Terms & Conditions
Union Canal Carriers Booking Conditions
These terms were last updated on 31st December 2024.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Your use of our boat(s)
3. Website details
4. Making your booking
5. Payment
6. Deposit
7. Pricing
8. Changing your booking
9. Customer cancellations
10. Changes by us
11. Cancellations by us
12. Boat rules
13. Complaints
14. Privacy
15. Other terms
1. Introduction
Weare Union Canal Carriers Ltd(“we”, “our”, “us”) of Dark Lane, Braunston,
Northamptonshire,NN11 7HJ. Our company registration number is
00941092 and our VAT registration number is GB 121 3420 32.
By booking with us, you confirm that you accept these booking conditions
and you are entering into a legally binding contract
2. Your use of our boat(s)
The boat(s) that we advertise can only be used for holiday letting forthe period of your booking, and you have no further rights. No booking is an‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ or protected under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, or any similar applicable legislation.
Our booking with you is only available for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not offer for resale any bookings.
3. Website details
3.1. Brochure / Website descriptions and photos are intended to present a general idea of the boat(s). There may beslight variations differences between the actual boat(s) and its description.
3.2. Wi-Fi availability is provided for pleasure, not for business use, and is subject to network conditions and is not guaranteed.
3.3. We are not responsible for inaccurate or misleading information aboutthe boat(s) unless we have been negligent. We will correct any knowninaccuracies promptly.
4.Making your booking
4.1. You must;
(i) beat least 18 years old at the time of booking
(ii) be authorised to make the booking by all adult party members; and
ensure that they are aware of, and agree to comply with, these booking conditions
4.2. You are responsible for making all payments to us on the dates quoted on confirmation booking emails.
4.4. You must ensure that all information you provide to us is true,accurate, current and complete. You must update us promptly if your detailschange.
4.4. You are responsible forsatisfying yourself that the boat(s)meets your party’s needs before booking.
4.5. You must inform us in writing of any medicalcondition or disability affecting you or any party member, and any specialrequests, before confirming your booking. We cannot guarantee that suchrequests will be met otherwise. If we cannot accommodate your needs or meet anyspecial requests, we may cancel your booking without any liability to you.
4.6. Once we have received the Hirer Full Name, Address and contact detailsalong with required deposit payment from you, we will send you a confirmation email of your booking. This is when your binding contract with Union Canal Carriers begins.
4.7. If you book through a third-party, we will send your booking confirmation to them, but any further booking documentation will be sent to the lead name on the booking form.
4.8. We reserve the right to refuse any booking before we send writtenconfirmation. If we do so, we will promptly let you know and refund you anypayments made, but we will then have no legal or financial responsibility toyou.
4.9. As soon as you receive your confirmation, please check the details carefully and let us know immediately if anything is incorrect.
4.10. Even if we have sent you a written confirmation we have the right to cancel a booking where there are reasonable grounds to believe that
(i) the booking is not legitimate;
(ii) you are likely to breach these booking conditions, or any restrictions or requirements stated on the boat accommodation advertisement;
(iii) you have provided incorrect information;
(iv) you have behaved in a vexatious, abusive or unlawful manner to ourstaff.
If we cancel your booking in these circumstances, we will tell you in writing
and we will have no legal or financial responsibility to you.
4.11. We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you and your party’s needs for your total stay.
5.Payment
5.1. When you book, you must pay
i) the deposit due or full amount see clause 6 (Deposit)
5.2. We must receive your balance payment on the final payment date 56 days before commencement of hire.
5.3 If youbook after the applicable final payment date notified to you, we must receivefull payment of the total cost when making the booking.
5.4. Failure to pay by the final payment date will result in your booking being
cancelled immediately and the provisions of clause 9 (Customer Cancellations) will apply.
5.5. You must pay by bank transfer, debit or credit card, we only accept payment in pounds sterling. There is no charge for debit or credit card
payments.However, you are responsible for exchange rates or bank charges
should your bank refuse to make payment for any reason, an administration
charge of£35 will apply.
5.6. If you book a boat through a third-party, they may collect
payment differently. Please check with them before you make your booking.
6.Deposit
6.1. To secure your booking you will need to pay a non-refundable standard
deposit.You will be told what the deposit is before making your booking.
6.2. If you book a boat with a deposit that is lower than the standard deposit, you agree to pay the difference between the amount paid and the standard deposit. You must make this additional payment either by the time the deposit payment is due or before the balance payment date.
7.Pricing
7.1. The pricescharged are constantly under review. Prices of unsold boat holidays mayincrease or decrease at any time, and we may also correct mistakes in thepricing of unsold boats at any time. The confirmed price will be provided by usupon booking.
7.2. All quoted prices include any taxes and charges which may apply at the
time of booking. Any changes in tax rates or government charges may result
in additional amounts becoming payable post-booking. Including increase of
fuel duty or rises in fuel costs of more than 15% since December 2024.
