Thames Luxury Charters - A Thames Journey - Image
Search the Thames Luxury Charters Site

Thames Luxury Charters Frequently Asked Questions
'Friday night was very successful, probably the best Long Service Dinner we’ve had to date.'
- MICHELLE O'BRIEN, EAST LONDON BUS GROUP
more testimonials Thames Luxury Charters

Frequently Asked Questions


WHERE CAN WE START THE PARTY?
Generally both boats embark guests from any pier between Putney and the Thames Barrier, and on occasions, beyond those points. In particular, the ‘Edwardian’ with her lower top deck can venture further upstream but do bear in mind that anything past Putney will incur a ’running’ fee, typically 50% of the normal boat charter rate. The tide may be a factor for the ‘Golden Salamander’ particularly with regard to Westminster and Putney bridges, but for 90% of all bookings, we have no problems at all. At the time of booking we will check for you.

DURING THE CRUISE, WHERE CAN WE ACTUALLY GO ON THE RIVER?
Most cruises tend to be of a 4 hour duration. In that time, regardless of where you embark, you have a choice of Putney to Greenwich, or Chelsea Harbour to the Thames Barrier. Give us 5 hours and we can cover all of Putney to the Thames Barrier – all the points of interest.

ARE THERE ANY LICENSING RESTRICTIONS, FOR CHILDREN OR LATE HOURS?
Not at present. However, there is a move under EEC legislation to licence all boats which may come in within the next 6 months. Currently we serve alcoholic drinks on a 24 hour basis, and we have no problem with children being present at their parents’ own risk. If that changes, we will keep you updated.

HOW DO YOUR CATERING CHARGES AFFECT CHILDREN?
Our policy is that for infants/toddlers between 0-4 years, we do not charge as we would expect parents to bring on suitable food for them. From 5 - 11 years, we charge 50%, and for children of 12+ years, we charge in full – they eat more than the adults!

I KNOW FOR NORMAL BOOKINGS WE HAVE ROUGHLY A 15 MINUTE WINDOW TO EMBARK GUESTS – WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED MORE THAN THAT?
Not a problem. You are quite right. For example, a 7.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m. booking from Westminster Pier would mean that the boat would endeavour to be there ready for you to board by 6.45 p.m. and would have to leave the Pier by 7.00 p.m., returning 15 minutes before the end of the event on the same basis. Should you be unsure as to the punctuality of guests, you are at liberty to book a ‘lay up’, for example from 7.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m. Costs vary slightly, but generally are £50 per half hour. Be careful at Waterloo Pier (London Eye). They operate a strict 20 minute turnaround and there are penalties if exceeded. Suggest Festival Pier instead.

ARE THE BOATS SUITABLE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS?
Our largest vessel, the ‘Dixie Queen’, is unique on the Thames in having a disabled lift and full toilet. However, the other boats are not particularly wheelchair-friendly due to stairs, cloakroom facilities, doorways etc. It does depend on the degree of disability. Our crew will always assist guests on and off the boats and the occasional guest with perhaps a collapsible wheelchair should be fine. Check with the booking team.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON BOARD?
Due to Health & Safety regulations, we are only allowed to have guide dogs on board.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A COMMENTARY DURING THE CRUISE?
The Captain will be pleased to provide a commentary for you on the salient sights on a complimentary basis. Should you wish a more detailed explanation or if you wish to combine the trip with a particular theme we are able to book an experienced ‘Blue Badge’ guide for you.

CAN WE HAVE A PIER STOP DURING THE CRUISE?
This is normally not a problem, providing it is pre-booked. The owners of the Pier will charge a fee, which is normally around £120 - £250 per stop. Once the cruise has commenced we are unable to make an unscheduled stop unless for an emergency.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOME-ONE IS TAKEN ILL ON BOARD?
That is the emergency ! We are in constant radio contact with the Port Authority, the River Police and other vessels in the vicinity. Also we are never more than 250 metres from the riverbank at all times should there be a problem.

WILL WEATHER CONDITIONS AFFECT THE CRUISE?
The Thames is a relatively sheltered Inland Waterway. The only really poor weather condition that might affect us is heavy fog. With around 3000 boat functions to date we have never cancelled an event because of poor weather. All our boats are suitable for charter 365 days of the year and have excellent central heating for the colder months.

WILL I FEEL SEA SICK DURING THE JOURNEY?
The only time you will feel some movement is while the boat is static at the pier. Once underway the cruise is extremely smooth.

IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON BOARD?
As with new legislation smoking is only permitted on outside areas. All of our fleet have an outer area so this is not a problem!

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
All boats have a Passenger Operating certificate issued by the Marine Coastguard Agency which is given to those who qualify as providing the highest standards of safety. Part of that requirement is to have adequate insurance. We therefore carry a £50 million public liability forall our vessels. While this is normally thought to be adequate for most organisers, you are, of course, at liberty to take out further insurance if you wish. For full details please see the ‘Terms and Conditions of Booking’ information sheet.

By no means is this list exhaustive. For any other queries, just call our sales office on 020 8780 1562 who will be pleased to provide the answers.