First time narrow boater The good ship Exeter was very comfortable for 5 of us (it does apparently sleep 10 but that would be VERY cosy). It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped.... read moreThe good ship Exeter was very comfortable for 5 of us (it does apparently sleep 10 but that would be VERY cosy). It was spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The hand over and explanation was very clear and all the staff at the yard were really helpful. I would definately recommend college cruisers. We were lucky with the weather, the scenery was glorious and a very good time was had by all. read less

once again we reluctantly gave you back Trinity this morning after a lovely long weekend cruise xx you are a pleasure to hire from as you are friendly, accommodating and... read moreonce again we reluctantly gave you back Trinity this morning after a lovely long weekend cruise xx you are a pleasure to hire from as you are friendly, accommodating and always make cruising the cut a wonderful experience! we are looking forward to seeing you very soon xx read less

Very nice. Very friendly staff. Good boats. Great service. Superb family holiday. Good value. Dogs welcome.
Absolutely brilliant.
Thank you very much! Recommend to everyone!

We are quite frequent renters and this was by far the best experience to-date. We had the Pembroke and as the advert says, you would never know it was... read moreWe are quite frequent renters and this was by far the best experience to-date. We had the Pembroke and as the advert says, you would never know it was a rental. Easy check in and check out, well maintained and great ammenities on board (large fridge by boat standards, two toilets, large kitchen and dining area, etc.). We would happily rent this boat (or one of the others) again. read less

A truly relaxed week in beautiful surroundings We were impressed with the service from College Cruisers, they sent videos before hand to give the layout and general operation of the boat, to prevent too much contact needed... read moreWe were impressed with the service from College Cruisers, they sent videos before hand to give the layout and general operation of the boat, to prevent too much contact needed at the boatyard due to Covid. We were given great instruction on the basics of 'piloting' a narrowboat and off we went. The boats are comfortable and equipped with pretty much everything you'd need. We had a truly relaxed week together as a family, enjoying the ever changing scenery as we travelled leisurely between Oxford and Fenny Compton and back. Our first proper time spent on narrowboats, we doubt it will be the last read less

Perfect ***** Our third trip out with college cruisers and once again we weren't disappointed. They have responded to the current situation perfectly......sending. a video out of the boat we were... read moreOur third trip out with college cruisers and once again we weren't disappointed. They have responded to the current situation perfectly......sending. a video out of the boat we were going on before we arrived was brilliant.....everything was fully explained how to work everything and where things were. Upon our arrival despite being on a boat before they ensured we remembered everything and recapped the main things including the etiquette of the canal. Fully equipped including room for the dog. Nothing is too much for this company. Cary's, Mike and all the staff are helpful, friendly and on the end of the phone 24/7. So if you fancy exploring the canal or just completely switching off I would highly recommend this company and go for it, you won't regret it. read less

A most excellent adventure for extended family Our extended family of 6 ranging from grandparents (with narrowboat experience) to grandchildren (of 5 and 3) recently completed a delightful 'short break' on the Oxford canal on the "Magdalen'.... read moreOur extended family of 6 ranging from grandparents (with narrowboat experience) to grandchildren (of 5 and 3) recently completed a delightful 'short break' on the Oxford canal on the "Magdalen'. It was great--a perfect family adventure enjoyed by all of us.

From Carys' warm welcome and Michael's instruction and short familiarisation trip through our return checkout the College Cruisers staff was excellent. The boat was well-appointed in the amazingly clever way's that narrowboats can be, and reasonably spacious. Both children were fitted with PFDs for use as needed. As the helmsman I found the boat handled very nicely and in no time at all I was completely comfortable with it.

The charms of the Oxford Canal are well known, but we were particularly interested in family friendly pubs (and all of those we visited were), and places for the children to run off some energy, of which there are enough. We wondered if there would be enough to keep such young ones interested, but that was never a problem. We did bring books and games along, which certainly were handy, but they were happy to spend time just looking at the varied passing scene and shouting 'ahoy' to passing boaters. Also, it seems that boaters have the friendliest dogs and the kids were delighted to make friends with all of the ones we encountered along the towpath.

The CC website has a lot of useful pre-departure information about what to find on your boat and tips for provisioning for your trip. If you are new to canal cruising the Canal and River Trust has lots of useful information that will give you a good idea of what to expect and what to do when you encounter it.

All in all, a wonderful little holiday for our family from an excellent firm. We will certainly be back (and indeed the grandchildren are already lobbying for next year). read less

A week on Hertford A well designed smaller boat with a good layout and very comfortable for two. The options of two table sizes is very convenient. Our booking had to be re-arranged... read moreA well designed smaller boat with a good layout and very comfortable for two. The options of two table sizes is very convenient. Our booking had to be re-arranged twice because of Covid and the management were very helpful and accomodating in this respect read less