skiier Posted July 1, 2005 #1 Share Posted July 1, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iamboatman Posted July 1, 2005 #2 Share Posted July 1, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiier Posted July 2, 2005 Author #3 Share Posted July 2, 2005 i didn t know there was a difference- what's the differnce? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Pond Posted July 2, 2005 #4 Share Posted July 2, 2005 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iamboatman Posted July 2, 2005 #5 Share Posted July 2, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Host Dan Posted July 2, 2005 #6 Share Posted July 2, 2005 Skiier, Please go to River Cruises Board under Special Interest Cruising Header. You will find alot more information there! Host Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiier Posted July 9, 2005 Author #7 Share Posted July 9, 2005 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDRMYS Posted July 9, 2005 #8 Share Posted July 9, 2005 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40cub Posted July 20, 2005 #9 Share Posted July 20, 2005 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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