19 March 2026
Waterways Holidays Limited is excited to announce the launch of Captain, an innovative new AI-powered customer assistant designed to help holidaymakers effortlessly discover and plan their perfect self-drive boating holiday on the UK's iconic inland waterways.
Available immediately on the Waterways Holidays website (www.waterwaysholidays.com), Captain is an interactive 24/7 chat facility that engages users in conversational English (or their preferred language) to provide personalised recommendations. Whether guests are searching for narrowboats, cruisers, or yachts, Captain can suggest suitable boats, ideal locations, current prices, realtime availability, and answer a wide range of general boating holiday questions.
The launch comes as demand for peaceful, self-guided UK waterway escapes continues to grow, with visitors drawn to the tranquillity of the canals, the scenic Norfolk Broads, the historic River Thames, and the peaceful Fens.
Captain represents a significant step forward in how we support our customers. While our expert team of experienced boaters remains on hand for in-depth phone consultations and personalised advice, Captain offers instant, round-the-clock assistance to inspire ideas, narrow down options, and answer queries at any time-day or night. It's the perfect first step for anyone dreaming of a relaxing adventure afloat, no previous experience required.
Abbie Gapper Marketing Director at Waterways Holidays
Examples of questions Captain can handle include:
- "Find me a holiday for two near Warwick. We are taking our two dogs and need a boat suitable for beginners."
- "What's available for a family of four on the Norfolk Broads next July?"
- "Recommend a pet-friendly narrowboat on the Kennet & Avon Canal with Wi-Fi and a wood burner."
- "How much does a week on the Thames cost in September?"
Captain draws on Waterways Holidays' extensive database of over 1,100 self-drive boats from more than 60 operators and over 100 start locations across the UK's 3,000+ miles of navigable waterways. It complements the company's established customer service team, ensuring guests receive both cutting-edge digital support and expert human guidance when needed.
Captain is live now at www.waterwaysholidays.com. Guests are invited to start chatting and begin planning their next waterway escape today.
About Waterways Holidays Limited
Waterways Holidays is celebrates 25 years in 2026 and is the UK's premier online specialist for self-drive boating holidays, providing live availability and direct booking on a vast selection of narrowboats, motor cruisers, and sailing yachts on the canals, rivers, Norfolk Broads, Thames, and Fens. With a focus on choice, convenience, and customer support from expert boaters, this family-owned company helps thousands
create unforgettable floating holidays each year.
For more information, visit www.waterwaysholidays.com