Customer reviews and feedback

Added on 27 November 2024

Very helpful customer service and…

Very helpful customer service and informative website

Added on 8 November 2024

Major condensation issue…

We booked the Caledonian canal route for one week in October, with Le boat, our choice off vessel was the Elegance. On first impressions the boat was lovely. After we were shown the controls, off we went.
What we discovered was during the night the condensation build up was out of control, water dripped from the interior window frames and ran down the ceiling of the main bedroom (front of boat), this all had to be wiped down daily , as the water dripped onto the bedding, we didn’t know if the beds were damp or cold, I actually slept on the sofa most nights , as I took pictures of the water on the bed sheets. The actual canal route was stunning, mechanically the boat was sound. We did contact Le boat, but they did not respond

Added on 5 November 2024

Professional and friendly

Professional, friendly and helpful.

Added on 11 October 2024

LeBoat trip on Shannon River…

6 person LeBoat trip on Shannon River Ireland 1st week of Oct, 2024. 2 issues with the boat: 1) during the pre-trip boat introduction/explanation, the person told us the heating system was going bad, and not to run it more than an hour. This meant waking up to an incredibly cold interior. 2) the “beds” were a 4″ thick pad, like something you might sit on, on a bench. Very uncomfortable, and nothing close to being like a mattress.
Overall, if you don’t mind not sleeping well, and being very cold while on the boat, then LeBoat is for you.

Added on 7 October 2024

Homps le Canal du Midi.

Great trip from Homps le Canal du Midi.
Staff very friendly and helpful with a fast departure and smooth check out (where consideration was given for a few minor issues)….headed south and found locks easy to negotiate with helpful staff….see you again guys…Paul and Ligia

Added on 23 September 2024

Very quick and easy booking

Very quick and easy booking. Prices very reasonable. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Added on 23 September 2024

Avoid Emerald Star in Canal de Medi France

Rented a boat in Castelnaudary for a trip to Port Cassafiers. The maintenance of the boat was very poor and it was not so clean. It was leaking in rainwater and the toilets were in bad condition so it smelled bad, special in the front toilet. The boat didn’t fulfill the specification we got earlier.
The steering wheel in the cabin couldn’t be used, not so nice in heavy rain. Start of the motor was unreliable, which forced us to run the motor much more than necessary.
Finally, the Emerald Star staff we met were nice and helpful.

Added on 22 September 2024

Emerald Star cruiser hire on the thames

We have booked boat for many years with Le boat on the Thames from various boatyards and always had a great time – plus the booking experience has always been very good regards Bruce Skelton

Added on 3 September 2024

Emerald Star Booking Team are First Class!

The Emerald Star booking team are polite, helpful, knowledgeable and experienced.
Emerald Star has an answer for every query – whether it’s your first time canal cruising and you have queries about accommodation, boat handling and lock operation or whether it’s a query on which canal/area might most suit your requirements. And from experience, their Boat Base teams are just as helpful!

Added on 2 September 2024

Easy to book

Easy to book and good payment option plan over 3 payments. It’s quite expensive so this helps spread the cost.
The boat looks really nice – just hoping it’s like that in real life !

Added on 30 August 2024

Everything I wanted and so much more!!!

Just got back from 4 days on the Caledonian Canal on an Elegance boat in the Comfort class.

The weather was not the best, it is the Highlands so wasn’t expecting 100% clear skies but when the locals tell you it’s bad then that says it all.

However what made our holiday was the first class experience from Le Boat, from start to finish they made a slightly nervous first timer feel so at ease.

Special mention to Sheila and Ben, if any of the Emerald Star hierarchy read this I can tell you they are a huge credit to your company. If all of your locations have people like them then I want to experience more.

Thank you

Added on 29 August 2024

This company is a scam

This company is a scam. From bait and switching you to providing no quality. What looked like a price of $1200 ended up costing more than $4500 in “extras” and “fees”. The boat we got had more than 30 liters of diesel leaking into the sleeping cabin creating a lethal health and fire hazard we got no real help. Only after 6 days of asking for help (multiple hotel stays because the boat was uninhabitable) and once we reached our destination and after 6 different employees said this was a problem with the boat model we were offered another boat. After the ruined vacation of severe health hazards, we were offered a measly $700 of $4500 refund.

