Plan #2 (12/9/19)

Due to the high cost of our initial proposal we are re-looking options to see what else might be available for our preferred regions of Burgundy and Champagne for the previous dates and for significantly less money.  Unfortunately, the emphasis for charter barges is on the 5- and 6-star category and have with minimal cost variance.

Focusing on cost, an examination of available barges does not show much variance until the 3-star charter selections or the 18 to 22 guest non-charter options.  In the prices below we included the anticipated 10% gratuity.

In general, one should anticipate around $5,500pp +/- $500pp to charter a 3/4-star barge.

For a barge charter in the 3-star category for eight guests, we found:
   - North Burgundy  - L'art de Vivre ($6,100) 
   - South Burgundy - Savoir Vivre ($5,000)
   - Champagne       - nothing available in price range

For a barge charter in the 3/4-star category for six guests, we found:
   - North Burgundy  - nothing available in price range
   - South Burgundy - LaVie en Rose ($4,400), Magnolia ($5,000), 
                                - Rende-vous ($5,800), Wine & Water ($4,400)
   - Champagne       - nothing available in price range

Booking, deposits, and cancellation policies are the same as the Prosperite.  See the Barge 2 page for a more in-depth comparison of what we can expect.

Larger, non-charter river barges have the following availability and less flexible schedules:
   - Burgundy     - MS Deborah, MS Jeanine ($3,800) 22 guests (limited dates)
   - Burgundy     - Espirit ($5,400) 18 guests (offers weekly cruises)
   - Champagne - MS Ramonde ($4,000) 22 guests (limited dates)

However, with non-charter barges guests can book individually and we don't have to have a commitment from everyone before selecting our barge.  These trips are handled by CroisiEurope and French Waterways and not by Barge Ladies.

Except for the MS Ramonde, cruise details are not available on line for 2021.  We have sent a request to the cruise companies for additional info.  Nevertheless, the MS Ramonde listing should give everyone a feel of what to expect for a non-charter barge cruise.