poole-private-boat-hire

FAQs - City Cruises Poole

Everything you need to know for your City Cruises Poole Experience. We are all about the fun but safety is our number one priority. For your own safety and the safety of others, you must follow the instructions given by our crew when embarking/ disembarking or on board any of our vessels. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about our cruises.

Poole Pier Locations

For map & directions, click on the images below

POOLE QUAY

Island Scene a small boat docked in Poole with people sitting on deck.

SWANAGE PIER

poole-lunch-cruises-boat

Swange Pier

Pier Approach, Swanage BH19 2AP, Reino Unido

 

General Frequently asked questions

Where does the boat depart from in Poole?

Location:

Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ

Where can we park in Poole?

Quay Visitors Car Park most popular – multi-storey, 550 spaces, 6 for disabled use.

Address: Strand Street, Poole, BH15 1SB

Sat Nav BH15 1SB

What is access like in Poole to get onto the vessel?

We have easy access via a short gangway to access from Poole Quay onto the vessel and our crew are always ready to help.

Where is the coach drop off point in Poole?

Outside Poole Pottery. SatNav BH15 1HJ – this is right opposite where we board our vessel.

Where can I park my coach in Poole?

Parking is available at Poole Stadium, Wimborne Road, BH15 2BP & Seldown Bridge Coach Park, BH15 1TA

Can I take a wheelchair onto the vessel?

If the person can walk a short distance across gangway then we can help them board. For completely wheelchair bound Poole Harbour has a free boat service: www.thefriendsofdolphin.co.uk, www.knoticat.co.uk.

What excursions can you offer for groups?

Sea Train Adventure, Poole Quay Experience & Gardens to Sea. For more details and group prices please call us on 020 77 400 437.

Where does the boat depart from in Swanage?

Location:

Swanage Pier, BH19 2AP

What times are the steam trains from Swanage to Corfe Castle?

Please check the timetable online www.swanagerailway.co.uk

How far is it from the boat to the steam railway station in Swanage?

It’s a 10 minute flat walk across the pier and down the High Street.

Where can I park my coach to pick my passengers up on the Sea Train Adventure Trip?

Norden Park & Ride is at the end of the line and is the easiest for coach access. Sat Nav BH20 5DW

Can I bring my dog onto the vessel?

Carriage of Dogs Policy

At City Cruises, we understand that dogs are cherished members of many families and that our guests may wish to bring their furry companions along. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our passengers, both human and canine, we have established the following Carriage of Dogs Policy for our products across all our UK locations:

1. Dog Size and Breed:

We welcome well-behaved dogs of all sizes and breeds. However, it is essential to consider the comfort and safety of all passengers. Aggressive breeds or dogs with a history of aggressive behaviour may be restricted to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

2. Leads and Restraints:

All dogs must be kept on a lead or in a suitable restraint at all times while on board our vessels. This is to prevent any potential disruptions and to ensure the safety of both the dogs and other passengers.

3. Guide and Service Dogs

Guide and service dogs are welcome onboard all our products, excluding ThamesJet, but are required to wear the correct harnesses and jackets at all times while travelling. This practice not only helps our staff readily identify them as working animals but also aids our team in providing the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for both the service dogs and their owners.

4. Behaviour and Temperament:

Dogs brought on board must be well-behaved, socialised, and non-disruptive. If a dog exhibits aggressive behaviour or excessive barking, the owner may be asked to disembark at the next available stop to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers.

5. Cleanliness and Waste Disposal:

It is the responsibility of the dog owner to clean up after their pet. Please bring waste bags and promptly dispose of your dog’s waste in designated receptacles at the piers upon departure from the vessel. Accidents that occur on carpeted areas may be subject to an additional cleaning charge if extensive cleaning is required to restore the area to its original condition.

6. Allergies and Sensitivities:

Some passengers may have allergies or sensitivities to dogs. We are committed to accommodating both dog owners and those with allergies. Passengers with allergies are requested to inform our staff before boarding the boat and to take necessary precautions, such as carrying allergy medications. We will do our best to accommodate passengers with allergies but for those with severe allergies, please note that it may be recommended that they consider boarding the next available boat to minimise the risk of exposure.

7. Owner Responsibility:

Dog owners are entirely responsible for the behaviour, safety, and well-being of their pets throughout the journey. Owners should be prepared to manage their dog’s needs, including hydration and comfort.

8. Restricted Areas:

Certain areas of our vessels may be restricted for dogs to ensure the safety of both dogs and passengers. These areas include, but are not limited to, the wheelhouse, food service areas and engine room spaces, and dog owners are expected to comply with these restrictions.

9. Dining Products

To ensure a hygienic and enjoyable experience for all guests, only guide and service dogs are permitted onboard our dining products.

10. Charters

For private charter bookings, the carriage of dogs is at the discretion of the charterer. We understand that different events may have varying requirements and we will work closely with our clients to accommodate their preferences regarding dogs on board.

11. ThamesJet

Unfortunately, due to the nature of this operation and for safety reasons, no dogs are allowed on our ThamesJet products.

12. Disclaimer:

While we make every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers and their dogs, City Cruises UK is not liable for any injuries, incidents, or damages related to the carriage of dogs on board our vessels.

City Cruises UK
August 2023

Do you have toilets onboard?

Yes, we have a separate ladies & gents toilet onboard.

Do you have refreshments onboard?

Yes we have a licensed bar which serves tea, coffee, snacks, wines, lagers, beers, cider and soft drinks.

Do you sail from Bournemouth Pier?

Unfortunately due the lack of depth of water at Bournemouth Pier, due to the sand build up we are unable to pick up anymore. We do however have a sightseeing bus link which picks up from Bournemouth Station, East Cliff, Bournemouth Pier & West Cliff to bring you over to Poole for your cruise.

Can I get married onboard your vessel?

We cannot perform the ceremony onboard but we are able to offer receptions afloat – see our Wedding brochure for details.

Can you do an ashes scattering?

Yes we can, please see our charter info pack for prices of a boat charter.

Where would the boat cruise to on an evening charter?

You can request where the vessel sails to but please remember any requests which go out of the harbour are subject to weather.

Can I bring my own drinks on an evening charter?

Unfortunately we are licensed premises so we cannot allow you to bring your own drinks, but we do stock a wide range of products at reasonable prices.

Can I bring my own entertainment on an evening charter?

Yes, with prior arrangement – fee for music licence is £50, or you can book a disco with us.

Can I bring my own food on an evening charter?

Yes, with prior arrangement. We do offer a wide selection of menus in our charter pack.

How long are the evening charters?

We offer evening charters 7.30pm -10.30pm as standard but we may be able to accommodate other hours on request.

When & where are the fireworks?

Poole:

8th June – Departure time: 19.00

Every Thursday 26th July – 30th August 2018 – Departure time: 20.30

5th November – Departure time: 19.00

What birds do we see on the birdwatching cruises?

We hope to see Puffins, Guillemots and Kittiwakes. We have Durlston rangers onboard who will guide you through birdlife & geology.

EU nationals travelling to the UK after EU Exit

Leaving the EU means that a number of changes will affect businesses and individual citizens but we want to reasurre you that travel to the UK will still be possible with ease.

We will do our best to keep you informed but please for more information visit the HM Government website here.

Is there a commentary?

Yes, our captains gives a full, english live commentary on all our scheduled cruises.

What are the sea conditions today - Is it rough?

If you need any info please give us a call and we will let you know what the sailing conditions are. We will do our best to notify you of cancellations directly.

Where can I book my tickets?

You will save money booking online through our website or you can book at our blue kiosk on Poole Quay or our booking office at the entrance to Swanage Pier.