About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Merzig on the Saar is the starting point for Linssen motor yacht charters into the border triangle where Germany, France and Luxembourg meet. From the marina there, you can take a round trip, a week's cruise or a longer voyage.
Rivers and canals from the Saar
The waterways around the base add up to more than 2,000 kilometres of river. Besides the Saar itself, you can cruise the Moselle, Lahn, Neckar, Main and Rhine. The French canals, the Saar Canal and the Rhine-Marne Canal are also within reach, so you can stay on the German rivers or carry on into France.
The border triangle
The operator describes the region as fragrant forests and unspoilt nature, with plenty of sunshine. Ashore there are museums, galleries and theatres, along with wildlife parks, zoos and theme parks. The area is also known for its food, with a large number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and for its first-class wineries.
Extras on board and ashore
You can add lifestyle extras chosen for guests, such as beauty treatments for men and women, personal training, gourmet natural cuisine or wine tasting.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
RMS Rhein Mosel Saar Yachtcharter is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Germany. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
