StCirq Needs Help with French Barging
Mar 14th, 2009, 02:17 PM
#21
If they want structure have they ever considered a Peter Deilmann river cruise? They're expensive but very well done... excellent food and service. Generally, the fellow cruisers are a mixture of Europeans and Americans. Excursions ashore are assigned by one's language and one can participate or not. (Their cost is extra.) I'm sure they could also strike out on their own if they should want. We did the Rouen to Paris cruise and it was wonderful... especially with added days in Paris. A friend we made on that cruise enjoyed it so much she did their other French cruise a few months later. I believe it covered Burgundy...will have to check. We were on the Cezanne and the room was quite sizeable. The bathroom was larger than ours at home! (Well... we do live in NYC... but still.) They have a "formal" nite, but it's not a big deal.
Mar 17th, 2009, 11:53 AM
#22
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Riverboats like those operated by Viking and Deilmann do have the advantage of being larger (usually around 150 passengers) but they can only travel on the Seine and Rhone Rivers in France. Barges have the advantage of being able to navigate the large French system of canals and small rivers in various regions. Other major river cruise companies to look at are Uniworld and AMA Waterways.
When comparing prices, you have to look carefully at the "included" and "not included" because some cruises charge extra for excursions, as Gwendolynn mentioned, and even for non-alcoholic drinks and transfers to/from the boat. Also, it's a good idea to check the sizes and configuration of cabins. Some of them are set up only as twin, while others can be set up as twin or king.
When comparing prices, you have to look carefully at the "included" and "not included" because some cruises charge extra for excursions, as Gwendolynn mentioned, and even for non-alcoholic drinks and transfers to/from the boat. Also, it's a good idea to check the sizes and configuration of cabins. Some of them are set up only as twin, while others can be set up as twin or king.
Mar 17th, 2009, 12:18 PM
#23
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We used Crownblueline in 2001.
It is now http://www.leboat.com self drive boats.
It was wonderful. One of us had prior boating experience,yet it is doable for all with a bit of instruction. We liked being independent, doing our own thing.
We were on the Midi in the South of France.
We did one way/ one week. Camarugue area.
We like the experience so much that we are going again this fall in Holland with LeBoat.
It is now http://www.leboat.com self drive boats.
It was wonderful. One of us had prior boating experience,yet it is doable for all with a bit of instruction. We liked being independent, doing our own thing.
We were on the Midi in the South of France.
We did one way/ one week. Camarugue area.
We like the experience so much that we are going again this fall in Holland with LeBoat.
Mar 17th, 2009, 02:26 PM
#25
I was just checking out the cruise I referred to and it is of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Among the excursion offerings are horse riding in the Camargue and several wine tastings. Hmmmm... think I'LL go. -
