KITCHEN
Our boats have a vast living area with 360° panoramic views. The kitchen includes lots of equipment and has everything you’ll need including: wide work top areas and plenty of storage space, 220 litre capacity fridge with a freezer compartment, ring-hob, oven / grill depending on boat model. (Fridge 220 litre capacity except on: Riviera range, N800 and Primo®. Oven except on: N800).
The kitchenware supplied on board will be enough for the number of people in your crew.
CABINS
The bedding (sheets, duvets, pillows) provided will be sufficient for the number of people in your crew.
TERRACE
Make the most of these outdoor areas thanks to the on board garden furniture and either a sun awning or parasol depending on the boat model.
CLEANING KIT
A cleaning kit is provided, consisting of most necessary items (rubbish bag, washing-up liquid…).
FIRST AID
Before you depart, we will give you a first aid kit which contains the basics such as plasters and compress, but no drugs/medicines. If you use anything from the first aid kit please don’t forget to tell the base on your return so that it can be re-stocked ready for the next crew.
INVENTORY
An inventory list highlighting all external equipment on the boat as well as internal equipment (for example kitchen, bedding, safety equipment) should be given to you. Don’t hesitate to ask for it if you’ve not seen it.
You can also Download your inventory here
DOCUMENTS
Before you leave home make sure that you take with you your passport or valid identity card, your driving license and all your car documents.
For European residents, medical and prescription charges have to be paid for, but can be reclaimable providing you are in possession of your “European insurance card”.
CLOTHES
Bring practical, comfortable and easy-to-clean clothes. Don’t forget some warmer clothes and waterproof clothing in case of cooler weather or rain.
The majority of the time you will experience good weather so bring your swimming costume for sunbathing as you drift along the waterways and for swimming when moored up.
SHOES
Bring comfortable non-slip shoes (for example trainers or tennis shoes) so you can move about easily and safely. Don’t wear heels, metal tips or any other footwear that might be slippery-soled on the boat.
SUITCASES
We recommend bringing your luggage in soft bags rather than suitcases. This is because suitcases can take up a lot of space. Alternatively you can unpack before embarking and leave your suitcases in the car.
SLEEPING-BAGS
Our boats are equipped with warm duvets (or blankets) but for those who particularly feel the cold you may wish to bring your own sleeping-bag.
LINEN
- Please bring your own kitchen tea towels and any towels to be used in the bathroom.
- If you would prefer not to bring your own, or for those who cannot bring their own, then most of our Nicols bases offer packages for rent (including a bath towel + a hand towel and a facecloth). Please feel free to contact your departure base for rental prices and to order these.
LEISURE
- Remember to bring a pair of binoculars for observing the rich wildlife found on and around the waterways. They will also be useful for when approaching locks and seeing the signals.
- Also bring your camera because the landscapes, villages and animals you will see certainly deserve to be in your holiday photo-album!
- Bring some books, crosswords, a pack of cards and board games for your entertainment in the evening. Some of our boat models are equipped with TV with DVD player, or CD player. Remember to bring your CDs or DVDs if your boat is equipped with these.
RUBBISH
- Please bring bin-bags which you can then drop into bins at ports or locks when full.
- Respect the sorting of recyclable materials such as glass, plastic and cardboard.
- Don’t pollute the river banks or waterways with rubbish. Help us to protect the nature around us.
FISHING
- Your boat is a great vantage point for fishing from and you are permitted to fish in the canals and rivers providing you hold an appropriate fishing licence. These can be purchased from local fishing tackle shops or from www.cartedepeche.fr.
- Please also respect those who are fishing when you are cruising. When passing others who are fishing you should reduce your speed in order to avoid making wake and try to keep away from the bank.
GROCERY PROVISIONS
In terms of food supplies, bring enough for the first day – after that you can take advantage of your stops in the villages on your route to buy fresh supplies. Some lock-keepers can also sell you local products (honey, wines etc) or fruit, vegetables, eggs and more…
DOGS
Dogs are welcome on board. If travelling with you bring their equipment such as feeding bowls, bed, blanket etc… Keep an eye on them at all times to ensure their safety and make sure they cause no harm or damage.
On arrival at your Nicols base you will find a number of additional services and items of equipment that you can choose to add to your holiday…
BARBECUE
Hire all of the equipment you’ll need to a enjoy a barbecue, then simply pick up your food fresh from the many villages and towns you’ll find on route. Most of our bases even offer rental of gas bottles.
As with all barbecues please be careful and familiarise yourself with all the equipment before departure.
WATERWAYS GUIDES
A comprehensive guide is vital for planning your cruise. It provides detailed information of the waterways on which you will navigate and highlights useful information such as the location of locks, quays, water fill-up points in addition to tourist information such as places to visit and their opening hours, market days, good restaurants and much more.
CONVERTER
Some Nicols bases offer an electricity converter (12 Volts / 220 Volts) which can be used via the cigarette lighter that is included on most of the boats. Do not hesitate to contact your base of departure to enquire about the hire and use conditions.
WiFi
Stay connected! You can rent a Wifi device to take on board with you which has a certain amount of data to start you off. Then you can pay for extra data as required. These devices are available from most Nicols bases, however note that there is variable network coverage depending on the region.