Added on 29 August 2024

Boat broke down, didn't work, and argumentative staff

We booked one of the ‘Premier’ boats Horizon 3. an hour after leaving the base, the cabin filled with smoke and all sorts of alarms were going-off. Fortunately, we where near another Boat yard, where we moored and asked for help. The Boat yard owner informed the smoke was from an electrical fire and instructed us to grab our important belongings, and all vacate the boat immediately. My wife called Le-Boat and a young Engineer arrived shortly afterwards. He had to call another engineer for support, and the issue was diagnosed as the thermostat on the engine cooling system failing allowing the engine to overheat and all the coolant to be expelled through the bilge pump. On top of that, the inverter also failed, which was the electrical smoke. Fortunately, they were able to repair the boat within 2hrs and we we on our way again. As the trip was for one of the guest’s 60th birthday, we had arranged to meet friends at Henley. Disappointingly, we were not able to make Henley due to the breakdown losing us 2hrs travelling time. Really frustrating that we paid an extra £90 for an early check-in on the boat to make sure we have enough time to get to Henley.
The first night we had to moor along a towpath and found there was only 1 mooring peg (the boat inventory states there should be 3). Fortunately, the boat in front of us let us use their peg to attach our rope. My wife rang Emerald Star again and was told someone would drop the missing 2 pegs off on the boat whilst we were in Henley for the day. When we returned, only 1 peg had been left meaning the boat was still 1 peg short.
Consider the boat was a ‘Premium’ boat, the equipment on board was very basic and didn’t work. The TV didn’t work, which is when we discovered it was a DVD TV (had we known, we could have brought a couple of DVD’s). The radio was the same radio I had in my first car in 1991 – very basic and we were only able to get a signal once throughout the week.
The engine coolant alarm was running constantly for days – even when the engine had just been started and was cold. The temp never went over 80C, but the alarm would not silence and this made it too uncomfortable travelling in the cabin. The day before the end of our trip, my Wife rang Le-Boat again and got to spoke to one of the engineers. He advised us to lift the engine cover and top-up the engine coolant with water. We did this, and the system took a lot of water to fill. The alarm never sounded again. During the induction, we were advised to captain the boat from the upper deck due to better visibility. On our last day it rained most of the day. As the bow-thruster button on the lower deck didn’t work (also reported to LeBoat) we had to drive the boat for hours in the pouring rain on the top deck. This person now has a cold.
On arrival back at the LeBoat base, my Wife queried why only 1 peg had been dropped-off? The Manager argued with my wife saying “we must have had 2 originally, because how else did we moor in a field?”
Overall, a disappointing experience with LeBoat.

Added on 24 August 2024

Lack of cost transparency

I think Emerald Star could be more transparent about costs at the time of booking.
This is an accommodation at the end of the day, when you check out from the hotel or bb you are not expected to clean, with Emerald Star you are expected to either clean or you can pay for cleaning, which is £135 or reduced for “special customer” to £85, you of course can clean however given the cost of holiday and comparing it in general to any other accommodation services I find it strange.
In addition, when you hire a boat, you hire a boat only, meaning you cant drive it, if you want to drive it at the check in you are asked to pay engine hours (I am sure this is somewhere in a SMALL PRINT, however it would not harm, to make it completely transparent you need to add extra min of £330 for engine hours).
General tip for anyone going on Emerald Star holiday in Caledonian Canal.
We have been told by several locals that weather tends to be bad, taking weather into account consider the following:
-boat gets very damp inside with a lot of condensation, everything is damp and cold
-with winds and waves, there is a lot of rattling noise on the boat, all day long and at night, pretty much impossible to sleep
Other considerations:
-all locks are manned, and at lunch times you can’t get through, due to breaks, which can cause delays for you if you are on a tight schedule or want to do more
-there are very few mooring spaces along the way
-moorings near by Inverness and Fort William are a little far out from towns
-there are very few facilities along the way for water, bins and electricity, not sure how about waste, we didn’t have to do ours

Added on 15 August 2024

Fantastic holiday-beyond expectations

Fantastic holiday-beyond expectations
We did a return to Fontenoy-le-Château as complete novices. It was wonderful
If you want a peaceful holiday with wonderful scenery, food, support, moorings -then go to le boat.
Locks were fun and so pleased they were all automated. So only getting the line secured 😂
Already looking to book next year. Brilliant holiday!

