river barge cruises

[skiier]

we are annual seabourne cruisers, and considering a luxury barge cruise for a diversion - would welcome any comments and recommendations from anyone who has been.

[Iamboatman]

Are you considering a river cruise or a river "barge" cruise? There are barges in France which are unique and IMHO usually overpriced, but there are many river cruises which can be quite exceptional.

[skiier]

i didn t know there was a difference- what's the differnce?

[Jane Pond]

There is also a 'River Cruises' BB here at CC.com. That may also be a source of information.

 

(This was posted in the wrong thread and I am re-posting it in case the questioner reads only selected threads.)

 

Jane

[Iamboatman]

There are long, low, "ships" which have all of the same sorts of facilities as a normal cruise ship without the fancy shows or numerous decks or full spas (i.e. nice cabins, service, food, etc.) while traveling down the major waterways of Europe. Barges are much more utilitarian (though some have nice cabins) and tend to stay off the beaten path, so to speak.

 

It is difficult to explain it in a few words. Check out the boards and hook up with a good TA who handles river cruises. It is worth the expertise. Generally regular cruise TAs don't know a thing about river cruises. Find the exception!! It will be worth it.

[Host Dan]

Skiier,

Please go to River Cruises Board under Special Interest Cruising Header. You will find alot more information there!

 

Host Dan

[skiier]

thanks to all who responded, and i've now looked at various websites and evben got a peter deilman brochure, but i think we're addicted to Seabourne

[JDRMYS]

The only 2 barges that are the equivilent of Seabourn are the Fleur de Lys and the Amaryllis which carry 6 to 8 guests on 6 days cruises on the canals of Central France. They are available for charter only therough Afloat in France a company that now seems to be a part of the Orient Express group.

 

The River Cloud and the River Cloud 2 are the most luxurious of the river cruisers. They travel in central Europe (River Cloud) and in northwest Italy (River Cloud 2) and are owned by Sea Cloud Cruises.

 

These are wonderful trips!

[40cub]

We took a river cruise through Provence, France with A&K on the "Napoleon". It is probably one of the more luxurious barges in operation and holds 12 passengers. The itinerary was wonderful, the crew friendly yet professional. If you enjoy the Seabourn experience, which is low key, intimate with great food, you may like this barge as well. It is a totally different experience as it is much more casual, but I can guarantee a very relaxing trip.