Le Boat announces expansion plans for 2019
Oct 11, 2018
One year ago, Le Boat, a supplier of self-drive river and canal cruise holidays in Europe, announced the company’s expansion into North America, opening their first base in Smiths Falls, ON. Le Boat is continuing momentum in Canada for 2019 with an expanded fleet of luxury cruisers and the addition of a satellite base in the village of Seeley’s Bay, Ontario.
With 16 brand new Horizon line cruiser boats, the inaugural season welcomed travelers from around the world to experience self-drive luxury canal cruises along one of Canada’s oldest waterways and registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal.
Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s Global Managing Director commented, “Our first season of operation along the historic Rideau Canal is nearly complete. With rave reviews and 82% occupancy, we are delighted to say Canada has been an unprecedented success for Le Boat!”
For the 2019 season, Le Boat will add an additional four boats to the Canadian Horizon fleet, including the state-of-the-art Horizon 5. The largest and most luxurious in the premium Horizon fleet, the Horizon 5 is 49.17’ (14.99 m) long, and sleeps up to 12 people, with five double bedrooms complete with ensuite bathrooms, and a convertible settee in the saloon. The boat offers increased space, a fully stocked kitchen with all linens, rear outdoor seating and a sundeck with BBQ – all the comfort and convenience needed for a vacation on the water with a large family or group of friends.
Le Boat’s 2019 expansion will also include the addition of a new satellite base in the village of Seeley’s Bay, Ontario. This base will allow Le Boat guests to experience one-way cruising on the Rideau Canal for the first time. Seeley’s Bay is a charming town located on the beautiful southern route of the Rideau Canal, surrounded by the expansive lakes. The community is 25 miles (40km) North East of Kingston and 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Ottawa.
From Seeley’s Bay, Le Boat cruisers can choose a 3-4 night getaway or a one week cruise. Head south from Seeley’s Bay to visit the historic city of Kingston, Canada’s former capital, where the Rideau Canal meets the majestic Lake Ontario (8.5 hours away by boat). Alternatively, travelers can head north and cruise to Jones Falls with its spectacular staircase of locks and impressive dam. A one-way week’s cruise north will get you as far as the Le Boat base in Smiths Falls, in the heart of the Rideau.
Reservations are now available for Le Boat’s 2019 cruising season (May 17 – October 14, 2019), with early booking discounts available until October 30, 2018. Call 1-855-734-5491 or visit https://www.leboat.com/ for more information on self-drive cruiser rentals in Canada and Europe.
Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating vacation. Le Boat provides guests with suggested itineraries so they plan activities, visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route. All boats feature fully-equipped galleys, comfortable furnishings, showers and heads, and on-board heaters for comfort; some models also feature air cooling or air conditioning. For the more active traveler, Le Boat also offers the option to add on bikes, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to their boat.
