Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising Business For Sale

Business description

The business primarily provides “all inclusive” luxury cruising holidays on the river Thames on a hotel barge.
Between 2000 and 2002 the vendors purchased, designed and converted the barge to service their target niche market. The vendors identified a demand for luxury inland cruising on the river Thames which could include London.
Cruises provide fine dining, excellent wine, guided sight seeing tours and superb facilities. The cabins offer underfloor heating and individually controlled air-conditioning and the deck includes a Jacuzzi.
The primary cruising season is from April through to October when the business provides weekly charters. The business aims to provide first class service through a captain, master chef, hostess and deck hand.
For peak periods the standard weekly charter price in 2007 was $30,600 per week.

Property information

Living accommodation:

Internally the hotel accommodation comprises of a large open plan lounge/dining room with Karndean stripped flooring and oak ceiling with recessed spotlights, a small built in bar servery, dining table and chairs and comfortable seating for at least 8 persons. Access to the lower deck from this area is via two staircases, leading to 4 large, fully equipped, en-suite letting cabins. The guest cabins have under floor heating with all other areas having central heating. There is air-conditioning in all guest areas. The kitchen located in the upper deck to the rear of the barge is a good size and is fully equipped to cater for guests on board. Towards the stern of the barge is the removable wheelhouse which is fitted in a traditional style using hardwoods. The crew/captains suite is accessed from the wheelhouse via a small staircase and comprises a living room, bedroom and shower room. The suite is attractively paneled with mahogany wood and marbled surfaces. Externally, the barge has a split level sundeck, partly covered, with an area for seating and storage along with a heated Jacuzzi. There is hardwood furniture and area for mountain bikes.

Location:

The barge cruises between Oxforshire and London

Other information

Expansion potential:

Due to time constraints the current owners have primarily relied upon US agents to generate activity and have been unable to fully develop alternative effective marketing strategies. These include targeting new wealth areas such as Russia and China together with more direct marketing themselves to promote direct bookings through their website. The cost of direct marketing can be offset by saving the significant agents fees that currently exist.
There is scope to significantly increase turnover during the off peak season through corporate events and alternative service offerings such as “last minute” deals.

Competition / Market:

In parts of the continent inland water cruising is a well established market but not in the UK. This business is perhaps the leading hotel barge offer "all inclusive" holidays on the river Thames.

Support & training:

Full handover will be provided and one of the owners who currently acts as "captain" may be available as an employee.

Reasons for selling:

The business was started by the current owners with the minority shareholder working full time in the business as the Captain and the majority shareholder only working part time in the business. The majority shareholder now has full time employment and therefore wishes to realize his investment. The current “Captain” may consider retaining a stake in the business, which could be negotiated if the new purchaser was interested in a shared ownership. He may also be available as an employee if the purchaser preferred full ownership.

Related documents:

• 
• Sales Particulars

Contact the seller