5 Times A European Hotel Barge Cruise Is Better Than A River Cruise

[@alaskaballetdancer28]

I have been watching a lot of different videos on cruise tips lately and I want to let you know that I keep coming back to your channel over all others. Your videos are always well organized, have great photos, and you provide a whole lot of information on topics that most channels don’t even mention. You are also very well spoken and I am always happy to get notified of a new video to watch. Thank you for all of the work you put into your channel!

[@carolchacon6358]

European Waterways has an outstanding trip along the Caledonian Canal. Our barge carried 8 passengers and 4 crew. It was the best experience of the many cruising options I have experienced. Marvelous food, delightful local talent and a chance to see a very different Scotland than I have previously enjoyed. Highly recommend this trip!

[@beckygilmore4798]

was it more expensive than a river cruise?

[@carolchacon6358]

@@beckygilmore4798 About the same as for a Viking River Cruise-maybe a little less. Having done both I would say that although they are very different experiences, the value is equal.

[@beckygilmore4798]

@@carolchacon6358 thanks

[@QuentinVole]

We've been on most of CroisiEurope's barges and this video is a very fair and accurate reflection of what you find. They're a French company and the majority of their passengers are French speaking, but Brits can book them through Great Rail Journeys, who block book the barge for English speakers (and include transfers by rail from the UK).

[@serenaknitsandpurls]

If you’re interested, a tip for the next summer season is the 6 day barge cruise in Sweden between Gothenburg and Stockholm on the M/S Diana, Göta Kanal.

[@jimb3333]

Also look at fully staffed barge cruising. Three couples, all friends, chartered a barge. It cost about 1 1/2 times more than a larger barge with 20 or 30 passengers. There were only three ensuite staterooms and yes the rooms were tiny. There was a crew of four -- A captain to run the boat, someone to drive a van for outings, a cook and a person who cleaned and helped in the kitchen, None were French, all subjects of the Queen -- two English, an Australian and new Zealander. I was told because of the long hours needed the French were not as interested. The food was beyond excellent, the wine and liquor was always available as part of the price. As we put putted down the Burgundy Canal at a swift five miles an hour, there were bicycles to ride along. When a canal lock came long every 5-10 miles you could watch or help with the lock gate or just notice the local dog who would sidle up to the kitchen window for a possible handout. At night we stopped in French villages to explore. In all it was the most relaxing vacation my wife and I have ever experienced. It was so peaceful after the first two days we declared "Chateau enough" and spent our time on the barge. And we were spared the horror of finding a fellow passenger on a larger (but still very small) barge cruise we could not stand.

[@rrcaniglia]

This is the third of your presentations I’ve watched. I am very glad to have discovered your channel. Thank you.

[@Codenamex47]

Seems like a very unique and interesting experience. Never knew about this option, thank you for another great video.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Good to hear. It’s not as well known and not many people think of it as an option. I loved it!

[@barbaracronin4164]

SIGN ME UP!

[@kylenjensen9976]

Instablaster.

[@thomaswilson3437]

We had not even considered one of these, so thanks so much for the introduction!

[@randydraughon1460]

Greetings from the great state of Texas! Just found your channel and I love it. Just subscribed and can't wait to enjoy more of your informative and lovely videos. Only cruise I've been on was a 2 year deployment with the U S. Navy.. lol. A barge cruise in either England or France sounds amazing.

[@punstress]

Great information. An employee of croisieurope told me that there tends to be a divide between the cruisers. The majority francophones sit together and the anglophones sit together, with a few other -phones on the periphery, but they don't mix much. He said some people don't like that. Another favorable point is that CroisiEurope is quite affordable, and especially for solo travelers. And another major point is that Croisi's smaller boats get right into the heart of town. Even in Paris, you'd expect the big name cruise lines to be more prominent, but in fact Croisi docks right near the Eiffel Tower while the big names are on the outskirts. So he said, anyway. I was sold! But still haven't tried it.

[@johnl3239]

You can also rent and drive your own barge on many canals in Europe. We've done river cruises and barge cruises too, but rent your own is the best!

[@debby6235]

I cannot wait to do this. I am a life long boater, cruise lover here in the States and this type of trip through canals in France speaks to me. Thank you and that barge is beautiful. Course the Deborah and I share the same name soo...😉

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good to hear. I really liked the experience and eager to go again. Great name 😀

[@richardowen4558]

Found it! Barge cruising is more along the lines of what my wife and I would like to do. BUT I have been looking at European Waterways where the passenger size is usually 12 or less. My wife loves to talk to new people and the barge cruising makes more sense where passengers would really have time to get to know one another. Plus I have read where passengers can tag along with the chef as he buys his produce in the local stops. Thanks for this video.

[@rafijaxsen7227]

Ooooh, they dock at night. I'm hearing, "Go out and enjoy whatever local nightlife there is, your cabin will be right here waiting for you."

[@QuentinVole]

This is true, but you'll often be moored in small towns and villages, so don't expect the nightlife of a big city. 😎

[@debbiekerr3989]

A barge cruise sounds like good value for the money. I don't particularly like large crowds so this will be a good option for me.

