1) All Trips

a) Smoking and vaping is not permitted inside the vessel. Please use designated smoking/vaping area on board which is near the toilets and please don’t throw cigarette butts in the river.

b) During the trip the vessel will remain under complete control of the Skipper and/or our crew. The Skipper may, for whatever reason (weather, tide), vary the scheduled trip, this decision will be final.

c) A fully licensed bar serving hot and cold drinks and snacks is situated on the below deck. There is a Challenge 21 policy, please bring valid identification (such as a passport or a UK photograph driving license) if you would like to purchase alcohol. Failure to provide ID will result in no alcohol being purchased. No double measures will be served at the bar. Only alcohol purchased on board may be consumed. Orwell River Cruises Ltd reserves the right to inspect containers at any time. Illegal drugs or other illegal substances will be confiscated, and appropriate action taken, which may include removal from the boat and the involvement of authorities.

d) Our staff deserve to be treated kindly. No refunds will be given if you are refused entry or ejected due to your own behaviour.

e) We welcome well-behaved dogs on all our trips, apart from music nights, at the discretion of the crew. Owners must take full responsibility and ensure their dog does not impact the enjoyment of other passengers. Assistance dogs can travel on all trips.

f) Passengers are requested to listen to safety announcements. They are for the benefit of passengers. At all times whilst on board, passengers will obey the instructions/orders of the Skipper and crew.

g) Passengers must not distract the Skipper or enter the wheelhouse. Crew members will answer any queries.

h) Any damage caused by wilful conduct or negligence by passengers to the vessel or her equipment is to be paid for by the passenger(s) responsible before leaving the vessel. The Skipper may, at their discretion, arrange for Police attendance.

i) If any of the vessel’s safety or operating equipment is deliberately misused, or there is trouble on board, the vessel will immediately return to Ipswich Docks or the nearest landing facility and the Skipper may, at his discretion, arrange for Police attendance.

2) Private Hire trips only

Clauses 1) a) to j) above apply, and in addition: –

a) The Hirer confirms that the vessel is hired solely for private, non-commercial use. Purchase of the hire does not entitle the Hirer to offer places on the vessel for sale, to other individuals or entities, nor to use the vessel to facilitate a third-party ticketing scheme. Any attempt to sell or promote tickets or otherwise commercialise the hire (including via agents or ticket platforms), without the Company’s express prior written consent, shall be considered a fundamental breach of this agreement. In such event, the Company reserves the right to cancel the hire immediately without refund and may seek recovery of any resulting loss.

b) Pre-approved caterers, guests decorating the boat or musicians will be able to board early, by prior arrangement. Passengers should disembark the vessel within fifteen minutes of coming back to Orwell Quay at the end of their trip.

c) Passenger numbers are limited to between 40 and 50 on private hire trips. This ensures that, in the event of inclement weather, the hirer and guests can be accommodated under cover in the main saloon.

d) A deposit of 50% is required to confirm bookings. Bookings are not definite until a deposit has been received and will be held for fourteen days only.

e) Payment can be made by the hirer by cheque (made out to Orwell River Cruises Ltd), receipted cash, or by bank transfer – details on booking form.

f) Full payment must be received fourteen working days before the date of the trip. Orwell Lady will not be made available unless the amount has been paid in full by then and will be deemed available for re-hire.

g) Any damage caused by passengers to vessels or equipment will be charged to the hirer.

h) In the unlikely event of Orwell River Cruises Ltd being forced to cancel the trip due to adverse weather conditions or mechanical issues, the hirer can elect to re-schedule the trip or payment will be refunded in full. Regretfully, hire payments cannot be refunded when a trip is cancelled by the hirer, within seven days of the trip date, unless Orwell Lady is re-booked.