African Queen
African Queen
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4.0
21 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Sept 2021 • Couples
We joined the African Queen on wed and we have thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. Andy and Bonnie welcomed us aboard. Nothing was too much trouble. Our luggage was collected from the car and taken to our cabin. The cabin was small but had everything we needed. The food was wonderful. The organised trips and entertainment were excellent. We had a great bunch of like-minded fellow guests that made the holiday even better. Manager, Galynne and Chef Renarta were superb. We to join you again before too long.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
923deb
Nottinghamshire, UK
Aug 2020
Had a lovely, relaxing cruise with family and friends. Clean cabins, excellent and plentiful tasty food, varied daily. Choice of menus, BBQ night, quiz night that was fun. Gorgeous scenery, stopped off at interesting places, lovely pub meals included and a cinema trip. Staff on board were exceptional, really looked after us all well, if we needed help it was there straight away, nothing was trouble and served with a smile. Thank you all, I'll be back again soon.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so glad you enjoyed your cruise on the AQ we look forward to seeing you again
Written 11 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
July 2023 • Couples
It was actually June 2023 when we went but that option is not offered here. I can’t say we didn’t enjoy it. It was an experience. The cabin was comfortable. The crew were attentive and friendly. The food was nice and adequate. The other passengers were very old and droopy, but you can’t pick them. Andy’s wife Bonny was really lovely. Andy took us on an interesting tour of Mapledurham. Good stop off at Wallingford with an Italian meal. A good night out at Sonning Mill with with West End standard meal and show. We moored too early to get a drink in a pub in Goring before they moved off to moor somewhere else for dinner and the night. We did not get our day in Henley.as advertised. Taxied in for two hours in the late afternoon due to Andy not having made suitable local mooring arrangements. The African Queen is quite tired. Don’t be put off by me. If you decide to go make sure Bonny will be there. Richard and Pat Ross-on-Wye.
Written 4 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy H
Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom
Dec 2019
Unfortunately our new years eves night away didnt get off to a good start, we were 25 minutes early which obviously the captain did not appreciate because when he came to open the gates he swear and called us an unpleasant name, when I went on board to apologise for being early and that we would sit in our cars until the given time of five o clock he told me i had to wait to be invited aboard and went off into the kitchen ranting while one of the crew came out to show us our rooms, all thou small quite adequate for one night. We were served mulled wine and mince pies by which time the captain had calmed down and came to sit with us to give us abit of history of the boat. We were servced our dinner which i had emailed ahead of time to ask about the menu,and to say that half of our 13 people didnt like spicy food and that i could not eat lamb ,understandably we did not expect them to change the menu for us( but may be not to put so many spices in) that fall on deaf ears as was my lamb intolerance, everything severed up on the same platter ,so my starter and main meal consisted of spinach leaves and tomato (every ones side salad) as there was no alternative offered. The bar was open for as long as we wanted and the rest of the evening was fun as we are all friends we made our own entertainment. We were served a glass of bubbly at 12 as we watched the count down on tv and saw in the new year.The following morning we were supposed to have a little cruise down the thames after breakfast,but as there was water in the thames we could not do that either so our little new years break was a tad disappointing.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to hear that your new years eve break was a tad disappointing.
Referring to my phone call a few days before you were due to board the African Queen I specifically asked you not to arrive before 5pm. I explained that the boat would not be ready as we had to turn it around after the Christmas cruise. I recommended the Packhorse Pub as a meeting point for your party which is 10 minutes from the boat. If you had taken note of my request your new years eve break check in would have been perfect.
Regarding our menu which I explained to you on the same call is not spicy but rather flavoured, at the same time you told me you didn't eat lamb. The mixed platter which we served had lamb kebabs in the centre of the platter with bobotie (beef) on one side and tangy chicken on the other. Each recipe is prepared separately. We added an extra portion of chicken for you to substitute your portion of lamb. You refused to eat any of the main course. During the evening we had complements from some of your party about the food we had served.
It was unfortunate that we were not able to cruise but as my husband explained due to the heavy rain that had caused floods all round the country, the red boards were up which means the river is dangerous and we couldn't have guaranteed your safety or ours for that matter. Please refer to our terms & conditions which specifies that all cruises are subject to weather conditions.
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark T
Rustington, UK
July 2023 • Couples
The African Queen is 100 years old and hasn’t worn well. The first thing you’re told when you board is that you are not to put toilet paper down the toilet. I have been on riverboats abroad and many narrow boats in this country without this problem. I do not remember it being mentioned on the website. The electricity goes off when the battery runs out which may lead you to finding the WC in the dark at night. Some cabins didn’t have hot water…..some didn’t have water at times. The floor in our cabin was uneven with loose floorboards. There are no locks on any cabin doors.
To be fair, the crew tried their best, but the food was no better than average, and vegetarians were not well catered for.
The best part of the cruise was the other passengers. We all got on really well and made the most of our adventure and the mishaps along the way.
