Are you looking for an original idea to celebrate a special moment? How about a river cruise on board a licence-free houseboat? Weddings, birthdays, corporate events... whatever the occasion, organising an event on the water will add a unique and original touch to your event. Here's all our advice!
You can organise any kind of event on a houseboat without a licence: wedding, birthday, seminar, team building... all you need is a bit of organisation! We're here to help, because river cruises are just as suitable for small groups as they are for larger ones.
The choice of boat is important for the smooth running of your event, so make sure you book a houseboat suited to the number of participants. At CrisBoat, we offer houseboats for up to 12 people. If your group is larger, we recommend hiring several boats to form a “flotille”. This allows several houseboats to navigate together, following the same itinerary, and to join up during stopovers. Our advice is to book in advance, especially for the larger boats, as they are often overbooked during the high season.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a river cruise is the possibility of customising the itinerary to suit your desires! Whether you prefer to get away from the city and cruise right into the heart of nature, or head south to discover typical towns and villages, it's possible! At CrisBoat, we offer river escapades for a minimum of 3 nights, 4 or 5 nights, for a week, or two weeks or more! It's up to you to choose which option best suits your event. The other advantage of renting a licence-free houseboat** is the flexibility of your stopovers and the length of your stay. You decide everything! You can also plan stops at iconic locations, such as vineyards, villages or castles, giving your guests the opportunity to discover local treasures while enjoying your event.
The question of meals is essential when planning a river cruise. To simplify organisation, why not work with a local caterer? Cocktails, buffets, sit-down meals - the choice will depend on the style of your event. We also advise you to do your own shopping before embarking, so that you have everything you need on board, whether it's food (breakfast, lunch, etc.) or cleaning products for the boat (sponges, household products, etc.). This will save you having to run errands during your cruise.
If you want to make your event more welcoming, don't forget to decorate the houseboat with flowers, string lights or even maritime accessories to add a festive touch! When it comes to entertainment, don't forget to create a musical playlist to suit the mood you want to create. To make your cruise even more special, consider organising activities to be done on board, such as wine tastings, board games or even group quizzes. This adds a touch of originality to your cruise and guarantees that your guests will all have fun together!
Even if hiring a licence-free houseboat is accessible to everyone, it is compulsory to undergo a short training course before taking the helm. Among the participants, designate several captains who will be in charge of navigation throughout the cruise. The training will enable them to master the basics of navigation and ensure safety on board. It's also a good idea to bring lifejackets and be aware of the safety rules before you set off. Finally, to avoid any unpleasant surprises, we recommend that you take out cancellation insurance, so that you can be reimbursed in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
It's time to think about invitations! Why not opt for original invitations with a nautical theme to get your guests in the mood? Don't forget all the essential information: the departure point, the timetable, and everything else your guests need to know to prepare for a river cruise. To ensure that your guests take away a souvenir of their river trip, you can offer small personalised gifts such as tote bags, reusable cups or even local products.
Organising an event on an unlicensed houseboat is an unusual idea that will delight your guests. With the right planning and these few tips, you can create an unforgettable river cruise for all your guests! So, are you ready to organise your event on board one of our houseboats?