8.Changing your booking
8.1. Contact us by email or phone to tell us about changes as soon as possible, during office hours Monday – Saturday 9am– 5.30pm.
8.2. If we agree to your change, an administration charge of £35 is applicable
for each change of dates or £60 for each change of boat.
9.Customercancellations
9.1. No refunds are payable if you cut short your stay or reduce the number of guests on the booking.
9.2. You must notify us if you wish to cancel a booking after it has been
confirmed.This should be done as soon as possible by phone and followed up
via email.Notice to cancel will be processed on working days (Monday –
Saturday) cancellations sent after 5pm on Saturday will be processed Monday.
9.3. Unless clause 9.8 applies, you will have to pay a cancellation charge
based on the number of days before your booking that we receive notice, as
shown in the tables below. If you have not paid the total booking cost by the
time of your cancellation, you may have to make a further payment to cover
the cancellation charge.
9.4. In the tables below, total accommodation cost means boat rental price
excluding any extra items charged by us such as charges for pets, welcome packs or cotsbut not including any insurance premiums, booking fees, handling fees or administration fees charged by us.
9.5. 3rd party insurance premiums, booking fees, administration or handling fees, are non-refundable.
9.6. If you have booked through a third-party, the term ‘total accommodation
cost’ in the tables below does not include any charges made by that agent or
anyone else for booking fees, travel, other travel services or any other amounts not paid to us, and you may be liable to pay such charges in the event of cancellation.
9.7. The cancellation charges below have been calculated as a genuine pre-
estimate of the losses incurred in the event you cancelled your booking within the stipulated time period.
Number of days before the start date of your trip that we receive your notice to cancel (or on which you are deemed to have cancelled)
Cancellation charge (in addition to any booking fees, handling / administration fees you have already paid which are nonrefundable)
More than 70 days
Full standard deposit
57 to 70 days
50% of total accommodation cost
43 to 56 days
60% of total accommodation cost
29 to 42 days
75% of total accommodation cost
8 to 28 days
90% of total accommodation cost
7 days or less
95% of total accommodation cost
9.8. If you cancel or cut short your booking due to one of the qualifying
reasons listed below, and if authorised by us, the cancellation charges set out
in clause 9.7 will be waived and you will be entitled to a refund or pro-rata
refund(where you curtail your booking) of the amount you have paid for the
boat(s),less a £60 administrative charge and any previously
paid amendment/handling fees (if applicable).
(i)To rely on this clause 9.8, you must cancel the entire booking for a qualifying reason at any time after we accept your booking and before you leave home to start your booking, or where you curtail your booking, you must do so at any time before the last day of your booking. In either case, the cancellation or curtailment must before every onein your party such that the boat(s) is left vacant.
(ii) The qualifying reason can not have been in existence at the time of making your booking.
(iii) You must provide us with satisfactory documentary evidence of the qualifying reason at your own expense and within 12 weeks of the date of cancellation. You will also need to complete a cancellation form that we will send you on request. If your claim is based onclause 9.8(vi)(a), the claim form or evidence submitted by you must be completed, signed and stamped by a medical professional or issued on hospital letterhead, including all relevant details.
(iv) If you are unable to providesatisfactory documentary evidence for your qualifying reason or you do notcomply with any of the requirements of this clause 9.8, and you cancel orcurtail your booking nevertheless, clause 9.1 to 9.7 will apply.
(v) You and your party must atall times take reasonable care to safeguard against loss, damage, accident,injury or illness.
(vi) A qualifying reason is any one or more of the following occurring to you or to a party member:
a) death, bodily injury, illness or hospitalisation, pregnancy of you, a party member, the immediate family of you or a party member, provided that the cancellation or curtailment is certified as medically necessary by a qualified medical practitioner (see clause 9.8(iii)). For these purposes, "immediate family" includes a partner, child, grandchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, or anyone listed as next of kin on legal documentation. Please note that we will not refund for regnancy if the relevant person was pregnant before the booking was made and we will not make a refund if the woman is due to give birth within 14 weeks ofthe arrival date.
b) compulsory quarantine or travelbeing prevented by local, national or international government or health organisation.
c) redundancy qualifying for payment under any applicable statute (notified to you or the party member after having made the booking).
d) jury or witness service during the booking period (in a court of law).
e) unexpected posting by HMForces or cancellation of leave by HM Police (unless the cost of the lost trip is recoverable from another source).
f) not being able to traveldue to adverse weather conditions, during the booking period, either i)fromhome, or ii) to the location of the booked boat(s).
g) police requiring attendance of you or the party member, during the booking period, following theft of your or their home or usual place of business; or
h) damage rendering your or the party member’s home uninhabitable.
(vii) The following do not constitute qualifying reasons: suicide or attempted suicide, deliberate self-injury,pre-existing illnesses, the effect of alcohol or drugs or any other reason which is not specifically referred to in clause 9.8(vi).
