How do you cater for disabled passengers?
Both our boats are wheelchair friendly and have accessible toilets. Passengers can eat their lunches on board if they so wish.

 

How much does a trip cost?
The charge for a maximum 5 hour trip is:

 

River Cruise on our larger boat Community Spirit - up to 35 passengers £399.00.
Eligible group subsidies (rounded up): 
Commercial Support Groups, including Care Homes and Day Centres 50% discount = total cost £200.00
Non Commercial Disability Groups 70% discount = total cost £120.00

 

Canal Cruise on Mountbatten - up to 12 passengers £240.00. 
Eligible group subsidies:
Commercial support groups, including Care Homes and Day Centres 50% discount = total cost £120.00 
Non Commercial Disability Groups 70% discount = total cost £72.00

Qualifying groups outside of Northamptonshire 30% discount on basic charge hire;
Community Spirit total cost £280.00
Mountbatten total cost £168.00

Full payment is required within 14 days of our offer email to secure your booking.

 

Do you run private trips?
Yes! We run a limited number of private or corporate trips as fundraising events for our charity. Please visit the ‘Private Trips’ section of our website. 

 

Why do I have to pay in full for a private trip?
Private trips help fund our charitable activities and are important to us. We do ask trip organisers to ensure they have identified numbers for their trip, and can meet the cost of the trip before booking, for the reasons given above.

 

When can I go on a trip?
During 2026, trips will run from 13th April to 16th October. Trips normally run from 10am to 3pm, any variations to these times should be requested at the time of booking. Trips will be confirmed as soon as payment has been received and crews have been allocated. Please ensure you read our Terms and Conditions (Jan 2025). 

 

Where do I park and board the boat?
River – Community Spirit There is very limited parking for cars displaying a blue badge within Becket's Park. Mini-buses may drop passengers off, but may need to reverse out of the park. There is no access for large coaches, which may need to drop off in Morrisons’ car park or Auctioneers Way, with a 5-10 minute walk into the park. Public car parking is available in St Johns car park, or full day parking by individual arrangement with Morrisons. Walking from the car park into Becket's park, bear to the right, and the boat will moor at the access ramp (other river users permitting). Full details are sent with the booking confirmation.

 

Canal – Mountbatten The loading point at Blisworth Arm has only limited on-street parking, and should be regarded as a drop-off and pick up point only. People in wheelchairs are able to board at this point. There is a public car park at Bridge 47, and passengers / drivers with no walking issues can board below the bridge. Full details are sent with the booking confirmation.

 

What about refreshments during the trip?
Both boats have facilities for serving hot and cold drinks – group leaders to bring their own supplies, including cups / tea/coffee/squash etc. Water on board is fresh and suitable for drinking. No cooking is allowed on board. If a pub stop is required, group leaders are responsible for booking directly with the pub concerned and pre-ordering their menu choices. Stops should be requested when the trip is booked.

 

What if we need to cancel our trip?
Please read our Terms and Conditions (Jan 2026) and full details in your confirmation email.

 

How is Crusader Community Boating funded?
We are funded by hire charges, voluntary donations, corporate sponsorship and grants. If a personal donation is made, we are able to claim gift aid, increasing the contribution by 25%.

 

How can we help with funding
If you have any suggestions regarding our fundraising, or think you can help in any way, please email us.

 

Any other questions?
If you cannot find the answer to your question on our website, please email  us and we will endeavour to help.