Frequently Asked Questions
The list below is quite comprehensive and we hope that it can answer any questions you may have. If however there is something you would like to know which is not covered here, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to help you!
Additional information on the boat trips themselves can be found on the boat trips page.
- What trips are available?
- When are trips available?
- Where are the departure points?
- What are the sailing times?
- What insurance does The Lagan Boat Company hold?
- Are the trips suitable for children with disabilities?
- Are there toilet facilities?
- Where can I park the school minibus?
- How long does the boat trip last?
- What will the teacher have to do on the trip?
- What will the pupils gain from the trip?
- What subjects in the curriculum are catered for?
- Do the worksheets tie in with the Curriculum Review?
- Can the pupils follow-up the work in class?
- Can I see a sample of the worksheets?
- What equipment should the pupils bring?
- How many pupils can go on a trip?
- Must the pupils be all from the same subject?
- Will there be other schools on the boat at the same time?
- How do I pay for the trip?
- How do I make a definite booking?
- I am having trouble downloading the Project Resources. What can I do?
Q
What trips are available?
A
Two separate trips are available...
- The River Lagan Tour runs upstream to the Stranmillis.
- The Titanic Tour operates downstream around Belfast Harbour and the shipyards of Harland & Wolff.
Q
When are trips available?
A
Most of the year; Trips are not available in January and February as the vessel is in drydock for its annual refit.
Q
Where are the departure points?
A
Because the Lagan Weir separates the two tour itineraries, there are two separate departure points on either side of the weir.
- Jetty number 1 serves the River Lagan Tour and is located adjacent the Lagan Lookout car park.
- Jetty number 2 serves the Titanic Tour and is located approximately 30metres to the left of the Big Fish sculpture which is, itself, to the left of the Lagan Lookout on Donegall Quay.
Q
What are the sailing times?
A
Any time that suits your schedule, subject to availability.
Q
What insurance does The Lagan Boat Company hold?
A
Lagan Boat Company holds full passenger insurance for £10,000,000
- Safety Management Certificate from the Maritime Coastguard Agency (renewed annually) which certifies compliance with all UK regulations, seaworthiness, and passenger numbers etc.
- Employers Liability Insurance for staff members.
- All of the above certificates are available on request.
Q
Are the trips suitable for children with disabilities?
A
Regretfully, because of the capacity and nature of the boats, facilities for children with disabilities have not yet been provided.
Q
Are there toilet facilities?
A
There is a small crew toilet facility on the boat in cases of extreme urgency. We do advise all children not to drink fizzy drinks etc. before embarking on our trips.
Q
Where can I park the school minibus?
A
Parking will be available in the Lagan Lookout car park for minibuses from May 2004. Larger coaches will be able to drop off at this car park, and park in the free coach park behind the Odyssey Arena across the river. For any further advice or assistance please contact us on 028 9033 0844.
Q
How long does the boat trip last?
A
Each trip lasts approximately 75 minutes.
Q
What will the teacher have to do on the trip?
A
We ask that you arrive promptly as other schools and tourists may have tours arranged. Once the boat trip has begun, we would like your pupils to benefit as much as possible and ask that you continue in your supervisory role for a safe and pleasant journey.
Q
What will the pupils gain from the trip?
A
We have worksheets for different Key Stages and subjects. Although largely similar, they have a mixture of learning outcomes and allow for some differentiation.
Q
What subjects in the curriculum are catered for?
A
We offer worksheets for Key Stage 3 in: Science; Art & Design; History; Citizenship; and Geography. For Key Stages 1 and 2 we offer worksheets in The World Around Me, an Environmental Studies package.
Q
Do the worksheets tie in with the Curriculum Review?
A
Yes. The worksheets tie in closely with the Learning Objectives and Key Elements of the Curriculum Review and have been purposefully designed with this in mind. CCEA have approved and endorsed the worksheets and their logo appears on the covers.
Q
Can the pupils follow-up the work in class?
A
Yes. Each worksheet has around 10 questions for the pupils to answer during the trip. Each question also has a follow-up which leads to further individual and group work in class.
Q
Can I see a sample of the worksheets?
A
All of our worksheets are available to download or view online on this very site. Just select a project or subject on the home page.
Q
What equipment should the pupils bring?
A
We supply colour worksheets, clipboards and pens for your pupils. We only ask that you return the clipboards. The worksheets are for further class work and pens are a souvenir.
Q
How many pupils can go on a trip?
A
We can carry 45 pupils on each trip plus accompanying teachers (up to 5)
Q
Must the pupils be all from the same subject?
A
No. We are very pleased to say that, at Key Stage 3, we can provide worksheets for 5 subjects: Science; History; Geography; Art & Design; and Citizenship . Just let us know in advance what your requirements are.
Q
Will there be other schools on the boat at the same time?
A
No. Because we want your pupils to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience, we restrict the trips to one school at a time.
Q
How do I pay for the trip?
A
You can pay by cash or cheque, or we can invoice you.
Q
How do I make a definite booking?
A
Contact us by telephone or email to arrange a date and time. Furnish us with details of where to address our invoice.. or the skipper will be glad to accept payments by cash or cheque on the day.
Q
I am having trouble downloading the Project Resources. What can I do?
A
If you are experiencing problems downloading any PDF files, or with broken links please contact us at info@laganboatcompany.com
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CANCELLATIONS AT LEAST 2 WEEKS IN ADVANCE OTHERWISE A 25% CANCELLATION FEE WILL BE INCURRED.