10.Changesby us
10.1. We reserve the right to make changes to your booking. If there is a
mistake, including pricing, were serve the right to adjust the price to correct
the mistake. If you choose not to accept this, then the contract between us will
be invalid and you will be entitled to a refund. You won’t, however, be entitled
to compensation, nor to have the stay at the lower price.
10.2. If we need to make changes to your booking, we, will contact you by
phone or by email as soon as is reasonably practical. We will explain what has
happened and let you know about the change; however, if you do not want to
accept the change we will refund the full amount and we will have no further
legal or financial responsibility to you.
11.Cancellations by us
11.1. If we must cancel your booking you may choose to:
(i) accept alternative boat(s)–you may have to pay any difference in price if the cost of the new boat(s) is higher or you will be reimbursed the difference if the cost of the new boat(s)is lower.
(ii) request a voucher for the amount you have previously paid toward the booking – the voucher terms and conditions will be available before you make your choice; or
(iii) obtain a refund of the amount already paid by you for the booking.
12.Boatrules
12.1. Arrival and departure: You may arrive to collect your boat any time after 3pm on the first day of your booking and must leave by 9.30am on the last day (unless we tell you otherwise). If your arrival is delayed beyond 6pm on the start date, you must notify the office 01788 890784. Failure to do so may result in difficulty accessing the boat(s). If you fail to arrive by 12 noon on the second day of your booking and haven't informed us of your late arrival, we, may consider your booking cancelled by you, with no refund payable. Unless we say otherwise,
12.2. You must return the boat in a clean and tidy condition before 9.30am
on the last day of hire (otherwise a cleaning charge may be added). Boats
are to be returned only to our boatyard in Braunston, otherwise you may be
charged for collection of the boat.
12.3. Security deposits: Some bookings require payment of a security
deposit. If applicable, Details regarding the amount, payment method and refund process will be provided at the time of booking.
12.4. Behaviour: We can deny access to the boat(s) or end your stay if anyone in your party behaves unreasonably, causes offense or damage, disrupts others, or violates booking conditions or restrictions on the boat(s) advertisement. If we believe this is likely or if any such behaviour occurs, the contract will end, you must leave immediately, no refund will be given, and you may be responsible for any costs incurred by us due to your behaviour. We will not have any further responsibility to you.
You and your party agree:
· to keep the boat(s)clean and tidy, and leave it in the same condition as you found it (if, in our opinion, additional cleaning and/or repairs are required, you will be responsible for the cost)
· not to use the boat(s)for any illegal or commercialpurpose
· not to sublet the boat(s)or any part of it or otherwise allow anyone not in your party to stay
· not to behave in an anti-social manner or act in a way which may disrupt or affect the enjoyment of others
· to comply with any restrictions or requirements specifiedin the boat(s) advertisement, such as regarding party composition
Any failure to comply with the above will result in your booking being cancelled and we will have no further legal or financial responsibility to you.
12.5 Damage: You are responsible for the actions and omissions of all guests
staying on the boat(s) during the booking and agree to pay us for all costs incurred by asa result of any breakage or damage in or to the boat(s) caused by you, yourparty or anyone you invite round. You may need to check and sign a contentsinventory on arrival. If you discover that anything is missing or damaged onarrival, please notify us immediately.
12.6 Non Refundable Damage Waiver and Insurance. is included in the Hire Charge. This covers accidental damage of the boat, its equipment, and against the Hirer's liability to other parties, (Hirer's personal effects are not covered by this insurance). It does not cover damage or losses caused by negligence on the part of the Hirer or the return of a boat late, or in an unclean condition, which will incur an extra payment.
12.7 Accidents. The Hirer must report immediately by telephone to theCompany any accident to the boat or its equipment, or to waterwayproperty, whether other craft are involved or not and shall proceed asinstructed by the Company. The Hirer shall not at any time admit anyliability for any accident to any third party and shall not put any repairsinto the hands of any firm without the Company's permission.
12.8 Loss of water. The Hirer may be responsible for charges made byWaterways Authorities in respect of loss of water or other damage to waterwayproperty arising through their own negligence.
12.9 Navigation. No boat may tow another, travel after dark, or navigate any tidal waters without the prior permission of the Company. The Hirer shall comply with instructions given to him by the Company or Waterway Authorities.12.10 Hirers property The Company accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to Hirer's property whilst upon the craft or premises of the Company, however caused.
12.11 Restricted cruising. TheCompany accepts no liability in the event of cruising waters being restrictedthrough repair work, floods, drought or any other cause beyond the control ofthe Company.
12.12 Breakdown. The Hirer shall have no claim upon the Company because of any breakdown or failure of the boat, or its engine or equipment and, where such breakdown is caused bythe negligence of the Hirer in failing to carry out instructions given to him by the Company, the Company shall have the right to
claim upon the Hirer in respect of expenses involved in rectifying the matter.
