Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing, and a self-piloted canal cruise is no exception. Tom, my in-laws, Dagny and I went on a canal cruise in Alsace in September and had a wonderful time discovering the region, the canals and the locks along the way. If you’re thinking of booking a similar trip, read on for my canal cruise tips.
Here’s what to know before you go!
So… you’ve booked a self-piloted canal cruise. Congrats!
After going on one myself and reflecting on the fabulous experience, here are my top canal cruise tips to know before you go:
Learn boating basics and review all information provided to you.
While piloting a canal boat isn’t super difficult, there are some basics to know to keep you and your family — as well as the boat — safe and sound. Most companies will provide you with a safety video and a little guide. Watch the video and read the guide before you leave. In addition, Nicols gave us a big binder full of port and safety information, so go over it with a fine-tooth comb. If you have any questions, ask the staff. That’s what they’re there for! When you board the boat with staff, take notes and ask them to repeat anything that is unclear. Better safe than sorry!
Keep in mind the boat reacts several seconds after you make a correction with the wheel
It’s not like driving a car where you can maneuver on a dime. Little corrections to the wheel are all you need to correct course otherwise a big turn will steer you hard into the side of the canal and you won’t have a ton of time to react. When you’re alone in the canal before departing, practice basic maneuvers and get a feel for how the boat and engine react. Slow is always better! That bears repeating. Slow is always better. Really.
Bring gloves
If you’re not used to handling lines, it’s best to bring a pair of gloves to protect the skin on your hands. This goes double on days where you encounter a bunch of locks. Work gloves, gardening gloves or even winter gloves in a pinch will do the trick. Your ropes will be wet at times if it rains (yup, mine fell in the water a few times), and if you don’t have a perfect lock technique, expect to be doing a lot of readjusting. My hands were sore after a day of 14 locks and I wish I had gloves!
Pack warm clothes you can layer (especially late or early in the season)
Mornings were cool in mid-September, and on our first day when it was rainy and windy, I found myself borrowing my family’s clothing items to keep warm out on the bow, which was my perch for tackling the locks. I had a cotton fleece and all kinds of t-shirts but I was the least prepared among us — I could have used a waterproof jacket and warm scarf. Luckily for me, my in-laws are the most prepared people I know. A raincoat/windbreaker is absolutely essential as is a neck covering of some sort to keep your neck protected from the elements. Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, you never know.
Wear casual clothes you can move in and get dirty
Unless you’re only cruising for a day and docking in a big city and staying there for most of your trip, leave your nice clothes at home. In most cases, you’ll be on and off the boat, handling lines, going up lock ladders and exposed to a variety of weather conditions. You’ll probably get dirty at times and need to be able to move around quickly. This is not the type of trip where you need your most fashionable clothes. Everyone else on passing boats is dressed the same way, and a self-piloted canal cruise is one instance where function wins over fashion. Another packing tip is to pack less than you think you’ll need and conserve space with packing cubes. Several ports have laundry facilities so look them up before you go.
Work as a team to help the captain guide the boat
This may seem like common sense, but teamwork is essential! It’s not always easy to steer a 30-foot boat into a narrow lock especially when there’s an audience and a current. It’s not impossible either, so please don’t let me give you that impression. It’s just 100 times easier and reassuring for the captain when you have someone out on the bow saying “head a touch left” or “looks good” or “slow it down.” Everyone on the boat has a role. 😉 Check out my lock post and video here.
Don’t forget to have fun!
Cruising the canals of France is a blast, so above all else, have fun! Make yourselves a special meal, pop that special bottle of wine, bring some fun games, tell stories and enjoy the experience! Don’t forget to head out and explore. We even met some turkey friends pictured below. 😉
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Do you have any canal boating tips to add? Have you been on a canal cruise?
You can read more about Nicols, the company we boated with, here.
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Some bloody great tips
Merci!
These look like great tips, though I fear the working as a team bit might end up with me shouting at my poor husband… #AllAboutFrance
Thank you! I’m not going to name names but there were times when maybe there was some yelling going on….. 😉
Great tips for river cruising. I never would have thought of gloves, but that is probably a critical item.
Thank you, I think out of all my tips, bring gloves would be my top tip. Even in the summer, gloves are a must. Nothing fancy, just something to protect your hands from the ropes.
You have completely sold me on this idea, and your other posts about it are informative too. We had a great holiday on the Norfolk Broads which has made me want to try boats elsewhere.
#AllAboutFrance
Oh good, so happy you found it helpful! I will have to look up Norfolk Broads — not familiar with them.
I would never have thought of gloves, but they sound essential. Great tips Diane. (I fear I might be a bit like Emily and shout a little too….!!!) Thanks for linking to #AllAboutFrance
I’m gonna say it’s 100% normal to get a little on edge from time to time and maybe yell… totally normal. 😉
I admire you for going on a canal cruise. It looks fun but I’d be so worried that we’d do something to the boat! We took a canal-like boat out for a few days on an large inlet near Sydney, Australia many years ago. It was lots of fun, but I also remember moments of panicked shouting since the boat is slow to respond!
Very valid concern and one that I had too. The good thing is that there were I think 18 bumper buoys all around our boat so even if you tap the wall, you’re just squeezing the buoy and not doing any damage. The other thing that is probably the most important is to GO SLOW. Even if you come in crooked or are going the wrong way, it’s very easy to correct course or avoid possible damage if you’re going slowly. Putting the boat in reverse in effect stops it if you’re approaching something too quickly or at a really bad angle. It can still be a little nerve wracking the first couple of days but the motor is capped I think at 10 km/hour, so everything is very slow and controlled. With 3 or 4 cruisers, you could definitely do it, Lisa!