10 great reasons to choose Nicols

Are you dreaming of a relaxing getaway on the water, surrounded by beautiful scenery and endless adventure? When it comes to boating holidays, not all operators are created equal. That's where Nicols stands out from the rest. With over 35 years of experience, Nicols offers a unique combination of comfort, innovation and personalised service that sets us apart as the ultimate choice for your next holiday on the water.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time boater, here are 10 great reasons why choosing Nicols for your boating adventure will ensure an experience filled with comfort, convenience and unforgettable memories.

1. Every boat is built by Nicols boatbuilders

One of the key distinctions that sets Nicols apart from other boating holiday operators is the commitment to quality, reflected in our in-house boat building. Nicols designs and manufactures our fleet of boats at the shipyard in France. This unique approach allows Nicols to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship, comfort and safety in every vessel. Built with innovation and attention to detail, each boat is thoughtfully designed to offer spacious interiors, modern amenities and easy handling, providing an unparalleled cruising experience. By building our own boats, Nicols guarantees a level of quality and reliability that only comes from decades of expertise and passion for boating.

2. Cool cruising with air conditioning onboard

Another advantage of choosing Nicols for your boating holiday is the exceptional comfort offered by our fleet. In fact, a quarter of Nicols’ boats are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing experience, especially during the warmer months. Whether cooling off after a day of exploring or enjoying a restful night’s sleep, this added luxury makes all the difference. On some boats air conditioning is available on board providing comfort wherever you go, while others offer air conditioning through shore power when moored at a marina or dock. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the perfect climate on board, regardless of the weather, making your holiday with Nicols even more enjoyable.

3. A welcome gift onboard awits each crew

At Nicols, the experience begins the moment you step on board. As a special welcome, every crew will find a complimentary gift waiting for them when they collect their boat. This thoughtful gesture typically includes a selection of local produce and perhaps even a bottle of locally produced wine, offering a delightful taste of the region you’re about to explore. It’s Nicols way of saying “welcome aboard” and setting the tone for a memorable holiday filled with discovery, relaxation and local charm. This small but meaningful touch highlights Nicols commitment to going above and beyond, ensuring that your holiday starts off with a warm and authentic local experience.

4. Loyalty is rewarded

Nicols values our customers and rewards their loyalty with an exclusive loyalty program designed to make every boating holiday even more rewarding. With the Nicols loyalty program you can enjoy significant savings on future holidays, whether you decide to set sail again in the same year, within the following year, or even further into the future. This program is just another way Nicols shows appreciation to their customers, ensuring that every boating holiday not only delivers incredible experiences but also great value for money. To thank you for your loyalty, we offer you:

• 15% discount for a second booking in the same year.
• 12% discount for booking within the year following your last cruise.
• 10% discount for any booking made two years or more since your last cruise.

5. Elegant and bright canal boats

Nicols boats are crafted to provide a truly unique cruising experience, blending elegance with exceptional comfort. Their sleek design and bright interiors create a warm, inviting atmosphere on board. Expansive windows offer a 360° panoramic view of the stunning surroundings, while the thoughtfully designed interiors ensure maximum comfort and functionality. Every detail is considered to provide a relaxing and enjoyable living space, whether you’re sharing a meal with family, soaking up the sun or spending a cosy evening with friends. Nicols boats are designed to create unforgettable moments on the water, making every cruise a memorable adventure.

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6. Peace of mind travel for families

Designed for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest crew members, Nicols boats offer unmatched comfort and safety. Thanks to their careful design, in particular with terraces on the same level and the double-line walkways lined with handrails to facilitate easy movement around the boat, it means that crews can travel safely. Made in France, our boats are compliant with strict French safety standards and equipped with vital safety equipment and fixtures.

7. The warmest of welcomes from our base teams

At Nicols, the warm welcome you receive at our bases is just as important as the holiday itself. Unlike large, impersonal offices, each Nicols base is run by a small, friendly team of boating enthusiasts who are passionate about their region and eager to share it with you. With their extensive experience, insider tips and deep local knowledge, they’re always ready to help you make the most of your holiday, from recommending hidden gems to guiding you on the best routes. They will personally introduce you to your boat, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable before you set sail. With Nicols, you’ll experience the genuine warmth and hospitality that makes every adventure truly special.

8. Leaders in ninnovation an environmental issues

For many years Nicols has been at the forefront of innovation for more environmentally friendly river tourism. In 2018, we were pioneers in launching the first 100% electric powered canal boat in Europe: the Estivale Sixto Green. Building on this success, we continued this commitment by unveiling a second electric model in 2022, the Estivale Quattro Fly C Green.

This environmentally aware approach hasn’t stopped there. In 2024, Nicols took a new step by equipping part of our fleet with a more environmentally friendly alternative fuel: hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). This transition to renewable energies demonstrates the constant desire to reduce environmental impact and offer our customers an ever more nature-friendly navigation experience.

9. Holidays in the most beautiful regions of Europe

Step away from the usual tourist paths and discover the most beautiful regions of France and Europe on board your self-drive canal boat. No previous boating experience is needed.

Travel at your own pace along the canals and rivers, from the sun-drenched Canal du Midi to the scenic waterways of the Netherlands, and from the charming routes of Alsace to the serene rivers of Portugal. Nicols offers a wide range of destinations - navigate through diverse landscapes such as vineyards, forests, picturesque villages and historic towns. Whether you're savouring local delicacies or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the water, each region has its own special charm promising you a journey filled with unforgettable memories.

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10. Only available from nicols - the heated splash pool

The Nicols splash pool adds a fun and refreshing twist to your boating holiday making it a hit with both the young and the young at heart! Available on selected boats, this compact pool is perfect for cooling off on hot days, letting little ones splash around safely or simply lounging in the water with a view of the surrounding scenery. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained or enjoy a relaxing dip yourself, the Nicols splash pool is a fantastic addition that brings extra enjoyment and relaxation to your time on the water. It's yet another reason why a Nicols boating holiday is an experience the whole family will love!

In summary, choosing Nicols for your boating holiday means embracing an exceptional blend of comfort, innovation and personal service that delivers a truly memorable experience. From the highest quality boats and expert local teams to the added luxuries like air conditioning and splash pools, Nicols is dedicated to making every aspect of your holiday unforgettable. With so many great reasons to set sail with Nicols why wait? Click the button below to start planning your perfect boating adventure and let us help you create cherished memories on the water. Your dream holiday awaits!

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