Despite the growing popularity of cruising, particularly on river boats, there is still a little-known niche concept within the cruise industry. Luxury hotel barging is a boutique unique experience which offers an immersive voyage of discovery to focus on the culture, history, fine wines and gourmet cuisine of the region through which you are cruising.
Barges are handsome vessels that cruise along European canals. Cruising rivers means that larger river boats have a large distance to cover, so the average speed of a river cruise boat is about 10 to 15 miles per hour. Barge cruises, on the other hand, safely cruise the historic, narrower waterways at a much lower speed, sometimes less than four miles per hour. Barges typically are smaller and have fewer frills and amenities than river cruises. River cruisers may carry more than 100 passengers and barges range from a few passengers to perhaps 24 passengers.
Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels, carrying merchandise such as wine, timber or grain. Not only did these vessels serve different purposes before life as a hotel barge, but they also enjoyed a variety of different hull styles. Vessel sizes also vary, mainly to conform with the dimensions of the locks on the different waterways. Size also influences the number of passengers carried on each barge. These barges have been lovingly and painstakingly converted to offer unique luxury boutique accommodation for small groups, still retaining their original character and heritage. This is cruising, but in a very different style. The pace is slow, with a six-day cruise often covering little more than 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike on the paths and never be left behind as their floating hotel glides gently along.
Ideal luxury barging cruise can be found on many glorious inland waterways of Europe including Italy, Holland, Belgium, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland and France. France is likely the most considered destination when it comes to canal barging. Imagine slowly floating through Burgundy, vineyard after vineyard and the culinary trail that would be offered.
The all-inclusive hotel barges have a surprising level of luxury, along with modern comforts and the slower barge pace, offering a more relaxed feel. Accommodations include air-conditioned en suite staterooms and gourmet meals prepared by the onboard chef. Private and exclusive daily excursions are accessible and maybe offer a chance to accompany the chef as he heads into town to decide what local secrets he can find for the evening meal!
The best part of your vacation is yours to design. Explore at your own pace or be part of an informative guided tour. Engage with the crew and learn the local history as you glide from village to village, past medieval castles and old-world farms. Barge travel is like having your own staffed vacation home with ever-changing views.
There are different sizes and passenger capacities of hotel barges. The small passenger capacity offers a unique opportunity for groups of friends or family to enjoy a private charter cruise experience. Single travelers or couples looking to celebrate an unforgettable vacation experience can board with other like-minded adventurers and share your journey while making new lifelong friends.
Contact your local professional travel consultant to discover if hotel barging might just be the “slow boat” memory-making experience for you.
