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Safety

Safety

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Quiet and protected, for a carefree holiday.

River navigation has always been synonymous with calm, tranquility, and relaxation. Preparing properly before leaving will make it even easier to make the most of this unforgettable experience.

We devote a lot of attention to the issue of safety. Training pre-boarding, technical assistance during navigation, selection of itineraries, the quality of the boats, and the insurance offers are designed by us to protect your holiday from the unexpected, so that all you take home are wonderful memories and splendid photos.

Each crew is required to follow our training course on the day of departure, regardless of previous experience. Our experienced, trained, and multilingual staff will check the captain's driving and leadership skills. Driving, mooring, and maneuvering tests will be carried out, for as long as the customer needs to feel ready. Each crew will also be instructed, with a dedicated and personalized briefing, on the itinerary best suited to their needs.

To drive the boat, 2 adults in good physical shape are legally required on board. However, if you’re not an expert, we suggest a crew of 3 adults all of whom can take part in the mooring maneuvers. If there are children on board, an adult must take care of them while the boat is operational. This person will not be able to participate in the maneuvers. Maneuvering the boat involves physical effort: it’s a dynamic and sometimes demanding activity. Physical limitations can affect driving ability and safety.

A boat license is not mandatory to drive our yachts, which are slow and travel at around 10 km/h. There’s a limited possibility of making mistakes, and not having to deal with waves, rough seas, or other critical situations, means extensive experience isn’t required to navigate safely. You mustn’t speed on the river, both to respect the legal limits and to enjoy the company and the view during navigation. What’s more, even in the event of minor errors, the boats are insured.

A good selection of itineraries is key so you don’t miss out on any of the wonders the area has to offer. Remember that we have worked to bring you the best of what is possible to visit. You can't sail everywhere by boat since there are rules and limits to respect. We know them well, and detail them in our guides. If you respect the itineraries we have studied for you, it will be impossible to find yourself in unexpected situations, and you’ll always find a mooring available to safely spend the night.

For many years, our company has been producing navigation maps and multilingual itinerary guides to ensure you can navigate in complete relaxation, which are highly appreciated by customers and individuals.

Our boats are solid and safe. Designed for rental, they are forgiving of inexperienced drivers, thanks to sturdy rubber bumpers all around the hull and other precautionary built-in features designed for you.

All boats are equipped with a satellite monitoring system, which enables us to monitor navigation in unauthorized areas or any maneuvering errors in real time. You’ll spend your vacation knowing that you have a guardian angel by your side. In addition, the electronic depth control system signals when a shallow area is approaching so the driver can avoid getting stuck on the silt.

The lateral thrust propellers help the pilot to perform perfect mooring maneuvers. Never used them before? No problem, we’ll teach you in the briefing session.

If you need help, suggestions or support during the holiday, we are constantly reachable via a dedicated telephone line. We can help and advise you or reach you by van or speedboat in the shortest possible time.

Furthermore, our staff manages an important weather alert service with a 3-day forecast and will notify you in case of bad weather, even temporarily suspending cruising, if necessary for safety purposes.

So you can enjoy a worry-free experience, we have activated various insurance packages which protect you before and during your vacation.

Liability Insurance - included in the rental price
Each boat is insured for damage to third parties and to third-party property; this is a classic ‘civil responsibility’ policy like that used for cars. In the event of damage to third parties during the holiday, the insurance kicks in above the security deposit limit.


Hull Insurance - included in the rental price
The boats are insured as company assets. In the event of serious damage to the rented boat, the insurance reimburses the charter company above the limit of the security deposit.


Travel and Cancellation Insurance – recommended
This extra can only be purchased at the time of booking.
What does the Travel and Cancellation Insurance cover?

  • Cancellation / Replanning
  • Medical expenses during the trip
  • Logistical expenses during the trip
  • Lost or damaged baggage
  • Repatriation
  • Domestic assistance

It's mandatory to read the Insurance Terms and Conditions before purchase the Extra - Click here


Limitation of Damage Liability (CDW) – recommended optional extra
At check-in we will ask you for a security deposit (in the form of providing credit card details) necessary to cover damage to or loss of equipment as a result of negligence or inappropriate behavior. Generally, the deposit amounts to around €2,500. However, by activating the CDW, your deposit will drop dramatically, reducing your risk. Activation can be requested at booking or check-in.

Houseboat
the best selection of boats

Houseboat fleet

We offer you the best river boat solutions for a high-level vacation. A safe, pleasant, exciting holiday. Made possible by our experience, which means we have personally tested each boat.

8 people | 4 cabins

Minuetto 8 Electric

The first and only Houseboat with an electric motor. Our exclusive design, which we are very proud of. Built in 2020, she is among the newest, most luxurious and best equipped Houseboats on the European scene.

4 people | 2 cabins

Grand 37

Thanks to the collaboration between Houseboat Holidays Italia and Balt Yacht, a consolidated Northern European builder, we are able to offer the brand new Grand 37, the most luxurious 2-cabin river boat on the market, built and ready to launch in 2024.

3 people | 1 cabin

Suncamper 35

The boat was built in 2024 and is the smallest in our fleet. Exclusively designed for couples, it offers a holiday experience that amounts to continuous pampering and maximum comfort and privacy.

6 people | 3 cabins

Minuetto 6

This yacht is perfect for a medium-sized family who wants enough space to spend a relaxing week on holiday.

8 people | 4 cabins

Minuetto 8

This model has been available since 2018, and is therefore very recent. It is a refined and much appreciated boat, with a captivating modern design.

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Houseboat Holidays Italia

An experience in close contact with water, along the slow flowing river, away from crowds and mass tourism.

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Houseboat Holidays Italia

Secluded beaches, sometimes unknown islets, historic villages, and culinary culture.