Cruise-N-Snooze

Cruise-N-Snooze is a company that offers houseboat vacations on the Vaal River and self-catering Rondavels units. It is situated on a peninsula in a dammed section of the Vaal River, also known as the Vaal Barrage. The peninsula has the Loch on one side and the Vaal River on the other. Cruise-N-Snooze's houseboats and Rondavels units are located on the Vaal River side of the peninsula.

The company provides fully equipped luxury houseboats with rates starting from R1000 per night, accommodating four people. These houseboats are moored in a private lagoon, separated from the main river by a 30mx20m island. Across from this private island, there is a 500m wide part of the Vaal River with Bird Island in between the banks. From this location, there are approximately 55 kilometers of navigable waters, including the Loch and other tributaries, that can be explored at leisure. Before departing on a cruise, Cruise-N-Snooze teaches guests how to operate the houseboat and all the equipment on board. Onboard activities include fishing, bird watching, swimming, or relaxing under the sun or starry skies. Points of interest on the riverbank include restaurants, bars, family entertainment venues, a casino, golf courses, spas, and more.

The self-catering Rondavels offer an exclusive and serene getaway, accommodating up to four or six people. One Rondavel has a queen-size bed, and the second has two single beds, with an extra double bed mattress provided for two additional guests. Each Rondavel features a separate enclosed toilet, shower, and hand basin. There is a private entertainment area with a braai facility, wash-up area, and gas hob, overlooking the Vaal River and the garden. Guests can enjoy activities such as birding, water sports, fishing, or simple relaxation. A boat launching facility is also available, making the Rondavels ideal for honeymoon couples and bridal photo shoots.

Cruise-N-Snooze attended a meeting with SAMSA on February 16, 2009, where it was decided that SAMSA would issue self-drive houseboat operators with a letter exempting them from the requirement of having a 'skipper's license' until a formal system is put in place to issue a temporary certificate of competence before the commencement of a cruise. This procedure is yet to be formalized but will likely consist of study material and a written test. Until then, Cruise-N-Snooze will continue with their normal briefing before each cruise, covering safety and conduct on the river.

The houseboats feature a fore cabin with a double bed, bench seat, and four drawers, a fully equipped kitchen with a sink, stove, and oven, a hot shower, a flushing toilet, a separate vanity and basin in the fore cabin, and a seating area for four people that converts into a second double bed. Outside at the back, there is a sitting area under a retractable awning, with a table over the motor compartment, a fold-down table, and a braai. The entire roof of the houseboat is available for relaxing under the sun or starry skies. All linens and kitchenware are provided, and guests need to bring their clothes, towels, food, beverages, and their choice of CDs. Each houseboat accommodates four persons.