What is a Luxury Hotel Barge?
A barge refers to a specific style of hull, which is designed to navigate, in shallow, narrow, waterways. Most barges were built to carry goods into hard to reach areas of the country. Hotel barges, which are fully crewed and are operating today, usually are cargo hulls, which have been redesigned and totally rebuilt.They are barge hulls over which cabins and saloons have been constructed in order to accommodate travellers. Luxury barges are smaller vessels, accommodating a minimum of 6 passengers and a maximum of 12. The cruises usually include all gourmet meals with wine, all shore excursions, “open bar” and bicycles for the use of the guests. These vessels cruise on small waterways, mostly canals. The purpose of a barge cruise is not to rush from Point A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment with fine food and wine, enjoy the delights of the countryside you are passing through, and get to know the “soul of the country.” The barges travel neither far or fast.
