Late guests: can the boat wait?

A privately hired boat runs to a precise time slot: the departure time is tied to navigation permits, to the crew and sometimes to other bookings. A short wait may be possible, but it eats into your cruise time and may be charged for. It is better to plan an earlier boarding time and have a plan in place for latecomers.

A few simple habits will help you avoid most unpleasant surprises.

Fixed time slots

Hire time is generally counted from the agreed time, whether or not all the guests are on board. Every minute of waiting therefore reduces the time actually spent sailing. Ask the boat operator how much leeway is tolerated before departure. The welcome procedure is set out in our article on welcoming guests at boarding.

The cost of waiting

Delaying departure may lead to an overrun, or even to overtime charges if the boat has another commitment afterwards. Make sure the contract states in advance how waiting time is handled, rather than negotiating it on the quayside.

Joining the boat at another quay

In some cases, a late guest may be able to join the boat at a second boarding point, provided the boat operator has allowed for it and the route lends itself to it. This is never automatic: it must be agreed beforehand. See also our article on choosing the right quay.

The message to send to your guests

Announce a boarding time earlier than the actual departure time, and make clear that the boat will leave on schedule. A clear message avoids any ambiguity:

• requested arrival time, with a margin of 20 to 30 minutes;
• exact address of the quay and meeting point;
• a number to call if they are running late.

To see how all this fits into your budget, read our guide to private boat hire.