Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises

European Waterways has grown to become the largest hotel barging company in Europe. It remains a private company that is still owned and run by its directors – John Wood-Dow and Derek Banks. Some might say they were pioneers in hotel barging holidays!

• Hotel barges cruise the smaller rivers and canals that are often inaccessible to larger vessels
• Hotel barges accommodate a maximum of 20 passengers, with a passenger to crew ratio of 2:1 or less; ensuring attentive and personalised service
• Cruises cover shorter distances, at a very slow speed and never at night
• Cruising just a few feet from the towpath, it’s easy to step off and explore on foot or bicycle
• Unique cruising experiences that are not available to larger vessels e.g. Eiffel’s aqueduct at Briare, or the boat elevator at Arzviller
• With an on-board chef, meals focus on the specialities of the region
• Private, whole barge charters are possible for families, friends and special interest groups
• The pace is gentle, with time for immersion in the local culture, history and gastronomy
• Excursions are in small groups to places “off the beaten track
• Canals are quieter, usually with little other water-borne traffic,
  and never any rough weather!

Barge cruising refers to a type of leisure travel where passengers can enjoy a relaxed and luxurious vacation experience onboard a barge that navigates along scenic canals, rivers, and other waterways. These barges are typically smaller in size and offer a more intimate and exclusive setting compared to larger cruise ships. Barge cruises often focus on exploring specific regions or countries, such as the Canal du Midi, Burgundy and Champagne regions of France, and provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, history, and cuisine. Passengers can enjoy onboard amenities, gourmet meals, and personalized itineraries that include excursions to nearby attractions and destinations. Barge cruising is known for offering a more tranquil and slow-paced travel experience, allowing passengers to relax and appreciate the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

The price of a cruise in Europe will vary, depending on several factors. These include your chosen destination, departure dates, and the category class of hotel barge chosen for your luxury European cruise. Cabins start from approximately $4,000pp based on two people sharing , while prices for a whole barge charter start from $40,000 booking our 6-night all inclusive cruises. You can find all our cruise rates here.

The speed of a barge boat can vary depending on several factors such as the size, load capacity, and the power of its engines. On average, barge boats tend to cruise at speeds ranging from 4 to 12 miles per hour (6 to 19 kilometres per hour). European Waterways luxury barge cruises are generally less than 70 miles in a week, at only 3mph.

Practical comfort and casual clothing is the norm  for most excursions. The dress code for dinner is relaxed and informal. For the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on
the final evening, guests often dress up, which is optional. The weather in Europe is generally warm. June, July, and August is the warmest, often being in the mid 30’s.
Suggested things to pack: Light clothing including shorts and T-shirts. A sweater or lightweight jacket is recommended for evenings and the air-conditioned interiors. During spring and autumn, you may need medium weight clothing. A lightweight raincoat for showery times would be advisable. In summer,  a sun hat can be useful.  Comfortable walking shoes with textured non-slip soles are recommended. Most barges have a spa pool so don’t forget your swimwear. Towels are provided.

The distance a barge can travel depends on various factors such as its size,  operational speed, and the waterway it is navigating. Generally, barges are used for slow-speed transportation, often carrying bulk goods, and are mainly used in inland and coastal waterways. European Waterways cruises are generally less than 70 miles in a week, at only 3mph.

The best time for a European cruise is between early April – late October. During this time, days are bright, with the sun often shining and warm weather upon us. Many hotel barges do not cruise during the winter season, as many of the canals are closed for navigation. That’s why, here at European Waterways, we generally only offer cruises between the spring and autumn seasons.

The beauty of European cruising is that there are so many different destinations to choose from! You can cruise in Burgundy, the Canal du Midi, or Alsace & Lorraine in France; perhaps in Venice, Italy or venture north to the dramatic Scottish Highlands. You can browse all European cruising destinations by clicking on the ‘destinations’ tab at the top of this page.

Barges can travel on rivers, canals, and inland waterways. They are commonly used for transporting goods and materials such as coal, grain, oil, and other cargo. European Waterways luxury barge offer the widest choice of any hotel barge company with destinations across 9 countries – from the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy to the spectacular Scottish Highlands.

The cost of a barge cruise can vary depending on factors such as the length of the trip, the destination, the level of luxury or amenities provided, and the cruise operator. Generally, barge cruises tend to be more expensive than conventional ocean cruises due to the smaller size of the vessels and the more exclusive and intimate experience they offer. The all-inclusive nature of many barge cruises, which often include meals, drinks, guided tours, and other activities, can also contribute to the overall cost. You can find all our cruise rates here.