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
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
£55 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, an alternative being an additional insurance
charge of £45 (2010)- Return the boat and contents unscathed
and this will be refunded - deductions are made for broken china
etc...
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.
Other sites:
Student accommodation in
Southampton advice for Students seeking accommodation in Southampton - no
canals or narrowboats here
