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Can I order extra services on arrival?

Yes, additional services can be purchased directly at the base upon arrival—subject to availability. We strongly recommend booking ahead to ensure your preferred options are ready when you arrive. Our team is available on site to assist you and guide your choices.

Can I rent bikes and how should I secure them?

Bicycles are a fantastic complement to river cruises. Towpaths along canals in France and around Alqueva Lake (from our Amieira Marina base) are ideal for scenic rides. You can bring your own or reserve bikes beforehand. We suggest securing them to boat railings such as balcony bars. Don’t forget protective gear—children under 12 must wear helmets in France.

Can we get a cruise guide and maps before departure to help us prepare?

Yes — you can request a cruise guide tailored to your itinerary to assist you in planning ahead. Depending on your destination and country of navigation, this may be provided as a printed booklet or a mobile/tablet app. The guide will help you map your itinerary step by step, showing where to stop and what to visit. We recommend ordering it as soon as you confirm your booking—please feel free to contact our team for more details.

How do I organize a one-way cruise?

Many guests choose one-way cruises for the freedom they offer. However, a few practical considerations apply: you must cover the distance between two bases within the allocated time, allowing you to take your time at each stop. A one-way trip requires an additional fee, and you’ll need to arrange transport for yourself or your vehicle from the arrival base. You can do this independently or ask our teams for assistance. Either way, a one-way cruise is a fantastic opportunity for a unique travel experience!

How do I organize a round-trip cruise?

A round-trip cruise gives you full flexibility: stop whenever and wherever you wish, stay longer at places you enjoy, as long as you return the boat to the base on the agreed day and time. This type of trip does not incur extra fees. Plus, seeing the scenery from the return direction often reveals completely new perspectives, making the journey feel fresh all over again.

How do you book a cruise?

Booking a license-free boat is easy and takes just three steps:

Choose your cruising destination.
Select your boat based on your group size and desired comfort level.
Choose your departure date and the duration of your cruise.

Then simply head to our secure online booking service to check availability and confirm your trip. You can also contact our travel advisors by phone or email.

How should I prepare for navigation?

To get ready to take the helm, several helpful resources are available. If you’ve ordered a navigation map, it will serve as a valuable tool for locating locks, water points, mooring spots, and tourist sites. Be sure to order it ahead of your trip. On our website nautic.nicols, you’ll find useful information to help you learn the basics of boating, including directions to your departure base, with full contact details and maps to plan your arrival. You can also watch our instructional videos covering safety guidelines and navigation tips. These resources will help ensure a smooth and confident start to your cruise.

What additional services or extras would you recommend for a more comfortable stay?

To customize your cruise experience, various optional extras are available depending on your destination. You might consider:

Bike rentals for adults and children
Secure parking for your vehicle during the cruise
Pet package for traveling with your companion
Regional river guide to plan your journey
Barbecue kit for memorable grill evenings
Bundled packages that combine several of these options at a discounted rate

These add-ons provide comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Please note: availability may vary by location.

What are the available seasons for cruising?

Our cruising season generally runs from April to October, offering plenty of opportunities to plan your river adventure. To check specific availability, please visit our online reservation platform, where you can review dates, boat models, and other options to suit your preferences. Our team is also happy to assist with personalized booking or special requests.

What clothes should I bring on board?

For a comfortable cruise, pack clothes that are well-suited for boating. Bring lightweight, breathable outfits for sunny days, as well as warmer layers for cooler evenings. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are essential for safely moving around the boat. Depending on the season, a raincoat or waterproof jacket can be useful in case of bad weather. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself during stops along the way. Choose simple, practical clothing for on-board activities to fully enjoy your cruise.

What equipment is available on board?

An inventory checklist is available and lists all the equipment found both inside and outside the boat. Generally, you’ll find mooring gear, kitchenware, bedding, towels, and kitchen linen—all included to ensure your comfort throughout the cruise. This checklist helps you know exactly what’s on board so you can prepare accordingly before departure.

Please note that a first aid kit is provided on every boat, but we recommend bringing your own personal medications, as you may be navigating in areas where access to a doctor or pharmacy is limited.

What payment methods are accepted at the bases?

To ensure a smooth experience, our bases accept several payment methods.

For the security deposit, we recommend a credit card pre-authorization—it’s simple and secure.
Balances or additional services can be paid by credit card or in cash.

What should I pack?

Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases, which are bulky onboard. If you bring a suitcase, empty it before boarding and leave it in your car. Bring non-slip shoes (sneakers), sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), and a camera. Household and hygiene products are not supplied—bring your own, ideally biodegradable.

Why should I book add-ons in advance?

Reserving extras in advance saves time at check-in and helps us prepare your boat and services accurately. Early booking ensures you’re prioritized over last-minute requests, which may not be possible.

Venice Lagoon

Need help? Find answers to your questions

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