12.13. Maximum occupancy: You and your party agree to follow the maximum occupancy for overnight stays as stated on the website and to obtain consent for any visitors or events. You must tell us before booking if your group booking is a stag/hen party. We reserve the right to refuse these bookings.Failure to comply with these obligations could result in cancellation of your booking, refusal of entry to the boat(s) or repossession, with no refund payable to you and no responsibility on the part of us.
12.14 Smoking(including e-cigarettes): is prohibited in all boats(s).
12.15 Pets: dogs (unless a registered assistance dog) a charge may be payable. If you want to bring any other pet, you must obtain our consent in advance. We can refuse to hand over the boat(s)to you, or can repossess it, if you bring a pet with you, that we believe may be dangerous or may disrupt or affect the enjoyment of others. You are responsible for the supervision and behaviour of your pet at all times. Pets are not allowed on beds or soft furnishings and must not be left on their own in the boat(s). If you or any party member has a pet allergy, we cannot guarantee that pets havenot stayed in your chosen boat(s). We do not accept any responsibility for any pet related health reactions.
12.16 Right of Entry: We, reserves the right to enter the boat(s)
i) without prior notice in specialcircumstances including emergency situations (for example if repairs need to becarried out) or if there is a breach, or suspected breach, of bookingconditions or any other applicable terms; and
ii) on reasonable prior notice to conduct inspections, including caseswhere you have reported issues with the boat(s). By agreeing to these terms,you consent to granting us such access.
12.17 Safety: You must not operate the boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or allow anyone else to-do so. For your safety, you must follow the UnionCanal Carriers safety instructions, particularly regarding wearing buoyancy aids or life jackets. Children and non-swimmers must be supervised at all times. We can refuse to allow you onto the boat or cut short your trip if you do not follow our safety instructions, or you ignore other reasonable health and safety concerns. You will not be refunded if this happens. If there is a mechanical failure, we can delay your departure until a repair is carried out.This is for your safety. In all cases,we will give you a demonstration and explain the controls of the boat and its equipment.
13 Complaints
13.1 Complaints about our booking process: You must tell us promptly (in writing)and before travelling about any complaints with our booking services. We cannotaccept liability where complaints are not promptly reported, or for complaintsfor which we are not given the time to respond. If we are found to be at faultin relation to our services, we will not be liable for more than the depositpaid.
13.2. Limitation:We do not exclude or limit what we will be legally responsible for, including if death or personal injury is caused because of our, or our employees’,negligence, or for any criminal act we may commit. Neither we, can be held responsible for
i) noise or disturbance which comes from beyond the boundaries of the boat, or which is beyond our control,
ii) the failure of public utilities such as water, rubbish disposal
iii) changes or closures to local services or attractions mentioned on our website.
13.3. Complaintsabout your boat(s): If you have a complaint about your boat(s) or suffer anaccident in it, you must:
i) tell us promptly;
ii) allow us a chance to react/put right any issues before your departure; and iii)communicate with the us directly about any follow up. If you cannot contact us, or you are dissatisfied with our response, then you must put in writing your complaint before you leave the boatyard. This clausewill not affect your legal rights or any right you may have to bring legal proceedings against us.
13.4. Formal complaints: If having followed the procedure in 13.3 you feel that a complaint has not been resolved to your satisfaction, please put your complaint in writing (with any photos). You must submit your complaint
within 28 days of returning from your stay. You can email us at
info@unioncanalcarriers.co.uk or post to Union Canal Carriers, Dark Lane,
BraunstonNorthamptonshire, NN11 7HJ marked for the attention of the
Customer Relations Department. We do not accept formal complaints or
accident notifications by social media. Failing to follow the above complaints
process may affect your entitlement to claim compensation (if appropriate).
13.5. Events beyond our control:Unless otherwise stated in these booking
conditions, we are not responsible, nor will we compensate you, for events
beyond our control which could not be avoided,despite reasonable
measures. Examples are warfare, terrorism, civil strife, significant health risks
(e.g. epidemics, pandemics),weather, natural disasters, government or
authority actions, industrial disputes/strikes,failure of utility services, lock
closures, fires, leaks, unavoidable transport issues and similar events.
14 Privacy
14.1. Please see the Privacy Notice on our website which explains how we will
process your personal information. By submitting your personal information to
us, you agree to our use of the information, for the purposes of the provision
of the booking.
14.2. We may record telephone calls between us for monitoring and training
purposes. In the event of a dispute, we reserve the right to review any recorded
calls between us.
15 Other terms
15.1. Any dispute, claim or other matter which may arise in relation to your
booking will be governed by English law and you agree that any dispute will be dealt with exclusively by the courts of England.
15.2. If a court or regulatory agency with proper jurisdiction determines that
a provision of these booking conditions or any contract to which they apply is invalid,void, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted in a way to reflect as closely as possible the original intentions of the parties. If any provision is found to be invalid, the rest of these booking conditions will remain effective to the fullest extent permissible by applicable law.
