Frequently Asked Questions about sailing on Albion either on a day cruise or when chartering (hiring) Albion are answered below. Having looked through the FAQs, please contact our Bookings Secretary via this enquiry form if you require further information or explanation.
How do I book?
All booking is done through the online booking system via a personal user account – see How To Book.
Why are there only a limited number of days shown as available?
Albion does not go out every day; we do not have enough crew for that. At the start of the season we allocate some days for full day charters, some for half day charters and some for day cruises. Once they are booked they disappear off the list. If there are no dates shown, we have no more availability for that type of trip.
How do I get a discount on a charter?
Recognised Youth Groups get a significant discount. You will need to contact the Bookings Secretary for more details. Members also get a discount using the discount code in the Journal.
I still do not understand the difference between types of trips?
Either you can book the whole of Albion for a group up to 12 people. This is a private ‘charter’. This is either a day or a half day. Or you can book up to six places on a pre organised ‘day cruise’. The remaining places will be taken up by other groups or individuals.
Is there flexibility for start and end times?
Yes for full day charters only. We know not everyone can arrive by the start time and, provided it has been agreed with the Skipper in advance, we can start at a time suitable for you. The same for the end time; often the group will have an evening event to go to and provided the Skipper knows in advance, they can endeavour to be back in time. Generally we do not usually leave before 09:00, or return after 17:00, but the Skipper might consider an afternoon and evening cruise at the height of summer.
No for day cruises. You are advised to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Albion will leave at the allocated time whether you are present or not. We cannot hold back the whole boat waiting for some individuals.
What choice is there for destinations?
The destination is usually decided by the Skipper on the day based on the tides and weather conditions. However if you have a preference, the Skipper will try to accommodate that.
Is there contact with the Skipper prior to a trip?
Yes for charters. You should receive contact details for the Skipper when you book. If not, you should contact the Bookings Secretary who will pass on your message. Generally, the Skipper will contact the lead passenger about a week before to check if there are any questions you might have and, if necessary talk about the weather.
No for day cruises, unless there is the possibility of a weather related cancellation.
Can I bring my own lifejacket?
Sorry no – the Trust supply life jackets and it is required that our life jackets are worn at all times whilst on deck or in the tender. See our Terms and Conditions.
What about food?
Generally groups bring a picnic to have on board and we ask you to cater for the crew also. Albion has a stock of crockery and cutlery, a stove and pans for most meals, see catering inventory. We do not have a fridge onboard though. It might be possible to book a pub lunch at one of the waterside hostelries but it is generally not possible to reserve a place to moor Albion outside and there might be some issues transferring everyone to the pub. It is recommended you discuss this with the Skipper prior to committing.
For day cruises, you should bring food for your party.
Is there a microwave oven on Albion?
No – but there is a gas oven. Please see here for the catering inventory.
What about drinks?
Albion has non-potable water onboard for teas and coffees. We also have some coffee, tea and sugar on board. You will need to bring your own milk, drinking water or other drinks.
For day cruises, the Skipper will bring semi-skimmed milk for use onboard.
What about toilet facilities?
Albion has a push button electric toilet on board in an enclosed compartment.
What about bad weather?
Hopefully the weather will be fine but the Skipper will assess the forecast and in particular the weather warnings when assessing whether it is safe to go out. The Skipper will also cut short the trip if the weather deteriorates unexpectedly. The Skipper will also discuss rearranging with the lead passenger if the weather (e.g. torrential rain) might ruin the day – we aim for you to enjoy your trip, not just survive it!
What about sea sickness?
Albion sails on inland waterways. The water is always calm – the maximum wave height is about 3”- so you will never be seasick due to the sea state. However Albion does heel slightly when sailing in a strong wind and does move about during manoeuvres so some sort of motion sickness might be theoretically possible but very unlikely.
What about wild swimming?
The strong advice from the Broads Authority is that you do not swim in the Broads unless as part of an organised club or event.
Any access restriction on Albion?
Albion is a traditional trading wherry and was not designed to carry passengers. The decks themselves are level but there are several trip hazards that have to be avoided when moving about. There is also a 12” (300mm) step up to get onto the stairs to get into the hold, although this can be got over by sitting on a hatch cover and swinging your legs over the lip. Getting onboard Albion is generally a small step, although we do have a gang plank if there is a big difference in heights. Finally a good sense of balance is important as the boat does heel slightly when sailing. Notwithstanding those concerns, we should be able to take most people, contact us for more details if you have questions about access.
We sometimes do trips out on Albion’s tender, either to the shore or to take photographs. This is more difficult to get in or out of and might cause some difficulties over and above moving around Albion.
Can you accommodate medical devices?
It is not feasible to use wheelchairs, walkers or sticks on board. Other devices that use explosive gasses should be discussed with the Skipper in advance.
Are guide dogs and support animals allowed?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate these on board as it is not safe. However we have successfully had people with visual impairments on board with suitable human support. Please note the maximum number of passengers is twelve and any carers or persons providing support are counted as passengers (see our Terms and Conditions).
Are pets allowed?
No pets or emotional support animals of any kind are allowed on board as it is not safe. Albion is still a traditional trading wherry and the decks and accommodation are not suitable for animals.
Can I smoke or vape on Albion?
No. Nor at Albion’s base.
Can I reserve Albion without paying?
No. A trip on Albion can only be booked by paying up front for the trip. We have had considerable difficulties getting payment from some parties and have had to remove that option. There is a cancellation policy if you book at trip and need to cancel it at a later date. The amount that is returned is shown in the policy.
What happens if the weather forces a cancellation?
The Trust will try to find a mutually convenient alternative date if possible.
Drones
It is permitted to bring a drone on board subject to the following provisos:
- Charters (full and half day) only – not day cruises.
- The operator must be fully insured, have undergone appropriate training and hold the requisite licences.
- The Skipper has the final say as to whether operation is permitted and also can stipulate when launch/landing can be undertaken (e.g. Albion head to wind under power).
- The Skipper and Crew have no obligation to facilitate recovery of a drone.
- Operation from the Ludham base is problematic with trees and adjoining private property which must not be overflown.
- The operator should offer to make available any photos or movie clips that might be of use to the Trust for publicity purposes (with due accreditation) although the Trust has no obligation to make use of any offered material.
This page was last reviewed on 31st October 2023.