Our Charter Boats

• The New Orleans
• The Hibernia
• The Waterman

More information

• Catering
• Entertainment
• Flowers and Decorations
• Charter rates

Go to the printable reservation form for party or corporate entertainment on our passenger vessels.

The reservation form is in PDF format - to view pdf files you may need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free from Adobe

Terms and Conditions of Hire

Our vessels all operate within a code of conduct adhered to by the Passenger Boat Association, and governed in their operation by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Our safety standards are over and above the levels required and insurances meet the existing statutes recommended by Maritime law.

1. A provisional booking is held for 14 days. If confirmation and booking deposit are not received within this period the reservation is automatically cancelled.
2. A confirmation deposit of 25% of the boat hire fee and a completed reservation form are required to secure the booking. The balance of the hire fee is payable four weeks before the date reserved. If the booking is made within four weeks of the date reserved, the total hire fee is required.
3. A deposit will only be refunded by the company when six weeks written notice is given. The Hirer is liable for the balance of the hire fee and the cost of any goods or services reserved on the Hirer’s behalf should cancellation, for any reason, take place during the six weeks prior to the date reserved.
4. All catering, bar, music, and sailing direction details should be clearly stated when completing the reservation form. Instructions thereafter will only be accepted in writing from one organiser or representative. Written confirmation of the final number of persons to be catered for must be received and paid for in full not later than seven days prior to the date reserved. No alterations are accepted within the seven days prior to the event.
5. The number of guests confirmed for catering purposes will be the number of guests permitted on the vessel for the charter.
6. The New Orleans, the Waterman and the Hibernia are not available for charter without catering, and are not available for 18th or 21st Birthday Celebrations.
7. Hirers are not allowed to supply their own catering or beverages on board the Hobbs of Henley vessels – The New Orleans, Hibernia and the Waterman.
8. Reservation Terms for Henley Royal Regatta and other special events are subject to special conditions which are available on request.
9. Passengers are permitted to board no earlier than 15 minutes prior to departure.
10. During the hire period the vessel shall remain under the complete control of the Captain and crew and the hirer shall be responsible for the conduct of the passengers on board, and on disembarking from Hobbs of Henley vessels at night.
11. The company may at the discretion of the Captain vary the course of the cruise should circumstances make this necessary. The company does not guarantee that any vessel will commence or complete any journey or part thereof in any given time if conditions are beyond the control of the company.
12. Passenger Boat charters are subject to the river and weather conditions being satisfactory at the time of sailing. If strong stream and/or wind conditions prevent a sailing taking place, the vessel would remain moored at Hobbs of Henley Boatyard, Henley-on-Thames for the duration of the charter. If adverse river conditions prevent a vessel from collecting passengers from a venue other than Hobbs of Henley Limited, Henley-on-Thames, the company’s liability to the client shall be no greater than the amount paid by the client to the company in respect of the function.
13. All persons using any part of the premises, boats or facilities, for whatever purpose and whether by invitation or otherwise, do so at their own risk, unless injury or damage to person or property sustained within the premises, boats or facilities was caused by, or resulted from our negligence or deliberate act or that of those for whom we are responsible.
14. In accordance with The Environment Agency (Thames Region) By-laws, all music must be stopped when approaching and passing through a lock. Hirers are requested to control their parties from making undue noise when passing through a lock, and particularly late at night when disembarking from Hobbs and Sons vessels.
15. The hirer shall make good and/or pay for all losses, damage or breakages to any fixture, fittings, machinery or equipment, particularly safety equipment e.g. lifebuoys deliberately thrown overboard and lost during the hire period.
16. It is the responsibility of the hirer to acquaint each member of his party with the above conditions of hire as laid down by the company.
17. Hobbs of Henley Limited have been granted a premises licence from South OxfordshireDistrict Council under the Licencing Act 2003. The vessels are permitted to serve alcohol from 10am until 12 midnight. Hobbs of Henley Limited operate a zero tolerance policy towards underage drinking, the taking and possession of illegal substances and drunken aggressive behaviour towards passengers or crew. If a cruise has to be abandoned due to breaches of our Premises Licence conditions, no refund shall be given. Details of our Premises Licence are available on request.