A Rhine passion

[fred247]

I have always fancied cruising the Rhine, I'm discussing with swmbo and a friend the planning of a cruise later this year (covid permitted) and wondered if anyone has cruised from the UK,
As we are all retired time scales don't really count, so would be doing it at a leisurely pace.
We have cruised Belguim and Holland in the past so the North Sea crossing isn't an issue, Can anyone recommend routes taken to join the Rhine and timescales as a guide, as a CA member we will be viewing their resources as well .
looking forward to any information ?

 

[st599]

I have always fancied cruising the Rhine, I'm discussing with swmbo and a friend the planning of a cruise later this year (covid permitted) and wondered if anyone has cruised from the UK,
As we are all retired time scales don't really count, so would be doing it at a leisurely pace.
We have cruised Belguim and Holland in the past so the North Sea crossing isn't an issue, Can anyone recommend routes taken to join the Rhine and timescales as a guide, as a CA member we will be viewing their resources as well .
looking forward to any information ?

How big is your boat? The rules are different for different size craft. The Rhine in Germany is a special Class 3 waterway. According to the RYA that means on a boat less than 15m, ICC with CEVNI are sufficient, over 15m and you're in to taking a local test. Netherlands don't require anything for boats under 15m and ICC + CEVNI for over 15m, France require a proof of CEVNI knowledge (so an ICC as that's the only test the RYA do with a CEVNI endorsement) and Switzerland require ICC.

Also, what passport will you be travelling on? If it's UK, then you can't be too leisurely any more, you have 90 days in any 180 day rolling window within the Schengen zone.

 

[st599]

More here: Evidence of Competence Abroad | boating abroad | RYA

 

[fred247]

thanks for the info, but already aware and have all the required certifications , 90 days still gives me 6wks inbound and 6 weeks out, unless I leave the boat there under temporary admission. then return later to carry on cruising.

just don't know whether to enter straight into the Rhine or take an inland route and join further down river.