I was told the boat is for sale, I only hope any new owner has the money to refurbish because this could be a great holiday.
To be fair, the crew tried their best, but the food was no better than average, and vegetarians were not well catered for.
The best part of the cruise was the other passengers. We all got on really well and made the most of our adventure and the mishaps along the way.
I was told the boat is for sale, I only hope any new owner has the money to refurbish because this could be a great holiday.
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry to hear that your experience on the African Queen wasn't as good as expected. Most of the toilets are new on the boat, they are marine toilets which are very sensitive. When passengers miss use the toilets it is very expensive to replace reason we suggest that the paper goes in the bin provided. On the cruise you were on, a few days before you boarded we had a new boiler fitted which was actually completed on the day of your arrival. The problems with the lights failing the hot water and you mention no water was due to teething problems with the boiler. Our chef/ manager was called away to the Philippines so we had a couple standing in for him I feel they did very well under the circumstances.
Would appreciate your understanding
Written 10 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NotVacant
London, UK
Aug 2023 • Couples
The boat is dated and bedrooms very basic. Toilet paper cannot be put in the toilet (!) and there are no locks on bedroom doors! The food was not great and breakfast very disappointing. We literally had half a rasher of bacon on the Sunday with a tiny sausage which was an improvement on the previous day when there was no sausage and the equivalent of half a small mushroom per person.
The morning walk was cancelled although some people were up for it despite the rain. There was no stop off for lunch as advertised, due to rain but there was no other plan to get off the boat and the replacement lunch served on the boat was inadequate. I initially thought it was a starter. I felt we spent a weekend on a boat being served poor food.
The staff were actually very nice and fortunately so were the other guests. If not, I may have got off early and gone home.
The boat is called The African Queen however, there is nothing African or regal about the boat but there is a cringeworthy statue of what looks like an African servant.
I should have checked the reviews. Having done so now, I expect the response to be "I don't recognise your name, when were you on the African Queen?". I think it might be time to bring the Hotel Inspector back.
The morning walk was cancelled although some people were up for it despite the rain. There was no stop off for lunch as advertised, due to rain but there was no other plan to get off the boat and the replacement lunch served on the boat was inadequate. I initially thought it was a starter. I felt we spent a weekend on a boat being served poor food.
The staff were actually very nice and fortunately so were the other guests. If not, I may have got off early and gone home.
The boat is called The African Queen however, there is nothing African or regal about the boat but there is a cringeworthy statue of what looks like an African servant.
I should have checked the reviews. Having done so now, I expect the response to be "I don't recognise your name, when were you on the African Queen?". I think it might be time to bring the Hotel Inspector back.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sept 2021 • Couples
Perfect on the Thames break on the African Queen.Fabulous crew who worked hard to make our stay memorable and very enjoyable.Highly recommended cruise with no worries and a great time for all travellers.Great food and service from all on board with great stops at Italian eatery and a play/meal at another stop along the peaceful Thames.....This is a hidden gem not to be missed...totally Relaxing and a beautiful river cruise with home cooked food and Wonderful staff,thank you all for a memorable trip,ladies and Captain!!
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wedderburn
Greater London, UK
Sept 2021 • Family
Went for weekend cruise, had a lovely time. The crew very welcoming other guests in board were excellent company. On the Saturday when we went up river the cruise was amazing extremely relaxing. Breakfast plentiful and nicely cooked.
Watched a fun dvd onboard last night of hotel inspector featuring the African Queen.
Andy the skipper a great story teller. It was a unique experience. Thank you Renate and Gaylen for making us so comfortable.
Afternoon tea to help yourself to when back on board.
Watched a fun dvd onboard last night of hotel inspector featuring the African Queen.
Andy the skipper a great story teller. It was a unique experience. Thank you Renate and Gaylen for making us so comfortable.
Afternoon tea to help yourself to when back on board.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Booth
Nottingham, UK
Aug 2020 • Friends
Fantastic cruise, lovely staff who can't do enough for you. Scenery beautiful, meals are very tasty and plentiful, lovely people on the boat, plenty of laughter, thougherly good time. Well worth joining the boat for a holiday you won't be disappointed.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed your holiday.
Written 1 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
r0ver49
Grays Thurrock, UK
Sept 2020
The Owners Captain Andy and his lovely wife and their Crew of two hardworking ladies Gaylynn and Renata made the 5 day trip very enjoyable! The food was delicious and the whole experience was Unique! The views on the River Thames are magnificent and you would not be able to see the beauty from any other transport!
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I were looking at this river cruise for May 2021, we are both vegetarian and would like to know if you would be able to accommodate our diet.
Written 19 February 2020
Pennygeorgepops
Scissett, United Kingdom
Would this boat be suitable for an elderly gentleman in his 80’s who’s just a little unsteady on his legs.
Written 11 February 2020
The stairs are a little steep and all the cabins are ensuite down stairs and as there is no bathroom on deck it might be abit difficult for him to keep going up and down the stairs.
Written 12 February 2020
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.