These terms were last updated on 31st December 2024.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Your use of our boat(s)
3. Website details
4. Making your booking
5. Payment
6. Deposit
7. Pricing
8. Changing your booking
9. Customer cancellations
10. Changes by us
11. Cancellations by us
12. Boat rules
13. Complaints
14. Privacy
15. Other terms
1. Introduction
Weare Union Canal Carriers Ltd(“we”, “our”, “us”) of Dark Lane, Braunston,
Northamptonshire,NN11 7HJ. Our company registration number is
00941092 and our VAT registration number is GB 121 3420 32.
By booking with us, you confirm that you accept these booking conditions
and you are entering into a legally binding contract
2. Your use of our boat(s)
The boat(s) that we advertise can only be used for holiday letting forthe period of your booking, and you have no further rights. No booking is an‘Assured Shorthold Tenancy’ or protected under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, or any similar applicable legislation.
Our booking with you is only available for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not offer for resale any bookings.
3. Website details
3.1. Brochure / Website descriptions and photos are intended to present a general idea of the boat(s). There may beslight variations differences between the actual boat(s) and its description.
3.2. Wi-Fi availability is provided for pleasure, not for business use, and is subject to network conditions and is not guaranteed.
3.3. We are not responsible for inaccurate or misleading information aboutthe boat(s) unless we have been negligent. We will correct any knowninaccuracies promptly.
4.Making your booking
4.1. You must;
(i) beat least 18 years old at the time of booking
(ii) be authorised to make the booking by all adult party members; and
ensure that they are aware of, and agree to comply with, these booking conditions
4.2. You are responsible for making all payments to us on the dates quoted on confirmation booking emails.
4.4. You must ensure that all information you provide to us is true,accurate, current and complete. You must update us promptly if your detailschange.
4.4. You are responsible forsatisfying yourself that the boat(s)meets your party’s needs before booking.
4.5. You must inform us in writing of any medicalcondition or disability affecting you or any party member, and any specialrequests, before confirming your booking. We cannot guarantee that suchrequests will be met otherwise. If we cannot accommodate your needs or meet anyspecial requests, we may cancel your booking without any liability to you.
4.6. Once we have received the Hirer Full Name, Address and contact detailsalong with required deposit payment from you, we will send you a confirmation email of your booking. This is when your binding contract with Union Canal Carriers begins.
4.7. If you book through a third-party, we will send your booking confirmation to them, but any further booking documentation will be sent to the lead name on the booking form.
4.8. We reserve the right to refuse any booking before we send writtenconfirmation. If we do so, we will promptly let you know and refund you anypayments made, but we will then have no legal or financial responsibility toyou.
4.9. As soon as you receive your confirmation, please check the details carefully and let us know immediately if anything is incorrect.
4.10. Even if we have sent you a written confirmation we have the right to cancel a booking where there are reasonable grounds to believe that
(i) the booking is not legitimate;
(ii) you are likely to breach these booking conditions, or any restrictions or requirements stated on the boat accommodation advertisement;
(iii) you have provided incorrect information;
(iv) you have behaved in a vexatious, abusive or unlawful manner to ourstaff.
If we cancel your booking in these circumstances, we will tell you in writing
and we will have no legal or financial responsibility to you.
4.11. We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you and your party’s needs for your total stay.
5.Payment
5.1. When you book, you must pay
i) the deposit due or full amount see clause 6 (Deposit)
5.2. We must receive your balance payment on the final payment date 56 days before commencement of hire.
5.3 If youbook after the applicable final payment date notified to you, we must receivefull payment of the total cost when making the booking.
5.4. Failure to pay by the final payment date will result in your booking being
cancelled immediately and the provisions of clause 9 (Customer Cancellations) will apply.
5.5. You must pay by bank transfer, debit or credit card, we only accept payment in pounds sterling. There is no charge for debit or credit card
payments.However, you are responsible for exchange rates or bank charges
should your bank refuse to make payment for any reason, an administration
charge of£35 will apply.
5.6. If you book a boat through a third-party, they may collect
payment differently. Please check with them before you make your booking.
6.Deposit
6.1. To secure your booking you will need to pay a non-refundable standard
deposit.You will be told what the deposit is before making your booking.
6.2. If you book a boat with a deposit that is lower than the standard deposit, you agree to pay the difference between the amount paid and the standard deposit. You must make this additional payment either by the time the deposit payment is due or before the balance payment date.
7.Pricing
7.1. The pricescharged are constantly under review. Prices of unsold boat holidays mayincrease or decrease at any time, and we may also correct mistakes in thepricing of unsold boats at any time. The confirmed price will be provided by usupon booking.
7.2. All quoted prices include any taxes and charges which may apply at the
time of booking. Any changes in tax rates or government charges may result
in additional amounts becoming payable post-booking. Including increase of
fuel duty or rises in fuel costs of more than 15% since December 2024.
