Accessibility Statement

River Escapes offers a range of sightseeing, party and exclusive charter cruises – our aim is to offer something for everyone.

 

We offer cruises on the River Tyne and operate from Newcastle Quayside, next to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge

·       We operate three vessels – the Latis, the Fortuna and the Coventina.

·       The Latis – maximum capacity – 180 passengers.

·       The Fortuna – maximum capacity – 150 passengers

·       The Coventina – maximum capacity - 43 passengers

·       The Fortuna–has two fully heated lounges, and viewing areas on the fore deck and the roof decks. This vessel has access for up to 5 wheelchairs.

·       The Latis–has a heated upper lounge, two further bar/lounge areas and viewing areas on the outer decks of the vessel. This vessel has no wheelchair access.

·       The Coventina – has one indoor area with fixed seating and tables. This vessel has no wheelchair access

·       A range of refreshments are available to purchase on all of our vessels.

·       All of our vessels are licensed premises – fully stocked bars.

·       Our staff are friendly, welcoming, highly trained and always available to offer assistance to guests at all times.

Pre-Arrival

·       Clearly worded leaflets are available describing the main facilities, types of cruises available, cruise timetable, prices and directions. The leaflets include our contact numbers, email and web site addresses.

·       Our leaflets are widely distributed to other tourist venues, hotels, guest houses, caravan parks and Tourist Information Centres

·       Special leaflets are produced covering

o      Sightseeing

o      Party Nights

o      Exclusive charter cruises

·       All the above information can be found on our website www.riverescapes.co.uk

·       Our cruises are accessible by car. We are located on Newcastle Quayside – follow the A186 signs to Newcastle Quayside from the city centre. Public parking is available nearby at Sandgate, St Annes and Quayside car parks.

·       For satellite navigation systems our post code is

NE1 3DX

·       River Escapes is also accessible by the Quay Link bus service. The bright yellow buses run approximately every 10 minutes - early until late, 7 days a week. The bus stop is located next to the Swirl and is located directly opposite our boarding point.

·       The nearest railway station is Newcastle Central Station within approximately 20 minutes walk. There are taxi and bus services available outside the station.

·       Accessible taxi services are also located in Newcastle city centre.

 

Arrival & Car Parking Facilities

·       Car parking is public parking and charges apply eg.

·       Ticket prices - please refer to our brochures or website for further information.

·       Vehicles can drop off passengers at the Swirl walkway to allow disabled visitors access near to the boarding point.

·       Access to the boarding point is on tarmac and paved walkways.

·       River Escapes signs are displayed at the boarding point.

·       Coaches can drop off passengers near to the boarding point and there is a coach parking available at the Sage Music Centre. (Pre-booking required Tel:

 

Boarding Point

·       A staff member will be located at the boarding point to greet guests and offer assistance if necessary.

·       The sailing times for all of our cruises are listed in our brochure and on our website.

·       Access to our boats is by a sloped walkway allowing easy wheelchair access (the slope on the walkway depends on the level of the tide however our staff are on hand to offer assistance if required)

·       The pontoon boarding area is a non-slip surface.

·       Access to the Fortuna and the Latis is by secured gangway.

·       Access to the Coventina is directly from our pontoon – passengers must be able to embark and disembark unaided.

 

 

 

Public Areas - General 

·       On each of our boats - all internal areas are located on different levels and do have steps to negotiate. Floor plans for each boat are available to view on our website.

·       The Fortuna has access for up to 5 wheelchair users and staff are available to offer assistance at all times.

·       Access to all areas is by walkways and stairs.

·       The boarding area is a flat non-slip surface.

·       Seating is available in

o      The lounge areas

o      Table and chairs are also set out on deck areas.

o      All seating and tables are fixed aboard the Coventina.

Toilets

·       There are toilet facilities on all of our vessels.

·       We do not have disabled toilets however the toilets aboard the Fortuna are located on the same level as the access to the vessel.

·       Hand-washing facilities are located in all toilets.

 

Refreshments

·       There are refreshment and bar facilities on all of our boats - there are steps to negotiate to these areas however staff are on hand to offer assistance if required.

·       Food can be purchased at the bar areas and brought to the tables.

·       We are able to cater for visitors with special dietary requirements (private charters only)  but please ensure that we are aware of any special requirements prior to ordering your food

·       There are seating areas on the Fortuna and the Latis with ample seating both outdoors and indoors.

 

 

Additional Information

·       There is no smoking within any of the vessels – smoking is permitted however on the outer decks of the Fortuna and the Latis.

·       We regret we only allow guide dogs on our vessels.

·       First Aid facilities are located in specified areas of all of our vessels and cruises will have a qualified first aider on board.

·       Wheelchairs,mobility scooters and pushchairs can be stored for guests.