| For 6 - 12 Passenger Barges |
Air Conditioning & Heating
All common rooms onboard are air conditioned. Most barges feature individual air conditioning and heating controls in the cabins.
Bar
The ship bar is always open, all bar drinks are included except Champagne and Chateaux wines, (to be ordered in advance). Your cruise includes our Champagne Welcome.
Bicycles
Bicycles are carried onboard. Crew will be happy to help you with bike adjustments and getting it on and off the barge. Please remember to use caution when riding along towpaths or into villages. A decision to engage in cycling during the cruise constitute the travelers' assumption of all risks associated and an agreement not to make a claim against the barge owners or Europeanbarging for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of such activity.
Cabins
Each cabin is very compact. Do not bring excessive luggage, as you will be crowded.
Clothing Suggestions
Informal and casual clothing is the norm on board. A raincoat, light jacket and sweater will be welcome on occasion. Soft soled shoes are essential, for the decks, cycling and walking. For the last evening "Gala" dinner, gentlemen may want to bring a jacket and ladies some smart clothes.
Cuisine
All food aboard is prepared by our staff of European chefs and consists of European-style food that features specialities of the regions, as well as wine and cheese from the regions that are often not to be found anywhere else. Breakfast is served buffet style; lunch consists of a salad bar as well as a pasta dish and dessert; and dinner is multi-course meal. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary needs, which the chefs will do their best to accommodate.
Dining
The dining room is a single-seating, open-seating. We recommend that you sit at different tables for each meal so that you can change your perspective and meet other fellow passengers.
Electricity
Onboard electricity is 220v. Although a hair dryer is provided in most cabins, we suggest bring an adapter for other small personal items such as a razor, curling iron or alarm clock. If you wish to use any electrical appliance, please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board, to ensure that it is suitable to the barge's electrical system.
Embarkation
Each ship has a different afternoon embarkation time. Refer to your cruise ticket for your embarkation time. In case of an early afternoon arrival, you may check your luggage onto the ship and enjoy the embarkation port city through the afternoon.
Gratuities
Tipping is a personal way to show satisfaction for good service and is always appreciated. The suggested amount is $5 per passenger per day, which is distributed among the ship's staff. It is recommended to tip tour guides $1 -2 per person per day. Additional tipping is at the passengers' discretion.
Hairdryers
Most ships have hairdryers in the cabins. Please ask at the reception desk if one has not been installed in your cabin.
Hot tub/Fitness Room
There is a jacuzzi &/or fitness room on the La Belle Epoque and L'Impressionist. The L' Art de Vivre, Anjodi, Rosa, Meanderer, Serenite, Magna Carta, have spa pools or jacuzzis only.
Hotel-style beds
Hotel-style beds are available on most of the barges. There are some double bed cabins on many vessels.
Laundry
No laundry facilities on board.
Library
The ships' libraries have books available free of charge. We kindly ask that you return the books before the end of your cruise. A small constantly changing library of French and English books and magazines is carried aboard our vessels. We also carry playing cards, scrabble and other games for your enjoyment. Many barges have a C.D./radio cassette player with a choice of classical and modern music. Clients are welcome to bring along their favorite CDs.
Medical Services
None of the barges carry medical personnel unlike large cruise ships. We do however carry aboard a list of local Doctors and hospitals. As a normal travel precaution we suggest you bring along sufficient quantities of prescription medicines, (always carry in hand luggage). Bring a spare pair of glasses if you wear them and a pair of sunglasses.
Onboard Language
The onboard language is English. Staff and crew speak English as do the tour guides.
Passport and Visa Information.
Currently no visa is required for nationals of European community countries to visit France. Holders of other nationality passports should check with the Embassy in the country concerned, to establish whether visas are required Each United States traveler must be in possession of a valid signed passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond completion of the entire trip. United States passport holders do NOT require a visa for France.
Cruise Manager
An experienced, English-speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies every departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions and make your vacation the most memorable trip ever.
Room Service
Room service is not available.
Safes
Barges do not generally have safes on board. Since the dress code is casual it is not necessary to bring along valuable jewelry. In general it is not wise to travel anywhere with your valuables. Exercise caution throughout & be careful when handling or stowing your passport. It is a good idea to travel with a photocopy of your passport. Leave information of your credit cards at home with a trusted friend or relative, as well as make a copy of the stop usage (800#) if lost or stolen you can call from Europe.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ship. It is only permitted on the on the Sun Deck.
Special Diets
Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian, low salt & low cholesterol meals, may make their requests to the chef when onboard. The chef will try to honor all requests.
Sun Deck
The sun deck is located on the top of each ship. For your enjoyment, there are plenty of deck chairs.
Telephones
May we suggest that you leave your computers & telephones at home. Cell phone work in most of the barging areas. There are no phone hookups on the barges for checking email. There are payphones along the canal (if you must!) Being "out of touch" takes a bit of getting used to, but by day 2 you should be ok and have no "communication withdrawal" symptoms. You will be able to enjoy the peace & tranquility of the journey
Televisions
Most barges do not have televisions on board.
Go to Traveling Tips for 18 - 24 Passenger Barges »
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