Terms & Conditions

Depending on your booking with us differing Terms and Conditions will apply. Please find your relevant booking from the list below:

Terms & Conditions For PUBLIC SAILINGS (including online sales)


Terms and conditions for the sale of online tickets (May 2009)

1 - Payment for tickets

1.1 - Online tickets must be paid for in full, in advance using a valid credit or debit card, and by completing the online booking process.

1.2 - Tickets are only valid so long as cleared funds have been received by French Brothers or their nominated banking service provider.

1.3 - Tickets are not valid if for any reason the payment is declined, refunded or subject to any fraudulent use - including credit card fraud or fraudulent ticket reproduction or resale.

2 - Accountability of tickets

2.1 - When purchasing tickets online, customers must ensure that they purchase the correct number of tickets for the specific chosen trip, and that they have tickets that represent the correct breakdown of Adults, Children and Senior Citizens.

2.2 - Incorrectly purchased tickets may be invalid. Customers requiring additional tickets on the day may buy tickets (subject to availability) from our ticket office.

3 - Transferability of tickets

3.1 - Tickets are not transferable and no refunds will be given for unused tickets, or in the event that a passenger is unable to or chooses not to travel.

4 Validity of tickets

4.1 - Passengers are required to print off their own ticket must be in possession of a valid ticket to board a vessel and may be required to present their ticket for inspection during the trip.

4.2 - Tickets are identifiable by a unique reference number - as such any tickets that do not match the daily manifest for known issued tickets may be invalid.

4.3 - Illegible, defaced, duplicated, previously revoked, cancelled or used tickets, or tickets with invalid or duplicated reference numbers will not be accepted.

4.4 - No refunds will be given in respect on issues arising from clause 45 Cancellation by French Brothers

5.1 - French Brothers reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time and to provide you with a full refund.

5.2 - Occasionally we have to cancel the operation of a vessel arising from circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we cannot avoid. Examples are, riots, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, lock delays, natural disaster, fire or adverse weather or river conditions or other similar events. The risk of cancellation in these circumstances is yours and you are responsible for the full hire price notwithstanding cancellation.

6 Alteration by French Brothers

6.1 - French Brothers will make every effort to ensure that trips run to the agreed times, however we reserve the right to vary operating times should any of the events or conditions referred to in clause 5 apply.

7. Conduct on board the vessel

7.1 The skipper of the vessel shall be in sole charge throughout the duration of the hire and you and all members of your party will comply with the lawful commands of the skipper and his crew.

7.2 You and all members of your party must conduct themselves properly at all times whilst on board and must take account of their own safety and that of other passengers.

7.3 You will be liable to us for any damage caused to a vessel or any of its fixtures and fittings by you or any member of your party due to any unreasonable conduct or behaviour.

7.4 Neither you or members of your party may take on board any vessel any food, alcohol or other beverages, such items may only be consumed on a vessel if arranged by us. No musical or other entertainment is to take place on board a vessel unless also arranged by us.

8 Passengers with disabilities

8.1 - You should advise us in good time whether any member of your party has any medical condition or disability requiring any special care during embarking or whilst on a vessel. We will use every reasonable effort to assist such passengers but if we are not informed in reasonable time, we cannot be responsible for any inconvenience or costs which may arise if carriage of that person is refused.

9 Liability

9.1 - Should you or one of the persons included in your booking suffer death, personal injury or illness arising out of an activity forming part of your hire arrangements, our liability to compensation will be limited by the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or any re-enactment or regulations made thereunder which permit operators of passenger vessels to limit their liability. We will only accept responsibility if there has been a fault on our part or our suppliers and the cause was not your own or the relevant persons fault. Details of these limits of liability can be obtained from our Head Office upon request. The maximum liability for any damages other than for death, personal injury or illness will be limited to the total price paid for the hire of the vessel.

