Christmas on the river

Posted by Pete on 19 December 2010 | 0 Comments

Xmas Blog

It is a little while since my last blog and Christmas is upon us. We keep hearing about the extreme winter in Europe, while we are bathed in sunshine.

The past few weeks have seen a succession of Christmas parties on the river. For most of these groups we have stopped down river at the rope swings, and watched while the more adventurous of spirit hurl themselves out over the water. It seems amazing that so few people fall in – those that do usually claim it to be deliberate and the best way to cool off after a long, hot Marlborough day.

But it’s been more than booze and cruise for us this season. We’ve had a school group from Wellington on board – 75 youngsters and around 25 adults makes for a pretty full cruise. These guys self-catered and turned the boat into a virtual marae for the morning. That afternoon was a complete contrast, as we saw a lovely couple exchange vows on board for a romantic riverboat wedding. Then the evening saw, you’ve guessed it, another Christmas party.

Now that Christmas is almost upon us we’ve had to decide which days to close and which to stay open. As ever we’ve opted to cruise on Christmas Day. I can’t imagine many things more relaxing on Christmas than settling down on the boat in the sunshine and drifting down the river. We’re running a special Christmas menu and limiting numbers, so it should be a special day.

Then we close for Boxing Day before resuming cruises through to January 1st, when we take a breather for three days. Normal service picks up on 4th January 2011.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2011.

Pete