1 NOW ON THE RIDEAU CANAL, CANADA! Who s on Board? PRESS PACK 2018
Who s on board? 2 About has been helping holidaymakers enjoy a new perspective on Europe for over 40 years. As the largest operator of self-drive boating holidays along the romantic rivers and picturesque waterways of nine different countries, more than 102,000 people enjoyed boating holidays with last year. With 36 different departure bases to choose from, travellers can cruise in their own time and taste their way at leisure through Canada, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy or Scotland.
Who s on Board? 3 Our Brand Values CARING We believe passionately in our ability to help people relax, bring them together, and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Who s on board? 4 Why holidays rock believes holidays are as much about the journey as the destination. Which is why meandering through a region s waterways, against a backdrop of ever-changing scenery, can be one of the best ways to savour its countryside, culture and culinary charms. Like a floating villa with all the comforts of home, each boat offers the chance to choose an inspiring new view every day before mooring under the stars by night. Optional extras include bike and stand-up paddleboard hire, angling packs, BBQs, grocery shopping and WiFi. It s even possible to take pets on board. The flexibility of the holiday style applies as much to the destination or vessel selected as the length of the boating style. So, whether a customer prefers a one-way cruise to avoid retracing their steps, can only spare a few days or is looking to be away more than 10 nights, there s a break with their name on it. From romantic breaks for two to aquatic adventures with family or friends (up to 12), including canine chums, holidays give travellers all the ingredients they need for a memorable time away.
Who s on Board? 5 No qualifications required Unlike many water-based holidays where qualifications or skills are required, s on-board briefing on every aspect of the boat before setting off means no previous boating experience or licence is required. However, full support is available before, during and afterwards should any questions come up along the way. OUR FLEET The activity specialist s fleet of 900 cruisers ensures there s a perfect boat to suit every budget, party size and holiday style. All boats are fully equipped for a relaxing life on board, with stylish décor, comfy furnishings, a scenic sundeck and light and airy interiors all hallmarks of s fleet. New class of pleasure cruiser: is always developing and modernising the fleet and caused a stir in 2016 with the introduction of Horizon, a new class of vessel. Designed exclusively for by luxury boat builder Delphia Yachts, known for combining innovation with quality, the Horizon offers couples and small families a spacious new option for navigating Europe and Canada s waterways. Highlights include an enlarged sundeck, perfect for watching the world go by and two thoughtfully crafted rooms (a master cabin and smaller second cabin). 2018 will see even more Horizons on the water with the expansion of the fleet and the introduction of a new 5 cabin model!
Who s on board? LE BOAT Des activités pour tous 6
Who s on Board? 7 The Horizon Fleet the perfect boat whoever you are 2018 will see the arrival of Horizon 5 all built to the same high-standard of the original Horizon, but sleeping up to twelve people. NEW! HORIZON 5 Perfect for larger groups, with 5 ensuite cabins, and with the same comfort and premier features as the rest of the Horizon range. Sleeps up to 12, Cabins 5, Bathrooms 5 HORIZON 2-S (11.50m x 4.25m) HORIZON 4 (13.50m x 4.35m) Available on the Rideau Canal, France; Burgundy, Midi, Available on the Rideau Canal, the Thames, France; Two cabins, two bathrooms, sleeping up to five people. Nivernais-Loire, River Lot; Holland, Ireland and Italy. Priced from 543 for a week s rental in Ireland. Four cabins, four bathrooms, sleeping up to nine people. Alsace, Brittany, Burgundy, Charente, Lot River, Camargue, Midi, Nivernais-Loire; Germany and Holland. Priced from 1,056 for a week s rental in England. HORIZON 3 (13.50m x 4.25m) Three cabins, three bathrooms, sleeping up to seven * The new boats are available to book from 1st September. Available on the Rideau Canal, France; Alsace, Aquitaine, include a fully equipped galley (kitchen), towels and linen for Priced from 976 for a week s rental in Ireland. board cruising information and lock fees. Flights, fuel costs people. Prices quoted are based on boat accommodation only and Burgundy; Germany and Ireland. passengers, a boat handling demo, technical support, on- Horizon 2-S and insurance are not included. Horizon 3 Horizon 4
Who s on board? 8 NEW Rideau Canal, Canada The Rideau Canal in Canada offers the best of all of s European cruising grounds in one place: Opening in May 2018, our new Canadian destination allows visitors to discover the beauty of the Rideau Canal. Our guests will be able to cruise effortlessly on a breathtaking chain of lakes, rivers and canals that winds 202km from Ottawa to Kingston - whilst taking in spellbinding nature, quaint towns and vibrant cities along thew way. Our new base in Smiths Falls, housed inside a historic fortified lock-masters house, is a site worth visiting in itself! And, located at the mid-point between Ottawa and Kingston, is a perfect starting point to explore whichever stretch of the canal holidaymakers fancy. Ottawa CANADA Manotick To further express our confidence in this region, is Long Island O N TA R I O even moving our entire North American headquarters to CANAL RIDEAU our base in Smiths Falls! This investment will support the Burritts Rapids Base local economy and create jobs in a destination we are sure Nicholsons Smiths Falls Perth Merrickville will delight our customers for many years to come. LO W E R RIDEAU LAKE UPPER RIDEAU LAKE BIG RIDEAU LAKE Newboro Portland Westport Chaffeys Lockstation Jones Falls Seeley s Bay Kingston Kingston Mills O N T ARI O
9 At, we believe that world-class destinations deserve world-class boats! So we will be bringing only our state-of-the-art Horizon cruisers to the Rideau Canal. Launched in 2016, our Horizon cruisers have been an unprecedented success, with industry-beating customer ratings. So, no matter what our guests chose to see and do on their Canadian adventure, we know they ll be doing it in luxurious comfort. Who s on Board?