[@londubh2007]

It's like a bed & breakfast on a canal.

[@wendellwhite5797]

Now, this is more like it. I am a sailor having lived on sailboats and small yachts up to 100 feet (30.5m). Small cabins do not bother me as long as they are ensuite. I can sleep on quarter berths just fine, and this is far from that.

[@spydude38]

I came across your video about barge cruising while watching another video about renting a barge where you drive it on your own in the canals of France. Essentially, it is all on you. No crew but you. Barges appear to be another option where you don't have to do anything but enjoy, but at a much slower pace.

[@pxn748]

This sounds great! Thank you for showing this new idea to me.

[@avibongo]

Your videos are exceptionally informative and delivered with care and sincerity. Thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

I have been on a couple of Croisi Europe barge cruises. Excellent atmosphere and food, open bar, great pace. You really get to know your fellow passengers. I found there was plenty to see and do, and the speed meant that you could get off at one lock and beat the barge to the next- good exercise after a fine lunch...

[@evelyngrammar]

Wow - I thought barge cruising was more rustic - helping the boat to get through locks, etc. This is quite upscale.

[@patrickmooney4135]

Well, this is an interesting option... I must investigate this further. Thanks, Gary!!!

[@annamcarthur3409]

I did not know this option existed. I will have to look into it for our next holiday. Do you think you could cover cruising in Vietnam. The Mekong, Ha Long Bay and any other areas. I would love your opinion on these places. Thanks for the great info in this video.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

We love river cruising but this looks so interesting. My only concern is the bedroom, my husband has a Cpap machine and would need a place next to his bed.

[@nicolaj3294]

Looks good to me Gary, thanks. Nice drone shots by the way

[@lizmillan1]

never heard of Barge cruising , sounds like a good idea. thanks for informing us.

[@Smokeyham]

An interesting alternative. Thanks for covering this.

[@kd0r]

A different but related type of cruise is narrowboating in Britain. Though there are "Hotel" boats most folks "hire" a boat. In Britain a hire boat is like a bare boat charter in the US. You handle the boat yourself, and you and your crew handle the locks and bridges as well. The speed limit is 4mph so it's not rushed. Handling your own boat sounds scary, but it really isn't. We've done it 5 times now. My wife is somewhat mobility restricted so she's the one handling the boat through all the locks, while I operate the locks themselves. Excursions? Whenever and wherever you want for as long as you want.

[@stanb.5517]

A better cruise is to rent a U-drive it yourself boat from leBoat or one of the many boat hire companies. The cost for a week is only around $3,000. No experience necessary and two people can easily manage the boat thru the locks which I have done on several trips though more hands on deck would be an advantage. My favorite canal is the Marne canal Hesse-Saverne-Hesse. It is so interesting it is worth seeing both ways. While leBoat does not list that particular itinerary, just ask for a seven day rental originating Hesse and returning to Hesse. But, if a barge is of interest, the Madeleine out of Strasbourg covers the same portion of the canal and it looked pretty comfortable.

[@vickyb5935]

I watched this and had to shake my head in agreement with everything Gary said. We did a “Barge and Bike” 7 day trip in Holland, officially through Boat Bike Tours, but we booked through the bike holiday site Freedom Treks out of England. FANTASTIC! We loved the barge life and everyone did get to know each other (about 36 of us). The food was a set menu each night but THE BEST food and creative, that I`ve ever eaten on any (river and sea) cruise! We all biked for a half-3/4 of a day and then set sail until our stop before night - loved it!

[@petermautner1517]

Very interesting Gary .

[@jahmasuniverse9282]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge I love this peaceful slower smaller spots simpler thank you

[@allenbell3734]

Another great vlog and I have never considered this option. Looks refreshing. I hate the multitude of people.

[@Viperbob]

Nice cruising, never took one, wish We did. Another great video. Thanks.......

[@chriswilliams6568]

Smile Garry, cheer up, you are doing a good job.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Before I record I always remind myself to smile more (at all) and get caught up in getting all the info out....

[@DalsPhotography]

Aww, now I am hoocked to your vids!!! Best wishes from Uruguay! Could you tell me which companies are making barge cruises??Thanks a lot!

[@jacquelinevonbehrkuster1435]

Very nice! And how is the cost in comparison with the river cruise?

[@mylesgarcia4625]

May be a little more expensive because availability is so much more LIMITED than the huge RIVER cruises.

[@martinewerbow5164]

Really like your videos. I've been looking into Croisi Europe but concerned about smoking on such a small vessel. As an asthmatic I have to be careful with cigarette smoke. Do they allow smoking on their boats?

[@raintravelalways]

first time i hear of this type of travel

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Do you have a video on Dalmatian Coast cruises (the smaller boat ones)?

[@johnteh8098]

I want to go to one after this video

[@gyehlove6420]

I'd like to try this, hope it's affordable, river cruises are too costly.

[@chriswilliams6568]

Krizie they are usually more money, as less people. Do not forget that river cruises include all your shore excursions, and usually drinks, nothing else to pay for.

[@philliphierons]

Hi Gary what kind of price are these Barge Holidays and where do you book them.Are they easy to get to the area they are in.Looks like you had a verry relaxing cruise verry peacefull I like it.

