As the modern traveller evolves, they crave a unique, personal and luxurious experience. This is one of the reasons why barge cruises are growing in popularity. Primarily cruising on canals in European countries, these barges offer more than meets the eye. Many barges offer amenities like open bars and fine cuisine. Barge cruises serve a small number of visitors for each trip, usually anywhere from 2-20, and they make more frequent stops because they cover a small area. This allows visitors many options for excursions and getting a more personalized experience.
From its humble beginnings transporting freight from port to port to the luxurious and exciting barge cruises of today, it's easy to see why discerning travellers are forgoing the glitz and glamour of mega-cruise ships and opting for the barge experience. And with an estimated 70 barges offering cruises, you have plenty of options.
About the Savoir Vivre
The Savoir Vivre is a barge cruise experience like no other. Its claim to fame is the only barge offering on-shore dining covered in the cruise's price. This stylish barge allows up to 8 passengers a cruise down the Burgundy Canal in Southern Burgundy.
The Savoir Vivre cruise lasts six days, but the memories will last forever. During your cruise, you will have unique experiences like wine tasting at the medieval chateau of Clos de Vouge, visiting the outdoor market in Dijon, Ferme de Poisset for a tour and cheese tasting, and the hilltop castle and village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, to name a few!
Captain Richard Mergret, hailing from a prominent French barging family, winds this vessel down the canal through the picturesque south of France. Since there are only a few cruisers, you get the personal touch from the captain and his hand-picked crew members for six glorious nights.
Read the article Savoir Vivre Barge Cruise – The Ultimate Immersive Cruising Experience
Why Take a Barge Cruise and Who Would Love Them
Barge cruises are a growing phenomenon. Travellers today are looking for unique experiences and craving personalized attention. That's where barge cruising comes into play.
If you enjoy cruising but want to take your time and explore, a barge cruise is for you. Many barge cruises offer immersive experiences because they only travel short distances and frequently stop. There are also a limited number of passengers since the vessel is smaller. With a small group of passengers, you can meet others, learn more about their cultures, and become intertwined in the local culture of where you are cruising.
For many travellers with motion sickness or claustrophobia, a barge cruise may be for you because it lacks the sway of larger ships, and you can see land and get on and off.
Barges are also great for solo travellers or those who are introverted. Only a few people are on the boat, and activities are designed to interact with the other passengers and get to know each other. It doesn't make you feel like you are the only person in a sea of couples.
Who else is barge travel great for? The list goes on and on - barge cruises are perfect for photographers, wine lovers (especially the French cruises), active travellers and the foodie traveller!
Where do Barge Cruises Sail
Barge cruises primarily sail on canals. Most of the barge cruises in Europe cruise the trenches of France, but you will also see barge cruises in other European Countries. You may also see barge cruises during the season (March through October) in Italy, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, and Holland.
What to Wear/Pack on a Barge Cruise
For the most part, barge cruises are casual. Because of the many stops and LOTS of walking, you want to ensure you are dressed comfortably for your excursions. Some barge cruises have a farewell dinner on the last night of the trip, which could be formal, so you want to check before leaving if it requires a particular dress, but in most cases, a sundress or a dress pair of slacks and top will do.
My #1 tip is to bring layers. You may be in a chilly wine cellar one minute and then in a hot vineyard. Be sure to always have a light sweater, shawl or jacket with you. A shawl is excellent because it is lightweight and can pack it in your bag.
Pack versatile pieces in similar colours to mix and match details to make different outfits. Remember that there are no laundry services on the barge, so be sure to bring enough clothes and undergarments for the duration (and a few extra) but remember, space is limited, so don't overpack.
Bring comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking and chargers for your devices and a power strip if you have one, so you can charge multiple things as much.
What's the difference between Cruises (3 Star - 5 Star)
Like hotels, barge cruises also have star ratings, but how the ratings are assigned differs slightly. The ratings are given based on the size of the cabins and the amenities, which factor in the costs. The service, cuisine, excursions and experience remain comparable throughout all cruises.
For a 5 Star cruise, the cabins are approximately 200 square feet and in some, you may even have a king-size bed with amenities like a hot tub and unique culinary experiences. For a 5-star cruise, expect to spend $6,500 per person or more.
Each cruise level goes down in price until you get to 3 Star. A 3 Star experience is nothing to turn your nose at; you will still have excellent service and a memorable experience; you will have smaller rooms and fewer amenities. This is the best way for a budget-conscious traveller to get a barge experience without breaking the bank.
Is a barge cruise on your bucket list?