finally mooring up for the day around 5.30pm to 6.00pm.
We will serve pre-dinner nibbles and aperitifs on the bow deck, followed by an informal 4 course dinner served in the saloon; no formal or smart dining wear is required on board. The menu for the evening meals has been designed to satisfy without overwhelming, where quality ingredients are just treated simply for maximum flavour. Drinks and mineral waters are all available to accompany your meal.
Please be aware that nuts and nut oils are used on this boat.
Throughout the day, teas, coffees, soft drinks, mineral waters, wines, beers and spirits will be readily available. With all on board food and drink included in the price, guests can relax and focus on the pleasure of the canal cruising experience.
Any special or celebratory drinks can be pre-advised when making your booking. An additional charge may apply but is usually not required. It is our aim to make your holiday as simple and pleasurable as is possible.
Safety and Accessibility
The boat has certain features to make it accessible to the elderly or very young. The stern deck has no open sides, with lockable waist high tow path access doors, thus ensuring a safe and steady environment for all ages. The bow deck has no open sides, with seating all round. There are 2 steps up to the bow deck from the saloon with grab rails either side to assist. There are four steps down from the aft deck into the galley also with grab rails to assist.
Infirm or mobility impaired guests may need to be accompanied by a suitable adult to ensure safety on board and assistance in accessing and leaving the boat safely.
The latest in Self inflating slim line buoyancy aids (life jackets) are provided for all guests.