Jubilee cruise boat profiteering

THAMES boat operators are profiteering on the Queen's Jubilee Pageant cruise, 'contrary to the spirit of the event'.

The organisers of the 1,000 boats flotilla have launched an enquiry into those who have upped their rates above the accepted New Year rates that has been set as a maximum.

Double the price

One operator, Thames Cruises, that has four boats taking part on the flotilla is charging up to £229 per person, though the New Year rate is a maximum of £115 per person—double the price.

Another operator, Circular Cruise has upped its price from a normal adult return ticket of £11 to a colossal £80.

Sold out

Other companies who have upped their prices are City Cruises, charging £249 for its 'gala event cruise' and Turks Launches at £250 a ticket.  Both companies have sold out.

Other operator too have increased their prices, but all state they are giving such as champagne and food.

Risk being barred

However, Pageant Master Adrian Evans tells us that operators risked being barred if they charged inflated rates as it 'runs contrary to the spirit of the event'.

Passenger boat operators have signed up to a code of conduct, that includes the recommendation that pageant tickets do not exceed each operator's prices for New Year's Eve packages.

The massive increases are being investigated.