Added on 14 August 2024

I am still old school and wanted to…

I am still old school and wanted to put a face to the person I am dealing with. We met with le Boats representative and was helped with all our questions, also followup regularly

Added on 5 August 2024

Great communications and guidance from…

Great communications and guidance from Marcus

Added on 24 July 2024

Good company to book with

I have been using this company over many many years and always found them to be easy to work with.

Added on 15 July 2024

We took the Emerald Star tour in Belgium from June…

We took the Emerald Star tour in Belgium from June to July 2024. Rik from Westhoek Marina at Nieuwpoort was an exceptional guide. He provided us with many useful travel tips, and we greatly appreciated the staff members’ helpfulness and positive attitude. When one of our suitcase wheels broke, Rik even went out of his way to drop us off at the Nieuwpoort bus and tram station. We loved every little town (especially Bruges and Ghent, but Diksmuide and Ieper were also interesting and beautiful in their own way. We completed both Route 1 and Route 2. Thanks to the Belgium team—this was such a great holiday!

Added on 15 July 2024

We took the Emerald Star tour in Belgium from June…

We took the Emerald Star tour in Belgium from June to July 2024. Rik from Westhoek Marina at Nieuwpoort was an exceptional guide. He provided us with many useful travel tips, and we greatly appreciated the staff members’ helpfulness and positive attitude. When one of our suitcase wheels broke, Rik even went out of his way to drop us off at the Nieuwpoort bus and tram station. We loved every little town (especially Bruges and Ghent, but Diksmuide and Ieper were also interesting and beautiful in their own way. We completed both Route 1 and Route 2. Thanks to the Belgium team—this was such a great holiday!

Added on 11 July 2024

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Added on 11 July 2024

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Good and easy to around on bicycle. Restaurants plentiful

Added on 11 July 2024

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really…

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really different fun holiday break.

Added on 11 July 2024

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really…

Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really different fun holiday break.

Added on 11 July 2024

This was our first Emerald Star experience. Awesome choice and…

This was our first Emerald Star experience. Awesome choice and so glad we did it. Apart from the adrenalin to ensure you do things correctly, to the calm and relaxed hours on the canal. Our family was excited about all the planning, boating and exploring small towns like Edam, Zaanse Schaans and Maarssen on foot, bike and sometimes just on the deck! As a first time Le Boater, the staff made it easy and explained all the detail and operations (p.s. be sure to take notes), that helped us on our way. By day 2 you definitely feel more comfortable with all the bridges, signals, sluices and mooring. This was a unforgettable family holiday and we will surely tdo this again when opportunity presents itself.

Added on 11 July 2024

This was our first Emerald Star experience. Awesome choice and…

This was our first Emerald Star experience. Awesome choice and so glad we did it. Apart from the adrenalin to ensure you do things correctly, to the calm and relaxed hours on the canal. Our family was excited about all the planning, boating and exploring small towns like Edam, Zaanse Schaans and Maarssen on foot, bike and sometimes just on the deck! As a first time Le Boater, the staff made it easy and explained all the detail and operations (p.s. be sure to take notes), that helped us on our way. By day 2 you definitely feel more comfortable with all the bridges, signals, sluices and mooring. This was a unforgettable family holiday and we will surely tdo this again when opportunity presents itself.

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Emerald Star was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Emerald Star – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Emerald Star was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Emerald Star – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Emerald Star was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Emerald Star – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond…

Everyone at St Jean de Losne were above and beyond nice and helpful. They were going to call us a cab when we arrived in St Jean by train but a staff member just came and picked us up! The gentleman that showed us around the boat was excellent as well. In Branges, the women helping us check out was so nice and professional, can’t speak highly enough of her. The other staff in Branges were, oddly, not helpful. It’s traditional in any dockside setting to help those in need of a hand when coming into dock, even if aren’t working but just people sharing the dock. These guys (who are employed by Le Boat) just sat smiling as we came in to an unfamiliar harbor in the pouring rain and didn’t lift a hand to help. Then told us, after we were tied up that we’d tied up in the wrong place and told us to move. As I said, very odd considering how great everyone else from Emerald Star was with us on our trip.
Already thinking about our next trip with Emerald Star – Highly recommended!

Added on 10 July 2024

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Added on 10 July 2024

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.

Added on 10 July 2024

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff…

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff , waiters, mechanics, reception , booking agent were all amazing, friendly and no issue was too small or too big to fix. Thank you for a wonderful holiday .