10 Smoking

10.1 - French Brothers operate a non smoking policy in line with the 'Health Bill' in England and Wales 2007. This policy applies to all guests, staff and visitors on board the boats as well as the bookings and ticket offices, shops, stores and all other enclosed areas owned or managed by French Brothers at Clewer, Windsor or Runnymede.11. Complaints and disputes

11.1 - We welcome feedback from customers (good or bad) as it helps us to maintain / improve standards. Should the organizer be unhappy about any aspect of the event or trip, they should firstly notify the who will endeavour to rectify any problems. Complaints arising should then be notified in writing to the bookings office as soon as possible, no later than 7 days after the event. Failure to comply with this will indemnify French Brothers from the payment of any compensation.

12 Model Release12.1 - We occasionally take photographs and video footage of our boats and events on board which will inevitably include images of passengers. These images are used in our marketing material which includes brochures, DVDs and our web site. Passengers agree to allow us to use such images, we will not pay any royalties or fee. We will not take photographs or film or use images should a passenger object. We will cease to use images should the organiser lodge an objection, however media will remain in force for the life of the publication. Electronic images (on our web site) will be removed within 7 days should we receive any objection from an organizer. French Brothers retain copyright on all pictures.

13 JurisdictionAll matters arising from your contract with us are governed by English Law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

14. Conditions of sale of alcohol.

14.1 It is a criminal offence for a person under the age of 18 to attempt to purchase alcohol or consume alcohol on board any French Brothers vessel. It is also a criminal offence for a person to purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 18.14.2 It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure that all pre-ordered drinks that they have purchased are not given to persons under the age of 18.14.3 No customer may bring any of their own drinks on board without express written permission from French Brothers. In doing so, the customer may be committing a criminal offence.14.4 French Brothers reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to passengers that appear to be under the age of 18. Identification will be required for all passengers who appear to be under 21 years of age. The only acceptable forms of identification are a valid passport, Photo ID drivers licence,Warrant card, or I.D. card bearing the 'pass' logo and hologram.

14.5 French Brothers reserve the right to refuse to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be (or appear to be purchasing alcohol for persons who are) drunk, violent or abusive, or appear to be binge drinking. This also includes persons who appear to be purchasing alcohol for persons who are under the age of 18. No refunds will be given in respect of a passenger being refused alcohol when a drinks package has been selected.15. Online Gift Vouchers15.1 French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher entitles the bearer to redeem only products within French Brothers Ltd online booking system and subject to these products respected terms and conditions.15.2 French Brothers Ltd reserve the unconditional right, to refuse redemption without refund of any voucher if it is believed it has been tampered with, modified, duplicated or changed in any way.15.3 French Brothers Ltd reserves the unconditional right, to refuse redemption without refund of any voucher if it is believed the bearer is not the original intended recipient.

15.4 Any additional cost exceeding the value of a French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher will be paid by the redeemer.

15.5 French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher cannot be converted, exchanged or refunded.

15.6 No change is given from a French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher.

15.7 French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher are only valid up to the listed expiry date which will be 18 months after the voucher purchase date.

15.8 French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher will not be replaced when lost, damaged or stolen.

15.9 French Brothers Ltd online gift voucher is valid only at French Brothers Ltd.

15.10 In the event of any dispute, the decision French Brothers Ltd is final.

15.11 French Brothers Ltd reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions without prior notice.


Terms & Conditions For GROUP SAILINGS


Booking Conditions for Group Booking Clients - Part Charter only

1. CONTRACTS.
A binding contract is only entered into when French Brothers Limited of Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Road, Windsor (French Brothers) and whether trading as French Brothers, Bray Boats, Thames Steam Packet Boat Company or Windsor Boats, has issued a Confirmation of Booking. This takes place after we have received a completed and signed Booking Form. The person signing the Booking Form accepts responsibility on behalf of all members of the party.

2. PAYMENTS.
No deposit is required from a regular Group Booking Client with whom prior credit arrangements have been agreed. You will be required to confirm your final numbers 7 days before the trip and pay the full balance at that time. No refunds or reduction will be possible after that time and no refunds will be offered if fewer passengers take the trip on the day.

3. CANCELLATIONS BY YOU.
No cancellation charges will be applied to a Group Booking Client with whom credit arrangements have been agreed. Nevertheless, at least 14 days notice of cancellation should be given. We reserve the right to withdraw future credit arrangements if a Client persistently cancels bookings less than seven days prior to the hire.