8.Changing your booking
8.1. Contact us by email or phone to tell us about changes as soon as possible, during office hours Monday – Saturday 9am– 5.30pm.
8.2. If we agree to your change, an administration charge of £35 is applicable
for each change of dates or £60 for each change of boat.
9.Customercancellations
9.1. No refunds are payable if you cut short your stay or reduce the number of guests on the booking.
9.2. You must notify us if you wish to cancel a booking after it has been
confirmed.This should be done as soon as possible by phone and followed up
via email.Notice to cancel will be processed on working days (Monday –
Saturday) cancellations sent after 5pm on Saturday will be processed Monday.
9.3. Unless clause 9.8 applies, you will have to pay a cancellation charge
based on the number of days before your booking that we receive notice, as
shown in the tables below. If you have not paid the total booking cost by the
time of your cancellation, you may have to make a further payment to cover
the cancellation charge.
9.4. In the tables below, total accommodation cost means boat rental price
excluding any extra items charged by us such as charges for pets, welcome packs or cotsbut not including any insurance premiums, booking fees, handling fees or administration fees charged by us.
9.5. 3rd party insurance premiums, booking fees, administration or handling fees, are non-refundable.
9.6. If you have booked through a third-party, the term ‘total accommodation
cost’ in the tables below does not include any charges made by that agent or
anyone else for booking fees, travel, other travel services or any other amounts not paid to us, and you may be liable to pay such charges in the event of cancellation.
9.7. The cancellation charges below have been calculated as a genuine pre-
estimate of the losses incurred in the event you cancelled your booking within the stipulated time period.
Number of days before the start date of your trip that we receive your notice to cancel (or on which you are deemed to have cancelled)
Cancellation charge (in addition to any booking fees, handling / administration fees you have already paid which are nonrefundable)
More than 70 days
Full standard deposit
57 to 70 days
50% of total accommodation cost
43 to 56 days
60% of total accommodation cost
29 to 42 days
75% of total accommodation cost
8 to 28 days
90% of total accommodation cost
7 days or less
95% of total accommodation cost
9.8. If you cancel or cut short your booking due to one of the qualifying
reasons listed below, and if authorised by us, the cancellation charges set out
in clause 9.7 will be waived and you will be entitled to a refund or pro-rata
refund(where you curtail your booking) of the amount you have paid for the
boat(s),less a £60 administrative charge and any previously
paid amendment/handling fees (if applicable).
(i)To rely on this clause 9.8, you must cancel the entire booking for a qualifying reason at any time after we accept your booking and before you leave home to start your booking, or where you curtail your booking, you must do so at any time before the last day of your booking. In either case, the cancellation or curtailment must before every onein your party such that the boat(s) is left vacant.
(ii) The qualifying reason can not have been in existence at the time of making your booking.
(iii) You must provide us with satisfactory documentary evidence of the qualifying reason at your own expense and within 12 weeks of the date of cancellation. You will also need to complete a cancellation form that we will send you on request. If your claim is based onclause 9.8(vi)(a), the claim form or evidence submitted by you must be completed, signed and stamped by a medical professional or issued on hospital letterhead, including all relevant details.
(iv) If you are unable to providesatisfactory documentary evidence for your qualifying reason or you do notcomply with any of the requirements of this clause 9.8, and you cancel orcurtail your booking nevertheless, clause 9.1 to 9.7 will apply.
(v) You and your party must atall times take reasonable care to safeguard against loss, damage, accident,injury or illness.
(vi) A qualifying reason is any one or more of the following occurring to you or to a party member:
a) death, bodily injury, illness or hospitalisation, pregnancy of you, a party member, the immediate family of you or a party member, provided that the cancellation or curtailment is certified as medically necessary by a qualified medical practitioner (see clause 9.8(iii)). For these purposes, "immediate family" includes a partner, child, grandchild, sibling, parent, grandparent, or anyone listed as next of kin on legal documentation. Please note that we will not refund for regnancy if the relevant person was pregnant before the booking was made and we will not make a refund if the woman is due to give birth within 14 weeks ofthe arrival date.
b) compulsory quarantine or travelbeing prevented by local, national or international government or health organisation.
c) redundancy qualifying for payment under any applicable statute (notified to you or the party member after having made the booking).
d) jury or witness service during the booking period (in a court of law).
e) unexpected posting by HMForces or cancellation of leave by HM Police (unless the cost of the lost trip is recoverable from another source).
f) not being able to traveldue to adverse weather conditions, during the booking period, either i)fromhome, or ii) to the location of the booked boat(s).
g) police requiring attendance of you or the party member, during the booking period, following theft of your or their home or usual place of business; or
h) damage rendering your or the party member’s home uninhabitable.
(vii) The following do not constitute qualifying reasons: suicide or attempted suicide, deliberate self-injury,pre-existing illnesses, the effect of alcohol or drugs or any other reason which is not specifically referred to in clause 9.8(vi).