Added on 10 July 2024

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff…

We rented a new boat which worked perfectly. The staff , waiters, mechanics, reception , booking agent were all amazing, friendly and no issue was too small or too big to fix. Thank you for a wonderful holiday .

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Emerald Star was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 10 July 2024

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted…

Stunning countryside with am easy going pace. We were diverted to the Loure Lateral due to flooding. While not our first choice the service provided by Emerald Star was excellent. Highlights were visiting Sancerre and Never.

Added on 15 July 2024

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything…

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything we needed for our stay and maneuvered easily in the canals.

Added on 15 July 2024

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything…

Although our boat was small, it was well-equipped with everything we needed for our stay and maneuvered easily in the canals.

Added on 11 July 2024

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to…

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to go with…Le Boat. Very professional and helpful. Xx

Added on 11 July 2024

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to…

Fantastic trip on the Belgium canals and excellent company to go with…Le Boat. Very professional and helpful. Xx

Added on 11 July 2024

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due…

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due to unavailability Emerald Star upgraded us to the Royal Mystique. Practical lay-out, lots of space for 4 people and definitely enjoyed the deck and gasbraai (bbq) outside. Felt like the Captain of my own boat.

Added on 11 July 2024

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due…

Again, awesome boat. We originally booked the Sheba, but due to unavailability Emerald Star upgraded us to the Royal Mystique. Practical lay-out, lots of space for 4 people and definitely enjoyed the deck and gasbraai (bbq) outside. Felt like the Captain of my own boat.

Added on 10 July 2024

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable.…

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable. We had a very hot week so air-conditioning or fans in each cabin would have been appreciated as it was difficult to cool the inside of the boat down.

Added on 10 July 2024

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable.…

Older boat with three large cabins. Well maintained and comfortable. We had a very hot week so air-conditioning or fans in each cabin would have been appreciated as it was difficult to cool the inside of the boat down.

Added on 9 July 2024

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures. The…

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures.
The locks were harder work than anticipated.
The stops and restaurants were all nice. Top marks to Marseillet. Lovely spot with support Auberge O son of O.

Added on 9 July 2024

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures. The…

Itinerary was good just as described in their brochures.
The locks were harder work than anticipated.
The stops and restaurants were all nice. Top marks to Marseillet. Lovely spot with support Auberge O son of O.

Added on 3 July 2024

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the…

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the initial call for information to arriving and setting out for a 4 day cruise. Absolutely beautiful views and easy waterways to navigate.

Added on 3 July 2024

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the…

Incredibly well organized customer service. Everything was perfect from the initial call for information to arriving and setting out for a 4 day cruise. Absolutely beautiful views and easy waterways to navigate.

Added on 2 July 2024

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed,…

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed, clean and has plenty of space. We were 6 people (3 couples), for a week. Bedrooms 3 & 4 are quite cramped so the extra room was handy. The kitchen area is easy to use and has everything you need, plus 2 fridges which was great. The living space has ample room, as well as upstairs on the deck. We were briefed before we set off by a knowledgable and friendly member of the team and everything went smoothly. It’s the second time we have used Emerald Star and will do so again. A very memorable and outstanding trip, thank you.

Added on 2 July 2024

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed,…

Salsa A is an extremely comfortable barge. It is well-appointed, clean and has plenty of space. We were 6 people (3 couples), for a week. Bedrooms 3 & 4 are quite cramped so the extra room was handy. The kitchen area is easy to use and has everything you need, plus 2 fridges which was great. The living space has ample room, as well as upstairs on the deck. We were briefed before we set off by a knowledgable and friendly member of the team and everything went smoothly. It’s the second time we have used Emerald Star and will do so again. A very memorable and outstanding trip, thank you.

Added on 2 July 2024

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double…

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double beds and 2 double beds by re-arranging the sofas in front. Well equipped and it has 2 fridges.

Added on 2 July 2024

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double…

Great sized boat for larger groups. 4 cabins with double beds and 2 double beds by re-arranging the sofas in front. Well equipped and it has 2 fridges.

Added on 2 July 2024

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was…

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was a bit small as one passenger was over six foot.
Would be better if the was at least one 240volt outlet that works of a inverter will not in port.

Added on 2 July 2024

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was…

Would book a bigger boat next time as it was a bit small as one passenger was over six foot.
Would be better if the was at least one 240volt outlet that works of a inverter will not in port.