A new wave of ventures for Le Boat in 2018
It’s now only six months to go until holidaymakers can set off on one of Le Boat’s new boating trips in Canada. However, the excitement of the new continent launch should not overshadow the surprises in store for those looking to venture into the waterways of Europe this year: two stylish new river boats have been added to the popular Venetian lagoon and the Canal du Midi regions. Another of Le Boat’s changes sees bases remain open on Sundays to further improve its slick operation and grant its guests further cruising freedom. Finally, Le Boat has introduced an ownership programme so those who have enjoyed life at the helm can buy their own luxury vessel and avoid the usual hassles of maintaining and mooring a boat. Please continue reading for more information.
Le Boat arrives in Canada
Le Boat has established itself as Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating holidays, and now, in May 2018, the company is opening its first cruise destination outside of Europe: Canada.
The 16 million Canadian dollar investment (approximately £9.5 million) will open up the scenic waterway of the Rideau Canal World Heritage Site to holidaymakers on the 10th anniversary of its UNESCO designation. Given that the waterway intersects numerous conservation parks, it’s little wonder that nature-lovers flock to the area to witness its abundant wildlife, from sunbathing turtles to resident blue herons and sleeping river otters holding hands as they float down river. Travelling by boat allows holidaymakers to explore the region at their own pace with Le Boat’s new Smith Falls base serving as a portal to the natural beauty of Ontario. For those who wish to get a flavour of Canada’s city life and its friendly citizens, there is Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto all within reach of the base. All this is possible from the comfort of one of Le Boat’s premium vessels since all cruises will be available on the new Horizon fleet.
New Horizon 5 boat
Following the sell-out success of the first Horizon boat in 2016, Le Boat is expanding the fleet year on year with new waves of premier standard Horizon cruisers; 2018 sees the introduction of the largest Horizon to date. The new Horizon 5 will be built to the same high spec as the original innovative cruiser, but with en-suite cabins to sleep up to 12 people. It will be available for all Canal du Midi cruises which is Le Boat’s most popular cruising region for families. With so much space on board and so much to discover, why not bring the whole family including the dog?
New Minuetto 8+ boat
Those visiting the Venetian lagoon can board the newest addition to Le Boat’s fleet, the Minuetto 8+. Designed with larger groups in mind, the brand-new vessel has four cabins and sleeps up to 10 people. The Minuetto 8+ boasts easy handling and supreme comfort. The boat’s front and rear thruster, will help with smooth maneuvering at the busy port, and with facilities such as air-conditioning, kitchen and dishwasher, guests will have everything at their fingertips. With all the conveniences for an effortless self-catered stay, holidaymakers have no trouble making themselves at home and slipping into a carefree holiday routine. All that’s left to do is recline on the sundeck of your floating villa and cruise through the islands, sampling the very best of Venice’s surroundings.
Cruising on Sundays
Taking customer feedback on board, Le Boat’s bases in the Canal du Midi and Camargue, as well as selected bases in, Burgundy, Alsace and Italy will now be opening on all Sundays throughout the boating season. Sunday opening affords holidaymakers that bit more freedom when it comes to picking up and dropping off their boat, and accommodates short break cruisers who wish to get that bit more out of their weekend.
Boat ownership
Le Boat is giving holidaymakers the chance to own a brand-new five-star Horizon river cruiser. The ownership programme is the ultimate value-for-money ownership arrangement, most suitable for those who have enjoyed holidays at the helm and want to invest in their own luxury vessel. The programme offers a monthly income to buyers with none of the costs associated with traditional boat ownership nor the hassles of maintaining, moving and mooring a boat, so they can set off on their cruise stress-free. Owners’ privileges include the use of any boat, not just their own, and the choice of cruises in any of the operator’s destinations (UK, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, France and Canada) for up to 11 weeks a year. Buying a boat costs from £183,404 (only £174,188 when bought pre-January 2018) and would have a guaranteed monthly income of £783. The buyback price would be £78,339. Over a seven-season term, this equates to £4,296 per year to own the boat.
