Faq's for www.canalbarge.co.uk

(Ad 1)

FAQ's

What is Timeshare?
Who owns and manages the boats?
Where are the boats located?
What sort of quality range can be expected?
How long can I hire a boat for?>
Do you do short breaks?
What locations are available?
Age restrictions?
Can I take a dog?
Are these holidays safe and suitable for children?Are these holidays safe and suitable for the disabled?
What are the other costs over the rental fee?
What clothing should I take?
Do I need to take bedding etc?
Are these holidays suitable for novices?

In case of query contct:

gemma@shakespeare.uki.net

0r visit Shakespeare Classics website:
http://www.narrow-boats.uki.net/

What is Timeshare?

In its most basic form Timeshare is the right to use a property for a period of time - usually a week every year. For this privilege the owner pays an annual maintenance fee over and above the initial purchase cost and usually has the right to rent out the week to other people, if they decide not to use it themselves.Who owns and manages the boats?The boats are managed by Shakespeare Classic line ltd, with the ownership held by trustees on behalf of the week owners.Where are the boats located?The Shakespeare Classic line Fleet is located at Mercia Marina near Burton on Trent - just north of Birmingham

What sort of quality range can be expected?

The boats are well equipped and well maintained. generally i would expect them to compare well with the middle to higher end of the Narrowboat hire market in terms of quality and facilities.How long can I hire a boat for?Boats are hired out by the week, so the limit is the number of consecutive weeks you can find available. Several owners regularly advertise two consecutive weeks on the same boat.Do you do short breaks?The short answer is no. In case of query contact Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd.What locations are available?Mercia Marina Marina is the only location for these boats.How many berths on a boat?Shakespeare Classic offer 4, 6 and 8 berth boats.Age restrictions?As I understand it the minimum crew requirement for an 8 berth boat is 3 fit adults at lest two over 21 and one over 16.This is reduced to 2 fit adults at lest two over 21 and one over 16.for 4 and 6 berth boats.If in doubt please check with Shakespeare Classic line Ltd.

Can I take a dog?

Shakespeare Classic have had to review their approach to dogs because of a lot of complaints from allergy sufferers and associated problems. It may be generally better to assume they are no longer catered for, in cases such as a guide dog or perhaps a "hearing dog" for a deaf person I think it is possible an exception might be made, but it would be best to discuss the matter first with Gemma at Shakespeare Classic Line ltd.
Where dogs are allowed an additional cleaning fee of currently £45 will be made.

Are these holidays safe and suitable for children?

Many children of all ages do enjoy these holidays. Safety is a matter of good supervision and taking advantage of life jackets etc provided by the company. Inevitably in any activity holiday there are risks so the health and safety side is important. Read and take note of the safety literature and training provided and these risks should be manageable. Are these holidays safe and suitable for the disabled?Narrowboats can present problems for many disabled people depending on the disability. It is very difficult for instance to adapt a boat for wheelchair use when the internal width of the boat is less than 2m wide leaving restricted corridor space etc.I am sure Shakespeare Classic Line ltd. will help where they can, but please talk to them about any problems before booking.There are hire companies and societies that do offer specially designed boats where needed. What are the other costs over the rental fee? A returnable deposit against damage of £500 must be paid on collection of boat - usually by credit card slip. Retun the boat and contents unscathed and this will be returned - deductions are made for broken china etc...

Other costs

A fee currently £115 is payable to cover marina fees, fuel and secure parking for one car for the duration of your holiday. A £500 deposit against damage will also be required, or you can take out additional insurance at £45

What clothing should I take?

Come equipped for whatever the notoriously changeable British weather might throw at you.
Sensible non-slip deck shoes/ trainers are advisable - narrowboats are not the place for stilettos!
Waterproofs are advisable even in summer, but also bring the suntan lotion.
Storage space is limited so pack clothing into soft bags which can be rolled up when not in use, rather than hard suitcases.

Do I need to take bedding etc?

All bedding, towels, tea towels etc are provided.

Are these holidays suitable for novices?

Many novices do enjoy these holidays. A basic training is given when you pick up the boat and the staff are friendly and prepared to answer other questions you may have. Generally people find the atmosphere of the waterways to be friendly and accommodating of peoples mistakes and usually people are willing to offer help and advice to newcomers.