What is the difference between a canal barge, a river boat, and a small ship?
Here’s the simplest answer we could come up with.
Canal Barges offer active vacations to ‘off the beaten track’ destinations in
Europe ’s canals, primarily in . Discover the soul of the country while walking, running, bicycling, sightseeing or simply watching from the deck of the barge See enchanting scenery and authentic small villages and towns. The food is great, as is the wine and the cheese. Cabins are small, but functional and offer private facilities with air conditioning. Ships accommodate 6 to 24 passengers. Great hospitality in a very relaxed atomoshpere. Informal and casual.
River Barges offer cruising in a more traditional way. The vessels are normally a bit larger, accommodating up to 50 people. Curl up on deck as you meander past towns and major villages. The food is great as is the wine and cheese. Sightseeing is each day is included. Cabins are larger than those on the canal barges and, of course, offer private facilities with air conditioning. Ambiance is intimate and informal.
River Boats offer journeys along the major waterways of the world in a more formal atmosphere. You’ll find much more public space including lounges and spacious decks. Traditional sightseeing tours are available to allow for visits to the cultural and commercial centers of great cities. Cabins are more like cruise liner cabins or small hotel style rooms. River boats accommodate as many as 100 or even 150 guests, though this can hardly be considered a crowd. Ambiance is more formal than those of the barges, but still comfortable and quaint.
Small ships are probably the hardest to explain since every small ship is different. Accommodating as few as 20 to as many as 150, small ships cruise the rivers, coastal waterways, and oceans of the world. By virtue of size, they can come into ports that larger ships cannot and there is greater flexibility with respect to getting on and off the ship for sightseeing. From to to
Antarctica , small ships are a wonderful way to see the lesser known ports of the world as well as the famous stops that everyone talks about. Small ships offer wonderful ambiance, traditional local cuisine and often gourmet dining experiences.
Some small ships are available for every budget, from casual to luxury and everything in between.
What is a Barge?
A barge refers to a specific type or style of hull which is designed to navigate is shallow, narrow, waterways. Most barges were built to carry goods into hard to reach areas of the country. Hotel barges which are fully crewed and are operating today usually are cargo hulls which have been redesigned. They are barge hulls over which cabins and saloons have been constructed in order to accommodate travelers. Luxury barges are smaller vessels, accommodating a minimum of 6 passengers and a maximum of 50. The cruises usually include all gourmet meals with wine, all shore excursions, and most include "open bar" and bicycles for the use of the guests. These vessels cruise on small waterways, mostly canals, such as the Nivernais in Burgundy, France's most famous wine country, the Canal du Midi in the south, or through the tulip fields of Holland, the Caledonian Canals in Sctoland, and sometimes on the rivers, such as the Shannon in Ireland, the Rhone in Freance and the Thames in England.
The purpose of a barge cruise is not to rush from Point A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment with fine food and wine, enjoy the delights of the countryside you are passing through, and get to know the "soul of the country." The barges travel neither far or fast
What amenities can I expect on the barge?
All cabins have private, nicely appointed bathrooms with showers. Some suites include bathtubs. Several barges have saunas and on deck hot tubs or jacuzzis as well.
Usually there are no telephones, TVs or computers. For emergency communications, barges do carry a cellular phone. However...anyone who chooses to break the tranquillity of the voyage for urgent business like baseball scores, elections or market closings...public phones are handily spaced along the canals. As for TV, a few barges have satellite TV for those who can't miss CNN.
Are barges cruises expensive?
Barges come in many styles and levels of luxury from rustic and comfortable like a good Country Inn to elegant, like a fashionable Hotel. But the essence of barging is not decor...but the taste and texture of the region that is revealed in the welcome greeting of the villagers, the smiles and hearty charm of the lock keepers, and the personal & friendly attention of local artisans and guides. Barge rates do reflect the level of luxury and the season...but since they are inclusive, they are great value. Meals, wines, open bar, guided excursions and admissions...all included!
Generally speaking, the smaller the vessel, the more personal the service, and the more exclusive the experience. This is reflected in the pricing. Small vessels are ideal for families, groups of friends, or individuals who who are attracted to the luxury of a barge cruise.
What clothes should I bring?
Most passengers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board barges and fancy dressing is not the custom. Comfortable, casual attire, sneakers or docksiders on board. Sweaters, a windbreaker and shorts or cotton pants are recommended. At the Captain's final dinner, a little "dress-up" is O.K. Ties are rare, and there is no need for anything formal
Each destination is different, but the best rule of thumb is to think casual and bring layers. You will receive more specific packing suggestions with your documents, but remember, small ships are always ‘smart casual’. You won’t need any gowns or suits or even a sport coat. ‘Smart casual’ just means neat, comfortable clothing.
You will also be able to choose between a "hotel" or "charter" barge departure. "Hotel" cabins are booked separately by individual travellers, just like hotel rooms. If meeting new people and enjoying the camaraderie of travel is part of the fun for you, this may be your most attractive option.
On "charter" departures, all cabins on board are reserved for the exclusive use of the chartering party, which may be a family or a group of friends vacationing together. Barges dedicated to charter use generally have space for 6 or 8 passengers. If your group is larger, we'll find you a larger boat or two barges that can travel in tandem - by special arrangement.
Great Britain & Ireland: Just outside Windsor, Oxford, Inverness or Galway lie beautiful country filled with charming waterside villages
Loire Valley: The regal Loire Valley runs through the heart of France—and through the heart of French life.
Alsace-Lorraine: Alsace-Lorraine has a unique identity of its own, with distinctive local dialects, architecture and traditions.
Provence & The South: In recent years, Provence has become a potent symbol of “the good life,”
Holland & Belgium: Holland and Belgium are rich in medieval architecture, craft workshops and Old Master art.
Burgundy: Has the worldwide reputation as a purveyor of fine wines which began with the Romans in the third century BC and continues today.
What is Included
All canal and river cruises are seven days and six nights. They start on Saturday or Sunday. The all-inclusive trip price includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), transfers, and excursions alcoholic beverages.
Most French barge cruises in Burgundy include transfer from and to Paris in their price. Barges in the South Of France do not include transfers from Paris. In Ireland, Scotland, England, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy, prices include transfers from and to the major gateway airport or hotel or train station.
Value season is typically early April and end of October. Regular season is all the remaining months.
Barging In Europe
