Classic Cruisers CUI Windsor, Berkshire, England

[BWolf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BWolf]

Having had no responses at The Other Site, I thought I'd ask here. Although the membership does seem to overlap, perhaps the ONE person who knows about Classic Cruisers is solely a TimeshareForums member.

Has anyone ever use the services of this company?

Shakespeare Classic Line Ltd
Suite 6, Building 11, Nunold Business Centre
Dark Lane
Hatton , Warwickshire CV35 8XB
U.K.
01926-844222

It is listed by Interval International as a new member resort.

"Ideally located near Windsor on the River Thames, these well-appointed cruisers provide a perfect platform from which to explore the surrounding countryside. The boats come fully equipped with kitchenettes and comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to four people. All exchange guests are additionally granted free membership in the Outlook Club, which provides a range of discounts in the area."

[Cinzia Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Cinzia]

Dear Bwolf,

I am a new member of the forum, as a matter of facts I am in because of your above question. I see no replies. Have you investigated further? I am considering to exchange my timeshare with the houseboats, do you have any information?

Excuse any mistake, I am Italian. Bye bye

Cinzia

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Timeshare boats...

No personal experience, but I've spoken with several clients that exchanged for houseboats both in the US and abroad.. One did have a frustrating day when the boat had a mechanical problem- but the company brought another boat to them the next morning and helped them move all their belongings over.

They all stated it was a positive experience, and while not the utmost in either luxury or elbow room- provided a unique vacation opportunity.. I would recommend you spend a little more time that you normally might, just to consider who you will be traveling with. You will spend days bumping into each other, and I believe the boats only have one small bathroom...

Please come back and let us know how the experience is for you!

Thanks,

Rich

[BWolf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BWolf]

Cinzia: No problem with the language. I have no further information, either. I sent an inquiry to the email of the overall management company, but they haven't replied. I have thought about snail mail (you know, a letter), but haven't had the time to write it.

I exchange through Interval International, so I thought I might call and get information from them, but I haven't done so.

Thanks for replying and if you get any information, please share it.

rikkis_playpen: I would be traveling with my wife so the more bumping, the better.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Cinzia:
rikkis_playpen: I would be traveling with my wife so the more bumping, the better.

[tennisWalt Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tennisWalt]

A Good Web Site For Information

Here is a link to a good Web Site about Canal Boats in England.

Walt



Slow Travel England - Canal Boats in England, how to plan your trip

[BWolf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BWolf]

Thanks, Walt. Canal Boats are slightly different from the Cruisers on the Thames, but a few weeks ago I saw the Rick Steves show about a Canal Boat in France and that piqued my interest.

[Cinzia Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Cinzia]

Thank you everybody from Milano. Ciao

Cinzia

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

I think the terminology needs a little clarification. From what I see at the Shakespeare Classic website these are narrowboats not houseboats or widebeam cruisers.
Narrowboats, as the name suggests are narrow, typically no more than about 7' wide and travel the canals of the UK. They have engines and can therefore move from place to place under their own power.
Houseboats are effectively static homes on the water and typically do not move from place to place apart from permanent relocation.
The broadbeam cruisers are much wider than narrow boats and are generally seen on waters such as the Thames and Norfolk Broads in the UK and the wide canals of France.
What must be factored in when considering a narrow boat is the maximum speed of around 4 mph, so you won't cover huge distances in a 1 or 2 week holiday as you have to return them to the place of collection. You will also need to be reasonably physically fit as many of the locks on the canals have to be operated manually.
Don't let any of this put you off as canalboats really are a wonderfully relaxing way to see the English countryside, and there are many pubs along the way. There has to be some payback for the lock work doesn't there?

[BWolf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BWolf]

Interesting, Keitht. I believe your definition of houseboat, but it likely applies to Europe. In my limited experience from many years ago, friends of the family once rented a houseboat on the Mississippi River and traveled several hundred miles on a two-week vacation.

Here's a modern day example: Houseboat Rentals and house boat vacations on the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisconsin

This is an informational post. I'm not trying to be a wise---.

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Bwolf. You are correct and I should have made it clear that I was referring to terminology in the UK.

[Linkdiver Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Linkdiver]

Classic Cruisers

Hi Bwolf

I have taken holidays on these cruisers last year 2009 in August and in October the boats that operate out of Windsor are wide beam river cruisers made by Viking in the UK. they are quite compact being about 26 feet long with room for 4 people but it is cosy, and a bit like camping. ( they also have a mid cabin which takes 6 ) Make sure that all the locks are operating as many close for repairs between November and February, in season all the locks are manned by lockkeepers betwen 9 - 5. It is just possible to get up to Oxford and back in a week. The boats are clean and easy to handle, but not for anyone with a handcap. Geart holiday I will use them again.

[BWolf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BWolf]

Linkdiver: Thanks for the information. I haven't seen Classic Cruisers on II for several months now. I wonder if they have ended their association with II?

If so, I'm disappointed. It sounds like a really great holiday that we would like to try.