[@silluete]

Well looks like barge cruise are not for an introvert like me.

[@chriswilliams6568]

Silluete yes, as only 22 passengers or so, not as many as a river cruise of about 150.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Actually, they are. You can be a little sociable and keep to yourself most of the time. I think your fellow passengers will respect that. I am fairly introverted but had a great time with 9 other people in my French river barge cruise in 2006.

[@bweatherman1952]

Thanks!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks !!!

[@nigelquant7572]

You ever been on a magnifique luxury boat cruise?

[@waterside13]

Hi Paul, are bikes available, great video thanks, John

[@QuentinVole]

There are bikes on all the CroisiEurope barges, except for the one that covers the mouth of the Rhone, where there are no real cycle or footpaths along the banks. Guests are welcome to leave the boat when its cruising and cycle the same route, which (because of the slow speed) means you can take small diversions. You can do the same on foot, but you need to walk reasonably swiftly!

[@yukiefromoz2573]

Interesting... I wonder if you can book your own barge if you are going with a large group of friends or family members?

[@SFH1819]

Depends on which company you use. Most do allow booking the entire boat with captain and crew.

[@clement2780]

how much more expensive are barges?

[@clement2780]

where do barge cruises go which river cruises and land tours do not go?

[@chriswilliams6568]

they go on canals usually, check out the most famous the Canal Midi in France. Near the border with Spain.

[@carolynlewis6232]

Not enough choices for me.

[@davidsworld5837]

I am wondering what happens when you do not like the food on the set menu what can you do are you then really have to just go have dinner or the meal off the boat some were else

[@cometsmom8943]

Are they expensive?

[@georgehadley7863]

Do Croisi cater for vegetarians?

[@bruce8443]

George Hadley I think CroisiEurope will give vegetarian meals to those who ask before the cruise starts, so they can prepare. See their web site maybe.

[@jenniferappleton4944]

Is barge cruising cheaper?

[@tipsfortravellers]

It varies. Mine was about the same as a river cruise but often a bit more expensive as there are only a few passengers to cover the costs I guess !

[@ZForce5496]

I am very intrigued by barge cruises as I like the idea of doing a relaxed tour through the countryside and small towns (on horseback is my preferred way, but after a couple of European equestrian tours, my husband found them too physically taxing, and a barge seems like the closest thing to that experience). Anyway, I have some questions. I did one river cruise and swore I would never do another because low water levels in the Danube meant I spent far too many of my days on a bus and one night in a hotel. Is this a common problem for barge cruises? I was looking primarily at the small barges, but they are so expensive. I didn’t realize Croisi had barges at are bigger and cheaper until I started watching your videos. One thing that appealed to me about the smaller barges is that they offer bicycles so if you get tired of sitting on your butt while cruising, you can bike alongside the boat for activity. Does Croisi have this option?

[@danroitner230]

Rather disappointed in the title of this piece. You only mentioned 2 things that might make it a better option. Every other point just showed how limited it is. It was very misleading.

[@clement2780]

what desinations? are barges extremely expensive compared to bus, train, river cruises? given less people, cost. i take it your excursions are included, is airfare ever included or available at discount?

[@chriswilliams6568]

how can airfare be included when are are a million airports folk can be coming from.

[@dominicmeehan8322]

Does £2000+: cost involve all transfers?

[@QuentinVole]

No transfers included if you book with CroisiEurope, but (in the UK) GreatRail offer these journeys with accompanied transfer by rail.

[@tonyofarrell2775]

Is barge cruising any cheaper than river cruising?

[@pm6613]

No.

[@georgeking9517]

The

[@derby1263]

Why has that wardrobe got beds in it

[@happytraveller2122]

I’ve heard they are mostly French speaking folk?

[@tipsfortravellers]

We only had 2 French speakers on this one. On some of their river cruises has been around half but very multi lingual and they cater for everyone. There were two French and two German speakers and they had a French / German guide for them on all excursions. They spoke English but crew would talk in their native language and so whatever language grouping on board they ensure are covered

[@QuentinVole]

@@tipsfortravellers We've done half a dozen cruises with CroisiEurope and they were all majority French speaking (apart from one booked through GreatRail which was all Brits). English speakers are seated together for meals (and there are English speaking guides), and we've met Americans and Dutch friends in this way. I speak French, so it doesn't bother me.

[@derby1263]

Wow not much choices. You're really selling this one. This reminds me of another day are 20 year ago.. we didn't have much choice then. But then again it was Strangeways prison

[@gerarddorle7141]

Speak french svp. G

[@derby1263]

Who would want to take a cruise on a converted coal bunker. 70 mile in one week if not exactly a cruise. It's more of a stroll. A packing up at night does not give you much opportunity to see the towns. Because most of the places would be shut. Canals were built for industrial use. Show the biggest majority of time you're going to see factories warehouses and scrap yards. You can only let use the sun text when you are docked, so basically you are sat in a greenhouse. What's 20 + sweaty people

[@mylesgarcia4625]

This is good. It leaves more room for people who do not think like you.