Info for beginners

Boat holidays with children
Families with travel experience know that it is better not to leave things to chance when travelling. For this reason we have compiled some important information for boat holidays with children. These are safety instructions and tips on the topics: Sleeping, sitting, eating, crawling, running and playing on board. You will also find suggestions for temporary accommodation during important manoeuvres here. Especially on longer cruises with several crew members, make sure that there is enough open space and that you can also withdraw somewhere and enjoy your time alone. We recommend that you choose a slightly larger boat.

Ideas for games will come spontaneously 
It is ideal to book a dinghy for independent excursions of the children, to take special water toys with you and not to travel too long stretches. No matter whether they set the pirate flag, discover uninhabited islands, go swimming from the boat or go fishing with the landing net - playing ideas arise spontaneously on board a houseboat. If the interior is on one level, parents can keep a better eye on their children below deck. Very steep stairs are still an insurmountable obstacle in the early crawling age, but for experienced crawlers they are a welcome sports equipment and escape route on deck.

Favourable berth arrangement 
Many cabins can accommodate two adults and one child. This allows a nestling with bad dreams to slip into mummy's and daddy's bed without any space problems. This third berth can also be used as a temporary nappy-changing area. In the children's cabins there are comfortable bunk beds and plenty of room for toys and clothes. The bathrooms on most boats are close to the cabins. With some practice, three-year-olds can use the toilets on their own. Make sure that the children have easy access to the toilets.

Safety also on deck
On many boats the pantry is installed directly in the saloon or in the immediate vicinity. As a result, neither is it necessary for the  cook to work alone nor for the offspring to remain unattended below deck. Some boats have large windows from the saloon overlooking the open bow seat. Here, too, children can stay safely and be observed inconspicuously. The spacious and non-slip deck offers children plenty of space in the fresh air. A stable railing ensures a secure support for all family members. Some boats even have a railing around the whole boat with an additional handrail at half height.

Bathing platform for access to the water
An outdoor helmstand located in the aft provides the skipper with an overview of about two thirds of the houseboat during the trip. The sun lounger and side aisles are in direct view from this helmstand - ideal for families. A separate bathing platform close to the water surface brings the children closer to the wet element in the truest sense of the word. From here it is easy to enter the dinghy and observe the water world from close up.

Did you know that...

• a sling or belly stretcher is sometimes more practical on board and shore leave than a stroller?
• the car seat is a good high chair if you put it on the bench?
• the child car seat serves well on deck when the baby is quiet but has to occupy itself alone?
• the pilot chair of many boats is height adjustable in a way that it can replace the high chair?
• one can put travel beds also on deck as playpens?
• you can easily explain many physical laws and mechanics to children on board?

Life jackets
Children without swimming experience must always wear life jackets on deck. Toddlers and crawling children should be additionally secured with a life belt. If you make a few sinking and drifting tests with the life jacket and the life ring at the beginning of the trip, most children will quickly understand the importance of a life jacket. Experience has shown that for most children, putting on a lifejacket becomes routine after a day if it is enforced with the necessary firmness. Life jackets are available at all charter bases. Please indicate the required number and size/weight at the time of booking.