4. CANCELLATIONS BY FRENCH BROTHERS.

4.1 We reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time and to provide you with a full refund.

4.2 Occasionally we have to cancel the operation of a vessel arising from circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we cannot avoid. Example are, riots, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, lock delays, natural disaster, fire or adverse weather or river conditions or other similar events. The risk of cancellation in these circumstances is yours and you are responsible for the trip costs notwithstanding cancellation. You are strongly recommended to obtain suitable insurance cover for such contingencies.

5. ALTERATIONS BY YOU.
We will do our best to make any alterations you may require after confirmation has been issued subject to the payment of any increased costs relevant to the change. We cannot normally make any alterations less than 7 days prior to the hire date.

6. ALTERATIONS BY FRENCH BROTHERS.

6.1 We will make every effort to ensure that vessels operate at agreed times but we reserve the right to vary operating times or to substitute vessels if any of the events or conditions referred to in 4.2 apply.

6.2 We also reserve the unconditional right, to refuse a booking, or to prevent a person from being carried in the event of conduct which is likely to cause distress, damage or annoyance to passengers, employees, property or to a third party.

7. CONDUCT ON BOARD THE VESSEL.

7.1 The skipper of the vessel shall be in sole charge throughout the duration of the hire and you and all members of your party will comply with the lawful commands of the skipper and his crew.

7.2 You and all members of your party must conduct themselves properly at all times whilst on board and must take account of their own safety and that of other passengers.

7.3 You will be liable to us for any damage caused to a vessel or any of its fixtures and fittings by you or any member of your party due to any unreasonable conduct or behaviour.

7.4 Neither you or members of your party may take on board any vessel any food, alcohol or other beverages, such items may only be consumed on a vessel if arranged by us. No musical or other entertainment is to take place on board a vessel unless also arranged by us.

8. SMOKING.
French Brothers operate a non smoking policy in line with the “Health Bill” in England and Wales 2007. This policy applies to all guests, staff and visitors on board the boats as well as the bookings and ticket offices, shops, stores and all other enclosed areas owned or managed by French Brothers at Clewer, Windsor or Runnymede. No person may smoke anywhere on board any vessel engaged in a public sailing or group hire.

9. FREE PLACE FOR ORGANISER.
For trips booked from the group travel brochure, the group organiser can travel free of charge. This offer is limited and applies to groups of 40 or more. Only 1 free place per group. Offer does not apply to catering and has no cash value. Please request free place at time of booking - not transferable or applicable to private charter events or packaged trips.

10. PASSENGERS WITH DISABILITIES.
You should advise us in good time whether any member of your party has any medical condition or disability requiring any special care during embarking or whilst on a vessel. We will use every reasonable effort to assist such passengers but if we are not informed in reasonable time, we cannot be responsible for any inconvenience or costs which may arise if carriage of that person is refused.

11. MODEL RELEASE.
We occasionally take photographs of our boats and events on board which will inevitably include images of passengers. These images are used in our marketing material which includes brochures and our web site. The organiser agrees to allow us to use such images, we will not pay any royalties or fee. We will not take photographs or use images should the organiser object. We will cease to use images should the organiser lodge an objection, however printed matter will remain in force for the life of the publication. Electronic images (on our web site) will be removed within 7 days should we receive any objection from an organiser. Please indicate by ticking the opt out box on the booking form should you object to photographs being taken. French Brothers retain copyright on all pictures. You may apply to us for permission to use such images for your own use and distribution.

12. LIABILITY.
Should you or one of the persons included in your booking suffer death, personal injury or illness arising out of an activity forming part of your hire arrangements, our liability to compensation will be limited by the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or any re-enactment or regulations made thereunder which permit operators of passenger vessels to limit their liability. We will only accept responsibility if there has been a fault on our part or our suppliers and the cause was not your own or the relevant persons fault. Details of these limits of liability can be obtained from our Head Office upon request. The maximum liability for any damages other than for death, personal injury or illness will be limited to the total price paid for the hire of the vessel.

13. JURISDICTION.
All matters arising from your contract with us are governed by English Law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.



