Category Archives: River Cruise & Barge Specials

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

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Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $2000 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for Spring, starting from March 18 – 25, 2024. Discounted rates start at $1999 per person.

The wine cruise is scheduled on the AMAVerde ship and will be the 6th wine cruise hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as winemaking. A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special AmaWaterways gourmet meal. In addition to the many wine-themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours.  Excursions feature Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options.

Touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok. Visit local wineries in the Calafat wine region, and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board.

 

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

The cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, a daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, and the use of bicycles on board.  There is an optional pre-cruise land program in Vienna, Austria, and a post-cruise land program in Romania or Istanbul.  The special $1000 per person discount offer ends April 30, 2023. Port tax is an additional $220 per person. A deposit of $400 per person is due with booking, balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC-accredited company. AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at: 888-869-7907 or http://www.europeanbarging.com

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Barons Creek

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Europeanbarging Presents a Danube Wine Cruise From November 5 – 12, 2023

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises in Europe, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $1000 per person on a Danube Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for late fall, starting from November 5 – 12, 2023.  The discounted rates start at  $2809  per person.

Barons Creek

The cruise, scheduled on the AMA Lea ship will be hosted by the owners of Barons Creek Vineyards – Marc and Marta Chase, as well as their Certified Sommelier – Anthony Makoujy, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as winemaking.  A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special Amawaterways gourmet meal.  In addition to the multiple included excursions offered in each port, there will be many wine-themed excursions as well.

Melk Abbey

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on your cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Budapest and Vienna.  Featured stops include:  Budapest • Bratislava • Vienna • Dürnstein • Melk • Linz • Passau • Vilshofen.

Pre-cruise land program in Budapest and post-cruise land program in Prague available.

Barons Creek Vineyards was started back in 2016 as an extended family venture of the Chase Family. In 2018, Marc and Marta Chase took over full ownership and management of  Barons Creek with the help of Texas Wine Maker Russell Smith, Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy, and a team of over 50 employees that operate four separate locations throughout Texas.

Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy relocated from Napa Valley, CA to join the BCV team back in 2016 and will officially represent Barons Creek throughout all educational components of the cruise along with several other members of the Barons Creek Vineyards team. Club members tell us that Anthony has a very entertaining & engaging way of making wine much more approachable and fun for wine lovers across the board.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC accredited company.

AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world most prestigious culinary organizations, as well as Prestigious Tables et Auberges de France –  leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative foods and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

The $1000 per person discount ends September 30, 2021.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at:  888-869-7907  or   http://www.europeanbarging.com.

Historical Towns Along a Mississippi River Cruise

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Europeanbarging is pleased to announce that they have a selection of luxury small ship river cruises they are offering on US waterways.

American Duchess

There is nothing better than going on a river cruise to explore the hidden gems of our great country.  You can see more and visit areas and experience the local culture.  While cruising along the mighty Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, enjoy sumptuous meals, entertainment and comfortable accommodations while unpacking only once.  Each ship features comfortable lounges, outdoor seating and many include a fitness room and gift shop.

Some options for a US only river cruise itinerary along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers are: Memphis and Nashville, St Louis and Cincinnati, Louisville and Nashville, Minneapolis and St Louis, Louisville and Pittsburg, as well as the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, cruising between Portland Oregon and Spokane Washington or round trip Portland – offering 6 days cruises through some beautiful country side.

As well as US waterways only, there are 4 – 7 night cruises along the St Lawrence in Canada; Great Lakes cruises between Toronto and Chicago;  Canada and New England cruises featuring such itineraries as Portland to Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls and Boston, Chicago and Toronto.

As well as great architecture, gardens, sites and experiences along the cruise route, there are some exciting themed cruise itineraries:  Plantation Homes, Civil War, Bourbon, Holiday Season, BarBQ competitions, Paddleboat races, Music Festivals, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, Wine Cruises,

The most well known US only itinerary, is a 7 night cruise on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Memphis. The itinerary is offered as a 7 or 8-night cruise itinerary which starts in New Orleans or Memphis. Some of the themed itineraries will offer a slight variation to the main itinerary.