DECK MATTRESS
Enjoy additional onboard comfort with our deck mattress. Foldable and easy to store, the mattress is great for relaxing on the roof terrace or front deck of your Nicols boat.
HEATED SPLASH POOL
An exclusive to Nicols! Add the finishing touch to your boating holiday with our heated splash pool, which is convertible into a terrace thanks to two sliding covers. It’s towed behind your boat and can be added to all Nicols boats (except the Riviera range).
Please note however that a boat licence is required if you book a boat that is more than 13 metres long and have the splash pool as the overall length will exceed 15 metres.
Do not hesitate to ask for advice concerning cleaning and keeping water quality and remember to book it before your arrival at the base because the preparation requires up to two hours.
HOLIDAY INSURANCE
A collaboration between AXA Insurance and Nicols offers peace of mind before and during your boating holiday.
Contact us for more information.
EARLY DEPARTURE
Arrange to collect your boat from 10am instead of 2pm/4pm at the beginning of your holiday and enjoy even more time on board!
Contact us to check if possible and for a price.
LATE RETURN
For week long holidays keep your boat until 11am instead of 8am/9am on the last day. For weekend holiday bookings, instead of returning the boat in the evening at 5pm enjoy a last night on board and stay until 9am the next morning!
These two options are offered at almost all our bases, regardless of the boat model chosen.
This can only be confirmed a few days before your cruise as the Nicols base will need to check if the boat is needed for the next booking immediately. Contact us to check if possible and for a price.
LINEN
Maybe you forgot to pack them or it could be simply a lack of space in your suitcases. Not to worry, it is possible to hire our kitchen towels kit (1 tea towel + 2 dish cloth) and bathroom towels kit (1 glove + 1 hand towel + 1 bath towel).
CLEANING
There are different levels of cleaning package available (complete clean, inside cleaning only, outside cleaning only) and the prices vary depending on the size of the boat. Contact us for more information.
Private car parks or a garage (private but not supervised) are available at most of our bases. This can be organised on arrival at the base, or to guarantee securing parking space we would recommend contacting us before your cruise.
Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk. The charge paid is for a space in the car park and not the guarding of the vehicles.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOCK YOUR VEHICLE
Nicols cannot be held responsible for possessions left in vehicles, or for any damage or accident of any sort that may occur within the confines of the car park.
Having bikes on board can be extremely useful for shopping trips or little outings further afield once moored. In addition to bikes, baby/child seats are also available to rent from most Nicols bases.
Warning: A helmet is mandatory for children under 12 years of age and a visibility vest is obligatory for night time riding, outside of urban areas. We even recommend them during the day!
We would also like to remind you that you are not allowed to use bicycles on the public roads and paths without lights.
Help prevent bikes from being stolen (you will be given a lock/anti-theft device on your day of departure) and ensure that they are always securely attached to the boat’s guard-rail when travelling.
Check that the bikes are working properly on collection and make sure they are returned in the same condition as they were when you picked them up. Any damage may be result in the loss of your deposit. A puncture repair kit is provided on board the boat.
In case of loss or theft, each bike will be charged to you (please ask for rental terms and conditions at your base departure).
You are responsible for the bike as soon as you receive it.
- If it is not returned in good condition, repairs will be charged to you at the hourly rate in effect plus spare parts.
- In case of theft, each bike will be charged to you at a rate of 306 euros per bike. This indemnity will be reduced to 152.45 euros if it is proved that the lock/anti-theft device has been broken and that the relevant authorities have been advised of the theft.
Nicols does not accept responsibility for accidents due to misuse or carelessness by the user.
IMPORTANT – BEFORE YOU GO
If for any reason you cannot arrive at the base during the office opening hours (variable depending on which base), please let us know so that alternative plans can be made.
For travellers doing a one-way cruising route it is absolutely vital that one week before your holiday you telephone the departure base so that they can confirm to you the direction of your journey.
COLLECTING YOUR BOAT
We know you’ve been dreaming about setting sail for weeks but we just ask for a little more patience while we get you ready to embark. We’ll ask you to go through a few formalities listed below which are vital to your departure and the success of your holiday.
- Please show your invoice or voucher to the reception staff at the base.
- Please expect to leave the deposit in either cash, cheque or by card. At some bases, two cheques will be required, one for the insurance deposit and one for the cleaning deposit (see conditions and prices in our brochure).
- Please pay for any additional items or services that you require: bicycles, garage or parking, animals, vehicle transfer if required, waterways map/guide (if you didn’t order it before leaving), towels pack, hiring of converter…
- If you are expecting mail or urgent messages during your cruise, tell to the base team. Give them your mobile number so that they may contact you.
- Now you just have to get your luggage on board and park your car. At each base you may choose between a free car park or a lock-up garage (secure but not manned) which is not included in the price of your cruise. We can accept no responsibility in the case of any theft or damage committed to your car.
- Your boat will be ready from 4pm. Do not get on board before maintenance personnel have finished and wait until you are invited on board. If you are waiting for them why not use the time to do a bit of shopping for the first day.
- Once on board please check that the equipment on board corresponds to the inventory that you received. Point out immediately any possible errors.
DO NOT LEAVE THE BASE OF DEPARTURE
- Without having had a hand over demonstration run by a member of the base.
- Without receiving the “Boarding Card” from the base Manager.