We (see Contacts) are planning to cruise via a barge on one of France canals on one of the following weeks, depending on barge availability:
- First choice: Last week of May 2021
- Second choice: First week of June 2021
Our choice for this trip is a canal barge which is a floating hotel carrying 4-22 passengers, for six nights through European canals and/or rivers, primarily in France. Barging focuses on gourmet
food and wine, while exploring the countryside and relaxing. A description of the barges, activity, and prices are described on the Overview page.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE - Even though the list of barges seems to have different prices by barge operator/broker, the prices do not vary (our llist is approximate). Prices are set by the owner/operator and the broker just passes that price along. For an acceptable all-inclusive 6 to 8 guest barge, expect to pay with gratuity $7500 to $8500 pp.
Our
dedicated English-speaking crew (4 to 6 people) cooks and cleans, pilots the barge, and gives chauffeured
tours of local vineyards, châteaux, historic churches, markets and
enchanting Medieval villages. Barge season is from mid
April – the end of October.
In France, barges cruise in the Burgundy, Champagne, Canal du Midi,
Provence-Camargue, Upper Loire, Alsace-Lorraine and Gascony regions. We have decided for this trip to focus on barges in the Burgundy and Champagne regions.
Like hotels, barges are typically rated on a star system. Higher stars mean bigger
cabins, more amenities, and higher cost. However, the service, cuisine, daily excursions and overall experience remains comparable across the board.
3 & 4-Star ($4,500 pp)– A crew of two and many meals onshore, organized and selected by the captain. Cabins have en-suite baths.
5-Star ($6,000 pp) – Spacious cabins plus amenities such as hot tub, personalized and charming décor, and fabulous cuisine with a variety of wines and highly-trained crew.
6-Star ($8,000+ pp) - Cabins as large as hotel rooms plus amenities such as a hot tub, open chef’s kitchen and grand piano. Show an overall commitment to top quality in cuisine, wines and highly personalized service.
We
anticipate selecting a 5- or a 6-star barge. Working with the travel broker the Barge Ladies, we have made a preliminary selection of the Prosperite cruising the canals in southern Burgundy region. Information everyone needs to plan their
trip on the Barge page.
For this trip, we are using a barge broker (see Contacts) and make our own airline and transfer arrangements (see Travel page).
IMPORTANT: Barges book (sell out) at least a year in advance. That means we will need FIRM commitments in early January 2020. The payment schedule is listed on Schedule page.
BOOKING, DEPOSITS, CANCELLATIONS, ETC
Check out the Travel page for anticipated charges and timing (Specifics relative to the Prosperite is on the Barge page)
Unfortunately, unlike a major cruise, we don't have much flexibility for refunds in case anyone is unable to go. Almost certain, there will be no refunds. Participants should consider purchasing travel cancellation insurance that includes Medical and eVac coverage. SQUAREMOUTH provides a great way to tailor insurance to one's personal needs.
Arriving one or two days prior to a European tour is always advisable. Pre-cruise plans will be added 3 to 4 months before departure.
COMMENT
This trip is VERY expensive. One can do TWO "cookie cutter" cruises for the same price. But after having taken many cruises and European/Asian trips we don't too many more places to go, things to do, or time to enjoy them. Why not do something out of the ordinary and likely to be far more memorable than any one (or two) of those large "cookie" trips?
