Posted by Traditional Punting Company on March 14th, 2020.

Cambridge Punting during COVID-19

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Punting in Cambrigde Reopening

We, at the Traditional Punting Company, continue to ensure that we have all the necessary measures in place so our customers and members of staff remain safe during this time. We are currently offering our customers three options either:

→ PRIVATE TOUR – A private 50 minute tour for up to 6 or 12 people.

→ HALF-BOAT TOUR – From the 29th March – 12th April, this option is for single households of up to 3 or 6 people who are happy to share with another household (distancing measures in place).

→ DISTANCED SHARED TOUR – book for 2, 3, 6 or 9 people on a distanced shared tour for 50 minutes. Your group will have their own row or section of the boat. When social distancing is comprised the use of a perspex screen will be added to the punt. This option is more cost-effective for smaller groups.

We advise booking in advance as our on-the-day availability is likely to be limited. What’s more, our online rates are cheaper too.

Please ensure that your group complies with the Government Guidelines at the time of your booking. If your group includes more than one household/bubble please do not hesitate to contact us to confirm whether you can be seated within the guidelines.

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Key 2021 dates for Punting Cambridge

March 29th – Open for private tours and single household half-boat bookings only.

Bookings must adhere to either rule of 6 or be a maximum of 2 households/bubbles – Government advice is to stay local.

April 12th – Open for private and distanced shared tours.

Private tours must still adhere to either rule of 6 or be a maximum of 2 households/bubbles. Distance shared groups should be one household/bubble.

May 17th – Open for private and distanced shared tours.

Large group bookings can be made (sizes can be up to 30), however social distancing measures should continue to be observed.

June 21st – Social Distancing Measures are removed.

Bookings can be made without restriction.

[Please note: all dates that are highlighted above are government projections, so are subject to change.]

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What are we doing?

→ Staff will be wearing face shields where necessary, when social distancing cannot be adhered to.

→ We’ve installed perspex screens on our punts where necessary, so social distancing will be maintain during the tour.

→ During this period of time we have replaced our traditional rugs with wipe clean cushion coverings.

→ The boat sides and seat cushions will be cleaned between each tour.

→ We have also implemented a text messaging system to prevent queues and crowds at our punting station. Customers will be sent a message, alerting them when we are ready for their departure (all of this will be explained on your email confirmation, or alternatively please call us for further information).

Our risk assessments and operating procedure will be reviewed on a daily basis and amendments will be made, where necessary, in line with any government advice.

What can you do?

→ Book online in advance and follow the instructions on your booking confirmation.

→ Clean/sanitise your hands before boarding and after your tour.

→ Maintain social distancing on Jesus Green whilst waiting to board.

→ Disembark promptly at the end of your tour and move away from the disembarking area.

→ Take any rubbish (empty food and drink waste) with you and dispose of it safely.

→ DO NOT COME PUNTING if you or anyone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms or you have been asked to self isolate by the governments Test and Trace program. If this is you please self-isolate and call us by 9am on the day of your booking, so we can reschedule your booking or issue you a full refund

COVID-19 FAQ's

1. What if I have a booking which cannot go ahead?

If you have made a booking which is then unable to go ahead due to local or national COVID-19 government restrictions you can choose between rescheduling your booking, a full credit note or full refund.

2. How do I make a booking?

You can make a booking online using our Traditional Punting Company website or alternatively over the phone. You can book either a Private Punting Tour or a Distanced Shared Tour.

For our Distanced Punting Tour you will be able to purchase a row/s of seats on a shared punt. For this tour you will select a ticket for up to 2, 3, 6 or 9 people. You will be socially distanced from other groups on the punt by either physical distance (1 metre plus) or a perspex screen.

For our Private Cambridge Punting Tour you will select a boat for either for up to 2, 6 or 12 people. When booking a private tour you will need to ensure that your group comply’s with the government guidelines that are in place at the time of your departure.

3. What about cancellations?

Whilst our normal cancellation policy applies we are making the following amendments: if you or anyone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms you can cancel your booking up until 9am on the day, you can then either reschedule your booking for another date, receive a credit note or be issued a full refund. We will also reschedule or refund your tickets if you are subject to a local lockdown or are self isolating due to Track and Trace.

There are two reasons why we may need to cancel your booking. The first is that government advice may change and it may therefore be necessary for us to halt our operations again until such a time as restrictions are eased. The second would be if members of our staff were to contract COVID-19 or display the symptoms and need to self isolate. This could potentially leave us in a position where we are short staffed and are not able to fulfil our bookings. In both cases you will be offered either the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund.

4. Can I book for a future date?

Yes, you can book a Private Punt Tour or a Distanced Shared Tour for summer 2021. Private Tour bookings are available from the 29th of March and Distanced Shared Tour bookings are available from the 12th of April.

During this time our Cambridge Punting Gift Vouchers are still available to purchase. If this is something you are interested in please contact us for more information.

We hope this information has provided you with the answers to our punting in Cambridge operation during COVID-19. If you would like more information on our new safety measures please check out our COVID-19 Comeback page. But, do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any further questions regarding our Cambridge Punting operation during 2021.