In selecting a barge cruise, you have chosen one of the most
relaxing and fulfilling ways to tour through Europe. A one-unpacking,
unforgettable vacation where your "floating hotel" takes you to the
heart of historic cities and quaint villages.
Enjoy the continuous and ever-changing scenery as you
encounter a colorful world of legendary waterways and picturesque landscapes,
hilltop castles and fruit-filled vineyards.
Your all-inclusive, value-packed barge cruise includes:
Outside cabin accommodations on all ships
All meals aboard
Open bar policy (most ships)
Bicycles on board (most ships)
Sight-seeing excursions
English as the onboard language......and much more
Air Conditioning & Heating
All rooms onboard are air conditioned. Each cabin has individual air
conditioning and heating controls.
Bar
The ship bar is always open, all bar drinks are included except
Champagne and Chateaux wines, (to be ordered in advance). Your cruise includes
our Champagne Welcome. Barges not including an open bar are the Escargot,
Chardonnay, Anacoluthe, L’Espirit d’Europe and Provence. These barges serve
wine with dinner only.
Bicycles
Bicycles are carried onboard. Crew will be happy to help you with bike
adjustments and getting it on and off the barge. Please remember to use caution
when riding along towpaths or into villages. A decision to engage in cycling
during the cruise constitute the travellers assumption of all risks associated
and an agreement not to make a claim against the barge owners or Europeanbarging
for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of such
activity. Bicycles are not carried on the Provence, Chardonnay, Anacoluthe, and
L’Espirit d’Europe.
Cabins
Each cabin is very compact. Do not bring excessive luggage, as you will be
crowded.
Clothing Suggestions
Informal and casual clothing is the norm on board. A raincoat, light jacket
and sweater will be welcome on occasion. Soft soled shoes are essential, for the
decks, cycling and walking. For the last evening "Gala" dinner,
gentlemen may want to bring a jacket and ladies some smart clothes.
Cuisine
All food aboard is prepared by our staff of European chefs and consists of
European-style food that features specialities of the regions, as well as wine
and cheese from the regions that are often not to be found anywhere else.
Breakfast is served buffet style; lunch consists of a salad bar as well as a
pasta dish and dessert; and dinner is multi-course meal. Please let us know in
advance of any special dietary needs, which the chefs will do their best to
accommodate.
Dining
The dining room is a single-seating, open-seating. We recommend that you sit
at different tables for each meal so that you can change your perspective and
meet other fellow passengers.
Electricity
Onboard electricity is 220v. Although a hair dryer is provided in most
cabins, we suggest bring an adapter for other small personal items such as a
razor, curling iron or alarm clock. If you wish to use any electrical appliance,
please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board, to ensure that it is
suitable to the barge’s electrical system.
Embarkation
Each ship has a different afternoon embarkation time. Refer to your cruise
information for your embarkation time. In case of an early afternoon arrival,
you may check your luggage onto the barge and enjoy the embarkation port city
through the afternoon.
Gratuities
Tipping is a personal way to show satisfaction for good service and is
always appreciated. The suggested amount is $5 per passenger per day, which is
distributed among the ship’s staff. It is recommended to tip tour guides $1 -2
per person per day. Additional tipping is at the passengers’ discretion.
Hairdryers
Most ships have hairdryers in the cabins. Please ask at the reception desk
if one has not been installed in your cabin.
Hot tub/Fitness Room
There is a jacuzzi & fitness room on the Anacoluthe, Chardonnay and
Provence barges.
Hotel-style beds
Hotel-style beds are available on most of the barges. There are some double
bed cabins on many vessels.
Laundry
No laundry facilities on board.
Library
The ships’ libraries have books available free of charge. We kindly ask
that you return the books before the end of your cruise. A small constantly
changing library of French and English books and magazines is carried aboard our
vessels. We also carry playing cards, scrabble and other games for your
enjoyment. Many barges have a C.D./radio cassette player with a choice of
classical and modern music. Clients are welcome to bring along their favourite
CDs.
Medical Services
None of the barges carry medical personnel unlike large cruise ships. We do
however carry aboard a list of local Doctors and hospitals. As a normal travel
precaution we suggest you bring along sufficient quantities of prescription
medicines, (always carry in hand luggage). Bring a spare pair of glasses if you
wear them and a pair of sunglasses.
Onboard Language
The onboard language is English. Staff and crew speak English as do the tour
guides.
Passport and Visa Information.
Currently no visa is required for nationals of European community countries to
visit France. Holders of other nationality passports should check with the
Embassy in the country concerned, to establish whether visas are required Each
United States traveller must be in possession of a valid signed passport that
will remain valid for at least six months beyond completion of the entire trip.
United States passport holders do NOT require a visa for France.
Cruise Manager
An experienced, English-speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies every
departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions and make your
vacation the most memorable trip ever.
Room Service
Room service is not available.
Safes
The only barges with safes in the rooms are the Chardonnay and Provence.
Since the dress code is casual it is not necessary to bring along valuable
jewellery. In general it is not wise to travel anywhere with your valuables.
Exercise caution throughout & be careful when handling or stowing your
passport. It is a good idea to travel with a photocopy of your passport. Leave
information of your credit cards at home with a trusted friend or relative, as
well as make a copy of the stop usage (800#) if lost or stolen you can call from
Europe.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship. It is only permitted on
the on the Sun Deck.
Special Diets
Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian, low salt & low
cholesterol meals, may make their requests to the chef when onboard. The chef
will try to honor all requests.
Sun Deck
The sun deck is located on the top of each ship. For your enjoyment, there
are plenty of deck chairs.
Telephones
May we suggest that you leave your computers & telephones at home. Cell
phone work in most of the barging areas. There are no phone hookups on the
barges for checking email. There are payphones along the canal (if you must!)
Being "out of touch" takes a bit of getting used to, but by day 2 you
should be ok and have no "communication withdrawal" symptoms. You will
be able to enjoy the peace & tranquility of the journey
Televisions
TV’s available on the Libellule only.