Day 1 – Memphis, Tennessee
Embark your luxury cruise ship and settle in.

Day 2- Cruising the Port of the Mississippi Delta
These small river towns have been the inspiration of authors, musicians and artists for centuries.

Day 3- Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg perfectly blends Southern culture and heritage with exciting modern attractions. As a major battle site during the Civil War, this Southern town carries a history unlike any other.

Day 4- Natchez, Mississippi
This charming river town was founded in 1716, making it the oldest city on the Mississippi River. It’s known for its elegance, hospitality and impressive preservation of history – found on every street corner. Enjoy the unique shops, restaurants, museums and historic home

Day 5- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge grants a strikingly different experience from those of the small-town stops throughout the journey. In this energetic port, history facing museums and landmarks fraternize with forward-looking art and industry.

Day 6- St Francisville, Louisiana
St. Francisville today is a testament to the lifestyle of a bygone era, with its plethora of charming antebellum-period homes and striking architecture. With over 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, beautiful plantation homes nestled in the rolling countryside and bustling Main Street shops, this quaint town situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River has a style all its own.

Nottoway Plantation

Day 7- Nottoway Plantation
While the boat is docked, visit the sugarcane estate – the largest standing antebellum mansion in the South. Nottoway Plantation is an intricate building with impressive detail. Original furnishings mingle with era-appropriate antiques to create an atmosphere that does justice to the home’s original ambiance.

Day 8 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Your Mississippi River Cruise ends after a sumptuous breakfast.

Many of the cruise itineraries are round trip but if a one way itinerary is desired, there are options of flying to ports or even 1 way car rentals can be set up.  Some ports are ideal to travel by train to get to.

Check with Europeanbarging to see what current promotions are available.  888-869-7907  jan@europeanbarging.com

 

Europeanbarging Introduces the Viva Tiara for 2020 River Cruises

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We are pleased to introduce a new European river cruise line – VIVA.
The Viva line is a mid range priced cruise line with beautiful ships and great service. The parent company has been leasing and chartering their ships since 1973 and has one of the largest fleets in Europe.

Viva Tiara Ship

The first reflagged ship will be the 153 passenger Viva Tiara, who will go thru a total remodel in January and February of 2020 (though she had a remodel in 2018).  She will have a new color scheme and furnishing in a restful teal and white theme.

 

Upon entering the ship, there is a beautiful 2 story atrium with sweeping wrought iron and wood staircase to the upper level (a lift is located to the side of the stairs), chandeliers, reception desk and customer service desk and on-board boutique are on the upper Diamond deck.  There is also a stylish lounge with panoramic bar and dance floor, the comfortable Bistro Bar with Internet corner in the rear.

The Panorama restaurant is situated on the Ruby Deck and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Breakfast is a buffet, lunch is a buffet salad bar and served entree and dessert, dinner is fully served.  Main entree choices will consist of a seafood, meat and vegetarian choice.  Afternoon tea consists of cakes and sandwiches.

On the Emerald deck the guest can enjoy relaxing moments in the wellness area with fitness equipment, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath and solarium. The decks are connected by a lift (not going to the Emerald deck).

Sundeck of the Viva Tiara

The sun deck features lounge chairs for guests, a putting green, jacuzzi, walking track and weather permitting – fitness equipment for use.

New Viva Tiara cabin colorsAll cabins on the Diamond and the Ruby deck have French balconies. The outward-facing cabins are equipped with flat-screen TV, radio, stocked minibar, safe, hair dryer, air-conditioning, shower and WC.

 

“I am very excited about this cruise line and the new destinations in their itineraries – many of which I have not visited yet.”        Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

The ship features English and German language.

