Les Bateaux Belmond FAQs

We’re delighted to welcome you on board soon. Ahead of your trip to France, we recommend the following for all travel requiring passports. First, you should ensure you have at least 6 months’ validity left on your passport from your date of arrival. This applies to both adult and child passports.

Secondly, if you renewed a passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your new passport expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months that should be remaining for travel to most countries in Europe. While the law is only likely to change for UK and EU passport holders, we recommend that all passport holders check with your national government agency for up-to-date information.

We would also note that security and immigration checks are likely to be increased, adding time to your journey at entry and exit points within Europe and the UK, so we would recommend you allow extra time at these points.

At Belmond, we are committed to curating incomparable travel experiences for all our guests and we will do everything we can to assist you according to your individual needs. If you or your companion(s) have reduced mobility, or require special assistance, please contact reservations.lbb@belmond.com. We will talk to you through different journeys to see how we can help.

‘Open Sailing’ means that the cruise selected will not only be chartered to private guests. Therefore, you will reserve one or more cabins, but the boat will be shared with other guests who have reserved the same journey. Open Sailing journeys can only be booked onboard Napoléon.

Please note that ‘Open Sailing’ cruises are not really suitable for children. During these weeks, the tours and visits are appropriate to an adult audience. Dining experiences are formal, and menus will be tailored for the adults on board. We can’t adapt the itinerary to any activity and route other than advertised – and some of the experiences might not be enjoyable for children. Alternatively, we offer an array of compelling family-friendly journeys; we’d be delighted to discuss them with you and arrange the most appropriate itinerary suitable for you and your guests.

Meet the dedicated crew that will accompany you throughout your luxury river cruise in France:

• The Captain (or Pilot) is responsible for navigation and overall safety. They’re all fully licensed and extensively trained.
• The Chef will prepare all gourmet meals on board. Imaginative menus are created from local seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets, accompanied by fine wines and specialty cheeses. Guests who have booked special journeys – such as the Ruinart Tour – will have the opportunity to enjoy a four-hands menu, curated by their Chef and a renowned culinary master.
• The Tour Guide escorts guests on daily excursions, introducing them to renowned vineyards, architectural landmarks, regional activities, and local traditions of your destination.
• The Hosts are responsible for delivering an unforgettable stay, ensuring tidy cabins and impeccable service. Some of the Belmond boats have two hosts, please speak to our Guest Experience manager to confirm your crew.
• The Matelot: The captain’s right-hand man, the Matelot will assist with navigation and the maintenance of the boat in shape.
• The Polyvalent: Onboard some of our boats, the polyvalent will travel with you, accompanying the guide on tour, and assisting hosts.

All members of your private crew are either native English speakers or bilingual.

Onboard Les Bateaux Belmond, clothing should be comfortable and casual and ample storage space is available in your own luxurious cabin. We recommend you bring rubber soled shoes and/or tennis shoes, sweaters and a light jacket for cool weather, a swimsuit and sun protection accessories for hot weather. Make sure to also bring rain gear, which we hope will stay in your closet.

Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion. Gratuities are distributed equally among crew members. The cruise director or housekeeper can deal with this on your behalf. (It is appreciated if gratuities are paid in cash in notes smaller than US $100, as it is difficult for staff to process American cheques and traveller’s cheques.

Children are welcome when the river cruise is booked on a private hire basis. We are able to provide high-chairs, cots and children’s bicycles with helmets – please let us know their age and height in advance. The minimum age for passengers booked on a per cabin basis is 12.

Unfortunately, due to space and safety restrictions, pets are not allowed onboard any of the Belmond boats.

Smoking is only permitted on the deck.

All meals on board are included in your fare. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the sumptuous surroundings of the dining rooms.

We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian and vegan, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chef will prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. The chef will always consult guests about the following day’s menus to cater for diets and special preferences.

Yes, if there is a particular restaurant in Burgundy, Champagne, Provence or in the Bordeaux Region you would like to book whilst off the boat, a member of the crew will be happy to make the reservation for you. Please note that this meal will be at your own cost.

Of course. Let us know your requirements and our sales office at reservations.lbb@belmond.com or call us at 0800 058 1237. Alternatively, our Guest Experience manager will be delighted to offer support.

For all river cruises located in the South of Lyon area, a high-speed train (TGV) transfer will be provided. Please note that the departure times to TGV stations will vary depending on the boat’s mooring location and will be reflected in the itinerary.