Questions?
We hope the information below answers many of the questions you might have before making a booking. If there is anything else you need to know, don’t hesitate to ask.
How many people can Helix take?
Helix can be chartered for a minimum of two people, and a maximum of six. Our cruises are not generally suitable for children under 12 years of age, but there’s no upper age limit! Due to the traditional layout and dimensions of a narrowboat, it may not be possible to accommodate wheelchair users; please ask for our advice. Also if you or any members of your party have reduced mobility, please advise us before booking, so that we can ensure your comfort and safety. Only your own party will be on the cruise - we never combine parties to make up numbers.
What kinds of occasions would a canal cruise be good for?
Birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations; perhaps with your family or a couple of special friends. Entertaining visitors - if relatives or friends are visiting you from overseas, why not show them this fascinating aspect of London. Impress your VIP business contacts - you can have privacy without feeling isolated for an important meeting. Gifts and incentives - a cruise for two on Helix makes a great reward or ‘Thank you’ that you can give with a London Canal Cruises gift voucher, so that the recipients can choose the cruise date themselves. Marriage proposal... It really works!
When and where do the cruises run?
Our regular season runs from the beginning of April to the end of October, but you are welcome to book a cruise at any time of the year. Our standard itineraries are for daytime cruises lasting up to eight hours, although we can arrange evening cruises to suit you. We wouldn’t recommend an evening trip in the middle of winter though! Helix is based in London on the Regent’s canal and the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal. This takes us through a variety of landscapes according to your preferred cruise route. Our recommended starting and finishing points are City Road in Islington and Camden Lock. We will give you all the information you need to find Helix easily, when we send your booking confirmation.
How far ahead should we book?
If you have a particular date or special occasion you want to reserve, we recommend booking well in advance because cruise days are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If unsuitable weather conditions are forecast for your cruise date, we will give you the opportunity to choose an alternative date or request a full refund. We can’t usually accept bookings less than a few days in advance, as we need sufficient time to provide your menu choices, take receipt of your deposit and finalise the arrangements.
How do we pay?
The price per person for our standard cruise is £140. This includes everything - there are no hidden extras. All aperitifs, wines and liqueurs will be served with our compliments. For alternative cruises or tailored schedules we will let you know what the price will be, when we send a draft itinerary for your approval. When you place your booking we will ask for a deposit to reserve Helix for you. The balance will be payable on embarkation.
Why the two different menus - what about specific diets?
With a party of up to four people, you can all sit around a table either indoors or out. Your choices from the menu need to be made when you book, because all our food is freshly cooked in the galley, so provisions have to be laid in ready for your trip. With five or six people, it’s nice to be able to circulate, hence the buffet format. It also makes it practical for us to offer you a wider variety of dishes with the greater number of people. Both menus include vegetarian choices; we can serve Vegan dishes and alternatives ‘free from’ particular ingredients, if you arrange this with us in advance.
What about...
Smoking? Yes, you may smoke outside on the foredeck.
Pets? No, sorry, we can’t accommodate your pet on board.
Safety? So long as you take care and follow our guidance when aboard, it’s no more hazardous than many outdoor pursuits.
We are proud to be part of Camden’s ‘Scores on the Doors’ Food Safety Scheme.