Waterways and lock closures
Boating holidays rely on waterways, and even during boating season navigation may not always be possible. Disruption could be caused by a lock or bridge needing maintenance, or there may not be the right level of water to safely navigate.
Please be aware that our Base teams are expert in their cruising regions. They will also be happy to provide up to date advice on the best cruising conditions and suggested itineraries on arrival and during your cruise. With the safety and enjoyment of our Customers in mind, we may sometimes advise against navigation within a certain part of the cruising region where local conditions may be challenging at that specific point in time. Conditions continually evolve so it is not always possible to inform you of relevant conditions in advance, however please do use the information below as a guide to the current navigation restrictions in place in our boating regions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- Helpful link: Environment Agency
- The Moselle River will be closed from 31 May 2027 until 9 June 2027. Navigation North Nancy (including Toul) will not be possible during this period.
- Due to public holidays on 1 May and 1 November, locks will be closed, which may restrict how far you can cruise on those days.
- Please note that a licence is required to cruise on Luxembourg and German waterways.
- Due to a public holiday on 1 May, locks will be closed (except on the Baïse river) which may restrict how far you can cruise on this day.
- There are no current restrictions.
- Due to public holidays on 1 May and 1 November, locks will be closed, which may restrict how far you can cruise on those days.
- Due to public holidays on 1 May and 1 November, locks will be closed, which may restrict how far you can cruise on those days.
- Due to a public holiday on 1 May, locks will be closed which may restrict how far you can cruise on this day.
- Due to a public holiday on 1 May, locks will be closed which may restrict how far you can cruise on this day.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
- There are no current restrictions.
Venice Access Fee: Please be aware of the new Venice Access Fee introduced by the Municipality of Venice for occasional visitors on selected days in 2026.
- When: The fee applies on specific days between 3 April – 26 July (8:30am-4pm). Outside these dates and hours, no payment is required.
- Where: The fee is required for access to the Ancient City of Venice.
- Cost: €5 per person if paid at least four days in advance. €10 per person if paid less than four days before your visit.
- How to Pay: Payment must be made online through the official Venice Access Fee portal.
For full details and to check the applicable dates, please visit the official Venice Access Fee website.
The 2027 dates and fees will be announced in early 2027.
- Until 1 April 2027, the Gouda route and round cruises are unavailable due to lock and bridge closures. Most marinas are also closed, and any operational bridges and locks require 24 or 48 hours’ advance booking. Navigation is not possible on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday.
- From 16 October to 15 April, departures are only available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays due to the closure of the first lock and bridge south of the Vinkeveen base.
- Due to low-emission zone restrictions, cruising through major cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam is no longer permitted.
- There are no current restrictions.
- Helpful link: Scottish Canals
Need help?
If any of the above information affects your holiday please do contact the team to discuss the options that are available to you