10.Changesby us
10.1. We reserve the right to make changes to your booking. If there is a
mistake, including pricing, were serve the right to adjust the price to correct
the mistake. If you choose not to accept this, then the contract between us will
be invalid and you will be entitled to a refund. You won’t, however, be entitled
to compensation, nor to have the stay at the lower price.
10.2. If we need to make changes to your booking, we, will contact you by
phone or by email as soon as is reasonably practical. We will explain what has
happened and let you know about the change; however, if you do not want to
accept the change we will refund the full amount and we will have no further
legal or financial responsibility to you.
11.Cancellations by us
11.1. If we must cancel your booking you may choose to:
(i) accept alternative boat(s)–you may have to pay any difference in price if the cost of the new boat(s) is higher or you will be reimbursed the difference if the cost of the new boat(s)is lower.
(ii) request a voucher for the amount you have previously paid toward the booking – the voucher terms and conditions will be available before you make your choice; or
(iii) obtain a refund of the amount already paid by you for the booking.
12.Boatrules
12.1. Arrival and departure: You may arrive to collect your boat any time after 3pm on the first day of your booking and must leave by 9.30am on the last day (unless we tell you otherwise). If your arrival is delayed beyond 6pm on the start date, you must notify the office 01788 890784. Failure to do so may result in difficulty accessing the boat(s). If you fail to arrive by 12 noon on the second day of your booking and haven't informed us of your late arrival, we, may consider your booking cancelled by you, with no refund payable. Unless we say otherwise,
12.2. You must return the boat in a clean and tidy condition before 9.30am
on the last day of hire (otherwise a cleaning charge may be added). Boats
are to be returned only to our boatyard in Braunston, otherwise you may be
charged for collection of the boat.
12.3. Security deposits: Some bookings require payment of a security
deposit. If applicable, Details regarding the amount, payment method and refund process will be provided at the time of booking.
12.4. Behaviour: We can deny access to the boat(s) or end your stay if anyone in your party behaves unreasonably, causes offense or damage, disrupts others, or violates booking conditions or restrictions on the boat(s) advertisement. If we believe this is likely or if any such behaviour occurs, the contract will end, you must leave immediately, no refund will be given, and you may be responsible for any costs incurred by us due to your behaviour. We will not have any further responsibility to you.
You and your party agree:
· to keep the boat(s)clean and tidy, and leave it in the same condition as you found it (if, in our opinion, additional cleaning and/or repairs are required, you will be responsible for the cost)
· not to use the boat(s)for any illegal or commercialpurpose
· not to sublet the boat(s)or any part of it or otherwise allow anyone not in your party to stay
· not to behave in an anti-social manner or act in a way which may disrupt or affect the enjoyment of others
· to comply with any restrictions or requirements specifiedin the boat(s) advertisement, such as regarding party composition
Any failure to comply with the above will result in your booking being cancelled and we will have no further legal or financial responsibility to you.
12.5 Damage: You are responsible for the actions and omissions of all guests
staying on the boat(s) during the booking and agree to pay us for all costs incurred by asa result of any breakage or damage in or to the boat(s) caused by you, yourparty or anyone you invite round. You may need to check and sign a contentsinventory on arrival. If you discover that anything is missing or damaged onarrival, please notify us immediately.
12.6 Non Refundable Damage Waiver and Insurance. is included in the Hire Charge. This covers accidental damage of the boat, its equipment, and against the Hirer's liability to other parties, (Hirer's personal effects are not covered by this insurance). It does not cover damage or losses caused by negligence on the part of the Hirer or the return of a boat late, or in an unclean condition, which will incur an extra payment.
12.7 Accidents. The Hirer must report immediately by telephone to theCompany any accident to the boat or its equipment, or to waterwayproperty, whether other craft are involved or not and shall proceed asinstructed by the Company. The Hirer shall not at any time admit anyliability for any accident to any third party and shall not put any repairsinto the hands of any firm without the Company's permission.
12.8 Loss of water. The Hirer may be responsible for charges made byWaterways Authorities in respect of loss of water or other damage to waterwayproperty arising through their own negligence.
12.9 Navigation. No boat may tow another, travel after dark, or navigate any tidal waters without the prior permission of the Company. The Hirer shall comply with instructions given to him by the Company or Waterway Authorities.12.10 Hirers property The Company accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to Hirer's property whilst upon the craft or premises of the Company, however caused.
12.11 Restricted cruising. TheCompany accepts no liability in the event of cruising waters being restrictedthrough repair work, floods, drought or any other cause beyond the control ofthe Company.
12.12 Breakdown. The Hirer shall have no claim upon the Company because of any breakdown or failure of the boat, or its engine or equipment and, where such breakdown is caused bythe negligence of the Hirer in failing to carry out instructions given to him by the Company, the Company shall have the right to
claim upon the Hirer in respect of expenses involved in rectifying the matter.