Terms & Conditions PRIVATE CHARTER events


1. Contracts.A binding contract is only entered into when French Brothers Limited of Clewer Boathouse, Clewer Court Road, Windsor (French Brothers) and whether trading as French Brothers, Bray Boats, Thames Steam Packet Boat Company or Windsor Boats, has issued a Confirmation of Booking. This takes place after we have received either a completed and signed Booking Form and/or payment of the deposit. The person signing the Booking Form accepts responsibility on behalf of all members of the party.

2. Payments.An initial deposit of £400 is required and should accompany your Booking Form. If booking is made less than 14 days before the hire date, the full amount is payable. Any balance is due 14 days prior to the hire date and if payment is not made in full we reserve the right to cancel the booking and to retain the deposit.

3. Cancellations by you.Cancellation by yourself must be confirmed in writing by the person signing the Booking Form. Cancellation charges will apply up to the maximum set out below. Please note that even if a deposit has not been paid, the organiser will still be liable to cancellation charges.Period before date of hire within which written cancellation is received Sum of cancellation charge shown as a percentage of total booking priceMore than 30 days Deposit.Less than 30 days 50% of total hire plus full cost of any catering, entertainment or equipment specially ordered.Less than 14 days 100% of total hire plus full cost of any catering, entertainment or equipment specially ordered.4. Cancellations by French Brothers.

4.1 We reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time and to provide you with a full refund.

4.2 Occasionally we have to cancel the operation of a vessel arising from circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we cannot avoid. Examples are, riots, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, lock delays, natural disaster, fire or adverse weather or river conditions or other similar events. The risk of cancellation in these circumstances is yours and you are responsible for the full hire price notwithstanding cancellation.5. Alterations by you.We will do our best to make any alterations you may require after confirmation has been issued subject to the payment of any increased costs relevant to the change. We cannot normally make any alterations less than 14 days prior to the hire date.

6. Alterations by French Brothers.

6.1 We will make every effort to ensure that vessels operate at agreed times but we reserve the right to vary operating times or to substitute vessels if any of the events or conditions referred to in 4.2 apply.

6.2 We also reserve the unconditional right, to refuse a booking, or to prevent a person from being carried in the event of conduct which is likely to cause distress, damage or annoyance to passengers, employees, property or to a third party.

7. Conduct on board the vessel.

7.1 The Skipper of the vessel shall be in sole charge throughout the duration of the hire and you and all members of your party will comply with the lawful commands of the skipper and his crew.

7.2 You and all members of your party must conduct themselves properly at all times whilst on board and must take account of their own safety and that of other passengers.

7.3 You will be liable to us for any damage caused to a vessel or any of its fixtures and fittings by you or any member of your party due to any unreasonable conduct or behaviour.

7.4 Neither you or members of your party may take on board any vessel any food, alcohol or other beverages, such items may only be consumed on a vessel if arranged by us. No musical or other entertainment is to take place on board a vessel unless also arranged by us.

8. Conditions of sale of alcohol.
8.1 It is a criminal offence for a person under the age of 18 to attempt to purchase alcohol or consume alcohol on board any French Brothers vessel. It is also a criminal offence for a person to purchase alcohol for someone under the age of 18.

8.2 It is the responsibility of the organiser to ensure that all pre-ordered drinks that they have purchased are not given to persons under the age of 18 (see note 8.1). This is particularly important when the organiser requires wine to be placed on the table with the meal.

8.3 When there is an advanced order for wines, customers are required to order a specific amount. If there is a surplus at the end of the event, arrangements can be made to collect any unopened wines. We will only accept a maximum of 20% unopened wines to be returned after the event for credit.

8.4 No customer may bring any of their own drinks on board without express written permission from French Brothers. In doing so, the customer may be committing a criminal offence.

8.5 French Brothers reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to passengers that appear to be under the age of 18. Identification will be required for all passengers who appear to be under 21 years of age. The only acceptable forms of identification are a valid passport, Photo ID drivers licence,Warrant card, or I.D. card bearing the 'pass' logo and hologram.