Unique Itineraries

As mentioned above, the Viva Tiara has some interesting ports on the Rhine and Dutch cruise itineraries – both are round trip Dusseldorf).  On the 5 night Dutch and Rhine itinerary, in addition to Amsterdam and Nijmegen, there are stops in Emmerich, Deventer, Kampen, Enkhuizen and Rees (Germany).  The 7 night also features stops in Hoorn, Rotterdam and Dordricht.

The 5 night Rhine River itinerary features the towns of Niederlahnstein,  and Oestrich-Winkel, in addition to Cologne, Mainz, Frankfurt, Boppard.  The 7 night also includes Koblenz, Mannheim, Speyer and Strasbourg.

On the Danube River, the 5 night cruises include round trip Passau with stops in Vienna (overnight), Bratislava and Linz. The 7 night itinerary  additionally includes Budapest,

For Advent season, there are lovely 4 and 5 night cruises on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, where you visit the heart of Europe and experience the delight of its traditional holiday markets.

Affordable Pricing

What’s the greatest thing about this cruise trip? You’ll get to enjoy the above mentioned perks all for an affordable price. Visit your dream European destinations aboard a luxury ship starting from less than $1,000. This all-inclusive trip ensures you’ll be getting your money’s worth.  Cruise rates start $714 for a 5 night cruise in early spring on the lower deck – $1535 for a Jr suite on the upper deck, a 7 night cruise in spring and summer on the lower deck $1995 – $2725 for a Jr suite on the upper deck.  Cruise rates on the Viva Tiara include the cruise, port taxes, Gratuities, all meals, wine, and a beverage package – Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee, Beer, wine, throughout the day and evening between 10am and midnight. Sightseeing excursions are not included and can be booked onboard.

We are offering a 20% discount off the rates for 2020 departures booked and paid in full by Dec 30th, 2019.

Book your European river cruise now – 888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com.

Enjoy an All-Inclusive 9 Day Elbe River Cruise From $3000 Per Person

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Europeanbarging Presents a special promotion on the Elbe River of Germany for October 2019

Spring, TX, July 20, 2019— Europeanbarging, a Texas based cruise company offering barge and river cruises in Europe, today announced a special promotion of 3 departures of their 9 day Elbe River cruise.

Elbe River in Dresden

The Elbe River cruise itinerary, is offered on the 80 passenger Croisi Europe Elbe Princess I and II river cruise ships. The available 2019 dates are:  October 12th and 20th between Prague and Berlin and October 20th from Berlin to Prague.   The 9 day cruise itinerary features 2 nights in Berlin seeing the sites, then 4 nights cruising to Prague (or visa versa) on the Elbe and spending 2 nights visiting the sites of Prague.  Cruise ports include Magdeburg, Lutherstadt,  Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden, Bad Schandan and Litomerice.

“For the October 2019 departures listed above, we are offering excursions to the already inclusive drinks package and Wi-Fi, making these cruises all inclusive except  for tipping. ”                                                        Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

The Elbe Princess I and II are 80-90 passenger paddleboats.  With her flat bottom and low draft,  as well as small passenger count, she will be able to cruise the Elbe River for a longer season than the other ships that cruise the Elbe River.  The paddle wheels are located at the back of the ship and the upper deck features twin bedded cabins with French Doors plus 1 accessible cabin and the main deck features cabins with a window.

With the included excursions being offered, guests will get the opportunity to experience  tours of Berlin; Potsdam and the gardens of Sanssouci Palace; Magdeburg and it’s twin spire Cathedral; Wittenberg and Martin Luther’ sites; Meissen – known worldwide for it’s porcelain;  Dresden – historic architecture rebuilt after the war; The scenic Elbe Sandstone Mountains; the scenic royal town of Litomerice; Prague’s old town and Prague’s Castle District.

This is a bi-lingual ship that is both English and French and features an international cruise host on-board.  Rates start at $2700 – $3300 per person and include the cruise, all meals including a beverage package of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as free Wi-Fi.   For the 3 departures listed, excursions will be included as well (a $600 value).

About Europeanbarging

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC accredited company.   For more information, visit http://www.europeanbarging.com.