The longstanding image of barge cruises—of dark cabins below water level, sedentary guests, and little activity—just isn't accurate when you're talking river cruising today. Sure, if you crave a classic Old World sailing experience, you can still go on a boat resembling an antique-filled country home; and no matter how you do it, a river cruise is a sublimely relaxing vacation. Yet the newest barges on Europe's canals mimic modern boutique hotels, featuring contemporary designs, sunlit rooms, hot tubs—even firepits. You've got plenty of opportunity to relax, but you'll also have access to bicycles, yoga, spa treatments, grand cru wine-driven sails; even opportunities to charter the entire boat and make the trip as customized as you like. One group increasingly taking advantage of that particular offering? Large groups and families, where cribs and baby bicycle seats might be needed, along with kid-friendly activities like horseback riding and waterparks. Here's what you need to know about barge cruising—and whether on your next will be sailing Europe's canals.
Barge Basics
These small, flat-bottomed, snail-slow vessels first served to transport cargo through manmade canals, Europe’s original highways. Many of today’s hotel barges are conversions from traditional working ones, and generally host between six to 12 passengers. Barges typically travel about four miles per hour and travel some 50 miles during a seven-day sail. (Yes, you can drive the entire route in an hour.) All barges moor at night, because they can't get through the locks when they're not manned.
Although activities and amenities vary widely, know that a convivial crew, fine food and wine, pastoral scenery, and small villages far from tourist sites are typical. Wi-Fi is usually included, but service is often spotty—a great excuse to unplug. Fares increase with more amenities, such as larger cabins, fancier furnishings, and premium wines. Barge season runs April through October, with the best fares found during shoulder months. Here's the scoop on the barge operators out there.
Abercrombie & Kent
Vibe
This high-end travel company contracts with 29 barges that host between four to 20 guests. These barges are not exclusive to A&K passengers, unless you charter the entire barge. Sailings emphasize impressive food and wine presentations. Most offer hot tubs.
Fellow Passengers
Primarily savvy North American luxury travelers, age 50-plus. Many are either past A&K guests, or familiar with the company’s long-standing reputation.
Countries
Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Scotland
Average Seven-Day Fare
$6,045 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All meals and alcohol; shore excursions; bicycles; 24/7 Abercrombie & Kent On-Call Support (handling anything from replacing lost eyeglasses to medical emergencies); and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
Most passengers book barge cruises through A&K as part of a longer, custom-tailored trip; the company can include airline ticketing, airport transfers, hotel stays, and sightseeing, for a complete seamless holiday.
Barge Lady Cruises
Vibe
This long-running family-owned travel company represents 50 well-regarded barges in a wide range of fares and styles, hosting between two to 20 passengers. Charters can embrace themes, including yoga, tea parties, whiskey tastings, and spa visits.
Fellow Passengers
Mostly active Americans, all ages from Gen X and up, averaging 50 to 70. Many celebrate birthdays or anniversaries. Others host bachelorette parties, multi-gen family trips, or simply travel with their book club. On newer barges, guests like the vessel firepits for sunsets and socializing.
Countries
England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Scotland
Average Seven-Day Fare
$5,750 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All meals and alcohol; shore excursions; bicycles; and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
This company rates their barges between three and six stars. All deliver fine service and cuisine, and daily excursions. Three-stars, often owner-operated, reflect the owners’ personal style, and offer a relaxed vibe, the coziest cabins, and lowest fares. Posh six-stars can tout luxuries like hot tubs, open kitchens, pianos, and cabins with king-size beds with double-sink baths.
Belmond Afloat in France
Vibe
Elegant and luxurious, most of Belmond's seven barges, hosting four to 12 passengers, are only available for charter. Two (Belmond Napoleon and Belmond Hirondelle) may be booked by cabin. While none are alike, expect features like polished teak decks, elegant furnishings, and fresh flowers. Four offer heated pools. Expect superb cuisine with candlelit dinners and grand cru wines. Beds are king-sized and baths feature L’Occitane toiletries, plush robes, and slippers.
Fellow Passengers
Sophisticated American and European travelers, many who also adore Belmond’s posh hotels, such as Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, Anguilla in Anguilla, and Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence.
Countries
France only: Canal du Midi, Champagne, Provence, Burgundy
Average Seven-Day Fare
$6,750 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All food and wine; shore excursions; bicycles; and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
Customized activities include truffle-hunting, hot-air ballooning, and horseback riding. Families charter the barges for multi-gen sails, with child-friendly activities, like go-karting and water park visits, in abundance.
CroisiEurope
Vibe
Known for its value-oriented river cruises, the French-owned, bilingual CroisiEurope offers six modern barges, hosting 22 passengers. Contemporary designs showcase vibrant colors, with a fun, inviting feel.
Fellow Passengers
A culturally curious international mix of French, German, and English-speaking passengers, around 55-plus
Countries
France only: Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Île-de-France, Loire, Provence
Average Seven-Day Fare
$3,218 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All meals and alcohol; shore excursions; bicycles; and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
The staff runs a morning fitness class for interested passengers. All barges but Jeanine provide one cabin for passengers with reduced mobility.
European Waterways
Vibe
The 17 vessels of this English-based outfit, hosting between six and 20 passengers, feature rich woods, immaculate furnishings, and tables set with beautiful linens, fine china, and delicate stemware at dinner. Nearly all offer hot tubs; one sports a small exercise room. Crews are mostly British. Outings can include private winery and garden tours, and visits to medieval cities. Experiential excursions, such as meeting baronesses and lockkeepers, are EW signatures.
Fellow Passengers
Americans, Brits, and Australians. Extremely well-traveled, affluent, food and wine sophisticates, who enjoy socializing with like-minded strangers.
Countries
Belgium, France, England, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Scotland
Average Seven-Day Fare
$6,500 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All meals and alcohol; shore excursions; bicycles; and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
Optional hot-air ballooning on many sails. Falconry and other birds-of-prey demonstrations in Ireland, Scotland, and Burgundy cruises. Also more unusual excursions, like visits to silkworm nurseries and cave dwellings. On most chartered family cruises, cribs, baby bicycle seats, children’s bicycles, and other necessities are supplied and waiting onboard.
French Country Waterways
Vibe
These traditional hotel barges proudly showcase provincial furnishings and rich wood paneling, resembling charming, upscale French country inns. This United States-based company owns five impeccably maintained barges, hosting between eight to 18 passengers. They offer umbrella or canopy-covered sundecks, libraries with books, games, music, and stellar food and wine. You’ll run into the chef shopping at local markets daily, eying what looks best for the night’s meal.
Fellow Passengers
Well-traveled and sophisticated Americans, ages 55-plus. Interested in French wine, cuisine, the countryside, and history.
Countries
France only: Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy, Champagne, Upper Loire
Average Seven-Day Fare
$6,000 per person, double occupancy
Notable Inclusions
All meals and alcohol; shore excursions; bicycles; one swanky evening wining and dining at a one-to-three Michelin-starred restaurant; and Wi-Fi
Good to Know
To accompany the impressive modern French cuisine, grand cru and premier cru regional varietals are generously poured. Wines change daily, and include limited production selections rarely sold for export. At lunch and dinner, a server delivers a thorough explanation—including history and origin—of the wines and cheeses presented.
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