8.6 French Brothers reserve the right to refuse to serve alcohol to passengers who appear to be (or appear to be purchasing alcohol for persons who are) drunk, violent or abusive, or appear to be binge drinking. This also includes persons who appear to be purchasing alcohol for persons who are under the age of 18. No refunds will be given in respect of a passenger being refused alcohol when a drinks package has been selected.

8.7 Drinks packages. If the organiser selects a drinks package it is on the understanding that 100% of the party are to be provided for and as such we will not accept requests for drinks packages for only part of the party. No refunds are given in the event that confirmed passengers do not attend. In the event that additional guests beyond that which have been confirmed (subject to boat capacity and the discretion of the duty manager) are boarded then the organiser is responsible for all addition costs as appropriate.

9 Passengers with disabilities.You should advise us in good time whether any member of your party has any medical condition or disability requiring any special care during embarking or whilst on a vessel. We will use every reasonable effort to assist such passengers but if we are not informed in reasonable time, we cannot be responsible for any inconvenience or costs which may arise if carriage of that person is refused.

10. Liability.Should you or one of the persons included in your booking suffer death, personal injury or illness arising out of an activity forming part of your hire arrangements, our liability to compensation will be limited by the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 or any re-enactment or regulations made thereunder which permit operators of passenger vessels to limit their liability. We will only accept responsibility if there has been a fault on our part or our suppliers and the cause was not your own or the relevant persons fault. Details of these limits of liability can be obtained from our Head Office upon request. The maximum liability for any damages other than for death, personal injury or illness will be limited to the total price paid for the hire of the vessel.

11. Smoking.French Brothers operate a non smoking policy in line with the 'Health Bill' in England and Wales 2007. This policy applies to all guests, staff and visitors on board the boats as well as the bookings and ticket offices, shops, stores and all other enclosed areas owned or managed by French Brothers at Clewer,Windsor or Runnymede.

12. Complaints and disputes.We welcome feedback from customers (good or bad) as it helps us to maintain / improve standards. Should the organizer be unhappy about any aspect of the event or trip, they should firstly notify the Skipper or Function Manager who will endeavor to rectify any problems. Complaints arising should then be notified in writing to the bookings office as soon as possible, no later than 7 days after the event. Failure to comply with this will indemnify French Brothers from the payment of any compensation.

13. Model Release.We occasionally take photographs and video footage of our boats and events on board which will inevitably include images of passengers. These images are used in our marketing material which includes brochures, DVDs and our web site. The organizer agrees to allow us to use such images, we will not pay any royalties or fee. We will not take photographs or film or use images should the organiser object. We will cease to use images should the organiser lodge an objection, however media will remain in force for the life of the publication. Electronic images (on our web site) will be removed within 7 days should we receive any objection from an organizer. Please indicate by ticking the opt out box on the booking form should you object to images being taken. French Brothers retain copyright on all pictures. You may apply to us for permission to use such images for your own use and distribution.

14. Jurisdiction.All matters arising from your contract with us are governed by English Law and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

15. VAT.

15.1 The per person party package price INCLUDES VAT. This is at an agreed rate and is usually less than the full standard rate because the boat hire element is currently zero rated. If VAT is applied to boat hire in the future - this cost will be passed on to the customer.

15.2 Prices of optional extras (such as pre-ordered wines and food etc.) are shown including VAT at 20% but will be adjusted in the event of a change in the VAT rate in the future.

16. Small boat charter (14 and 25 passenger rate).

16.1 The published rate is subject to small boat availability. When no small boat is available at the time of booking, you will be offered the next available boat for which the appropriate rate will be charged.

17 Credit card chargesWe do not charge for visa debit card payments but we reserve the right to charge a fee of 2% for large payments when customers request to pay by credit card.

18. Two free places for the organiserWe will provide two free places on SELECTED packages only and we require a minimum number of paying guests to qualify (as indicated alongside each package).This is not available on Live While You're Young, all joiner events, racing packages and wedding packages and any other event, trip or package. This offer has no cash value and is not transferable and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

19. Low season discountWe offer a discount on the Riverboat Shuffle and Summer Sensation packages for events that take place in the low season (October to April). This offer is not applicable to any other package, trip or event.

Latest news and up and coming offers

French Brothers Ltd - Tel. 01753 851900