Who s on board? What s new for 2018 If you thought 2017 was a big year for boating holidays, then just wait until you hear what s in store they have to offer in 2018! is proud to announce that even more Horizons will be joining the fleet ready for the 2018 season. The newest boat model, which was designed and built exclusively for, sold out in its first year of charter so it was decided they needed to build a few more! LE BOAT ARRIVES IN CANADA! New in 2018, is excited to open its first cruising destination outside of Europe, in Canada. Discover the unique charm of the Rideau Canal, Ontario, from the unique perspective and top-comfort experience of our new Horizon fleet! TWO BRAND NEW MODELS FOR LARGER GROUPS Our newest fleet of Horizon boats sees a new five-cabin addition in 2018, so up to 12 people can now enjoy our premier Horizon experience. And if you re heading for the waterways of Italy, look out for the brand new Minuetto 8+ which has four cabins and sleeps up to 10 people. Its slick design includes a front and rear thruster for easy handling, air-conditioning and a dishwasher! MORE SUNDAY DEPARTURES We have taken customer feedback on board and are excited to announce that in 2018 all bases on the Canal du Midi and Camargue, as well as at selected bases in, Burgundy, Alsace and Italy will be open on all Sundays throughout the boating season. This means you can pick up or drop off your boat on Sundays, giving you the freedom you deserve. 10
Who s on Board? 11 NEW & IMPROVED Arrival information New welcome packs given to all clients on arrival, for them Clear safety information Quick Start Guide: Easy reference to help clients to get Contact numbers on a handy-sized card Region guide for EVERY cruising area A helpful holiday planner to keep. Clear, concise and useful! comfortable, get going and get confident Comprehensive boat and navigation manuals to use as a reference, plus brand new navigational charts and maps of the waterways. Stored on board your boat and in English, French and German.
Who s on board? Le boat River Guides After over 40 years in the business know the waterways they feature so well they decided to compile all the local tips and information and introduce River Guides to the most popular destinations. Le boat guides for the Thames and Canal Du Midi The Thames Guide: Launched in summer 2015 to cater for the increasing interest in UK boating, this free 70-page handbook and fold-out map offers a complete guide to boating holidays on the UK s most famous river. From advice on entertaining the kids to top riverside eateries and from unmissable attractions and activities along the way to practical information on locks and moorings, the 2016 version includes an expanded gourmet section. The guide - which can be ordered online and is also available on every Thames-based boat - is also complemented by a downloadable app to help holidaymakers get the most out of their break. Canal du Midi Guide: Following the popularity of the guide to the River Thames, has introduced a guide to accompany 2017 holidays along the popular Canal du Midi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this wonderful waterway provides a relaxed introduction to the historic and gastronomic delights of the Languedoc region, from medieval castles via famous vineyards to the golden sands of the Mediterranean. NEW Rideau Canal guide: Coming in 2018! 12
Who s on Board? 13 Own your own boat In addition to offering a wide range of boating holiday options, s boat sales department offers various ways to bring the chance to own their own boat. The Ownership making the sales process simple and straight forward. provides fans of self-drive cruising holidays with Programme offers a great opportunity for canny-investors and boating enthusiasts alike. ownership program benefits: Guaranteed monthly income of 7% p.a Guaranteed buy back at the end of your term (7 seasons) Up to 12 weeks a year on your boat or similar boats of our fleet Access to over 30 bases throughout Europe and Canada Zero berthing or insurance fees Free professional maintenance people the pride and joy of owning an inland river cruiser, whilst Visit leboat.co.uk/ownership to find out more. Boat Brokerage and Private Boat Sales options are also available.
Who s on board? 14 For press information, image and trip request please contact: Lynsey Devon Heaven Publicity Ltd Mobile: +44 (0)7717 078862 Office phone: +44 203 763 5170 lynsey@heavenpublicity.co.uk DST House St Marks Hill Surbiton Surrey KT6 4BH United Kingdom www.leboat.co.uk info@leboat.co.uk 023 9233 4510