12.13. Maximum occupancy: You and your party agree to follow the maximum occupancy for overnight stays as stated on the website and to obtain consent for any visitors or events. You must tell us before booking if your group booking is a stag/hen party. We reserve the right to refuse these bookings.Failure to comply with these obligations could result in cancellation of your booking, refusal of entry to the boat(s) or repossession, with no refund payable to you and no responsibility on the part of us.
12.14 Smoking(including e-cigarettes): is prohibited in all boats(s).
12.15 Pets: dogs (unless a registered assistance dog) a charge may be payable. If you want to bring any other pet, you must obtain our consent in advance. We can refuse to hand over the boat(s)to you, or can repossess it, if you bring a pet with you, that we believe may be dangerous or may disrupt or affect the enjoyment of others. You are responsible for the supervision and behaviour of your pet at all times. Pets are not allowed on beds or soft furnishings and must not be left on their own in the boat(s). If you or any party member has a pet allergy, we cannot guarantee that pets havenot stayed in your chosen boat(s). We do not accept any responsibility for any pet related health reactions.
12.16 Right of Entry: We, reserves the right to enter the boat(s)
i) without prior notice in specialcircumstances including emergency situations (for example if repairs need to becarried out) or if there is a breach, or suspected breach, of bookingconditions or any other applicable terms; and
ii) on reasonable prior notice to conduct inspections, including caseswhere you have reported issues with the boat(s). By agreeing to these terms,you consent to granting us such access.
12.17 Safety: You must not operate the boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or allow anyone else to-do so. For your safety, you must follow the UnionCanal Carriers safety instructions, particularly regarding wearing buoyancy aids or life jackets. Children and non-swimmers must be supervised at all times. We can refuse to allow you onto the boat or cut short your trip if you do not follow our safety instructions, or you ignore other reasonable health and safety concerns. You will not be refunded if this happens. If there is a mechanical failure, we can delay your departure until a repair is carried out.This is for your safety. In all cases,we will give you a demonstration and explain the controls of the boat and its equipment.
You must notify us of any mechanical failure as soon as possible, so that they can assist you.
13.1 Complaints about our booking process: You must tell us promptly (in writing)and before travelling about any complaints with our booking services. We cannotaccept liability where complaints are not promptly reported, or for complaintsfor which we are not given the time to respond. If we are found to be at faultin relation to our services, we will not be liable for more than the depositpaid.
13.2. Limitation:We do not exclude or limit what we will be legally responsible for, including if death or personal injury is caused because of our, or our employees’,negligence, or for any criminal act we may commit. Neither we, can be held responsible for
i) noise or disturbance which comes from beyond the boundaries of the boat, or which is beyond our control,
ii) the failure of public utilities such as water, rubbish disposal
iii) changes or closures to local services or attractions mentioned on our website.
13.3. Complaintsabout your boat(s): If you have a complaint about your boat(s) or suffer anaccident in it, you must:
i) tell us promptly;
ii) allow us a chance to react/put right any issues before your departure; and iii)communicate with the us directly about any follow up. If you cannot contact us, or you are dissatisfied with our response, then you must put in writing your complaint before you leave the boatyard. This clausewill not affect your legal rights or any right you may have to bring legal proceedings against us.
13.4. Formal complaints: If having followed the procedure in 13.3 you feel that a complaint has not been resolved to your satisfaction, please put your complaint in writing (with any photos). You must submit your complaint
within 28 days of returning from your stay. You can email us at
info@unioncanalcarriers.co.uk or post to Union Canal Carriers, Dark Lane,
BraunstonNorthamptonshire, NN11 7HJ marked for the attention of the
Customer Relations Department. We do not accept formal complaints or
accident notifications by social media. Failing to follow the above complaints
process may affect your entitlement to claim compensation (if appropriate).
13.5. Events beyond our control:Unless otherwise stated in these booking
conditions, we are not responsible, nor will we compensate you, for events
beyond our control which could not be avoided,despite reasonable
measures. Examples are warfare, terrorism, civil strife, significant health risks
(e.g. epidemics, pandemics),weather, natural disasters, government or
authority actions, industrial disputes/strikes,failure of utility services, lock
closures, fires, leaks, unavoidable transport issues and similar events.
14 Privacy
14.1. Please see the Privacy Notice on our website which explains how we will
process your personal information. By submitting your personal information to
us, you agree to our use of the information, for the purposes of the provision
of the booking.
14.2. We may record telephone calls between us for monitoring and training
purposes. In the event of a dispute, we reserve the right to review any recorded
calls between us.
15 Other terms
15.1. Any dispute, claim or other matter which may arise in relation to your
booking will be governed by English law and you agree that any dispute will be dealt with exclusively by the courts of England.
15.2. If a court or regulatory agency with proper jurisdiction determines that
a provision of these booking conditions or any contract to which they apply is invalid,void, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted in a way to reflect as closely as possible the original intentions of the parties. If any provision is found to be invalid, the rest of these booking conditions will remain effective to the fullest extent permissible by applicable law.
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