BARGING OVERVIEW

[What’s It All About?]

Q. What are the different types of barge cruise vacations?
A. Basically there is river barging and there is canal barging. In either case whether you are barging on canals or rivers, it is really more of a floating experience. The canal experience is virtually without current and the barges move at a pace of around 3 miles per hour. Navigation of locks is part of the canal experience in France and occurs every 20-30 minutes depending on the canal. River barging differs in the fact that there may be a slight current and no lock system navigation.

Q. There seem to be many choices how do I decide what is the right option for me?
A. The entire barging industry consists only of several dozen vessels. We recommend that you first narrow down your choices of region. Most of the barge operators are in France. Barging is also offered in England, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands. We also suggest that you consider the appeal of the optional excursions that go along with the barge cruise. Do you have a penchant for wineries and vineyards or would you rather explore the nooks and crannies of out of the way villages? Perhaps you enjoy both. Barging affords you the opportunity to do as much or as little as you please.

Q. How many people are typically on a barge?
A. Barging has become increasingly popular and generally the barges depart with all cabins full. Approximately one-half of the barges are in the small 6-10 passenger grouping. There are around a dozen medium barges of 15-24 passengers and only a few 40 - 50 passenger barges. In France the maximum allowable length for canal cruising is 130 feet which is a 22-24 passenger barge.

Q. What is the barge vacation comparable to in terms of experiences and amenities?
A. Barging is like no other vacation. All barges have lovely public spaces including a dining area and a bar/lounge area. Cabins are modestly sized (8x10) with private bathrooms. Most have air conditioning. The deck area is always a favorite place to enjoy the passing landscapes or to curl up with a book. Several vessels even have a whirlpool on deck. The differences between barges are subtle such that that we hesitate to classify barges with traditional mass market terms like Deluxe and First Class. The nature of barging is intimate because of the size and design of the vessels. Most all barges have less than 20 passengers. During the day passengers can be as active or as inactive as they choose. The 2-3 mile pace of the moving barge is particularly attractive to those that choose to walk alongside (or run ahead of) the barge on the paths. Crew members will offer unique excursions to the passengers by van from the barges mooring spot. Barges moor village-side at dinner time and remain moored till the next morning. Dining occurs onboard the barge and is considered to be one of the highlights of the vacation.

Q. What is the approximate cost of a barge vacation and what is included?
A. Barging tariffs vary by seasonality and level of amenities. All barges operate on six nights schedules. A generalization would be that the average price per person is in the $2500 range, which does not include airfare or gratuities. Gratuities are not expected, however 5% of tariff is the usual and customary amount given by passengers. Meals, wine and open bar and excursions are included in the price of most barges. Several operators do not include a fully open bar. Pricing of the emerging super deluxe category can exceed $6000 per person in peak season. Chartering of an entire barge is also very popular and may afford some savings.

Q. Are children allowed?
A. Generally children under the age of 12 are accepted generally only in a charter arrangement. Promotional "family cruises" are on occasion offered by barge operators.