All About Hotel Barge Charters

Thursday, March 15, 2012

French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE: Value weeks open

The luxury crewed French hotel barge PROSPERITE, which offers barging cruises along the Canal de Bourgogne in the Burgundy region of France, still has TWO value weeks available for private charters.

French Hotel Barge PROSPÉRITÉ - Barging vacation cruises in Burgundy, France

The French Hotel Barge Prospérité cruises the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal) of France. Enjoy the unparalleled history and beauty of the Burgundy region via barge travel in France — 150 vineyards, cellars and wine traders in the region are open for sampling and more than 32 fine restaurants bear Michelin stars, including four 3-star establishments.

Prospérité accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 suites, which can be configured as doubles or twins, with sitting area and desk, each having their own private ensuite bathroom. The barge is fully air conditioned and also has central heating when necessary, hot tub on the sundeck, bicycles, air conditioned minivan for excursions...

SPECIAL VALUE SEASON RATES: Save up to $10,000

Up to 8 guests: $42,900

April 1-7, 2012

April 8-14, 2012

PROSPERITE only has five other weeks open for the 2012 season:

May 5-12

July 8-14

July 22-28

July 29 - August 4

August 5-11, 2012

RATES: Regular season, 2012

6 guests: $50,900

7 guests: $51,900

8 guests: $52,900

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROSPERITE
View Prospérité's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS: Save on cabin cruise week and MORE

The Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS II, which cruises the River Shannon in Ireland, has announced a $1000 savings for cabins booked for the the week of May 13-19, 2012.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess II - Barging in Ireland
Barge Cruises along the Shannon River, Ireland

The special price for this cruise week is only $3660/person, double occupancy ($7320/cabin for 2 people). There are currently 3 cabins open.

Bike / Cycling tours in Ireland

Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the Irish hotel barge Shannon Princess II and cruise between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon. Shannon Princess accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer.

Do you fancy a bit of bike touring? Olivia has put much effort into researching interesting cycling routes for their guests. Read more here.

REMINDER OF OUR ST PATRICK'S DAY SPECIAL OFFER

Book Shannon Princess before March 31, 2012 for a barging vacation in 2012 and we will send you a gift that you can enjoy on your barge trip!

Read more about Paradise Connections' special St Pat's gift in our previous post HERE

Don't put it off any longer... experience barging in Ireland this year!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE: Opens cabin week + Value weeks

The French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE has opened up the week of May 27 to June 2, 2012 as a cabin cruise week and currently has three cabins available.

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Barging cruises in Burgundy, France

The very special price for this cabin cruise week is only $2950/person, double occupancy ($5900/cabin for 2 people).

The Barge Savoir Vivre cruises along the canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy canal) between Escommes and Fleurey-sur-Ouche.

VALUE WEEKS STILL AVAILABLE

We would like to remind you of Savoir Vivre's special low rates for April 1-May 12, 2012.

April 1-7: Booked

April 8-14: Open... BOOK NOW

April 15-21: Open... BOOK NOW

April 22-28: Open... BOOK NOW

April 29-May 5: Open... BOOK NOW

May 6-12: Open... BOOK NOW

This season Savoir Vivre is willing to open a cabin cruise week if two or more cabins are booked. If you and your friends would like to book two cabins with the possibility of sharing the barge with four other people, let us know! The price is $3500/person, double occupancy.

Savoir Vivre is a bit different to the other barges that we represent as they do not have an onboard chef. Pastries for the continental breakfast are supplied by the local baker. Lunch is catered by professional chefs who meet up with the boat with their prepared meal. Dinners are off the boat in locally selected restaurants (included in charter fee).

Savoir Vivre is 80 feet long, air conditioned (and has central heat, too), 4 identical guest cabins which can be configured with a queen or two twin beds, each having ensuite private bathrooms, flat screen TV, internet where available, 8 bicycles, etc...

SAVOIR VIVRE: Ability to live life well and with intelligent enjoyment, meeting every situation with poise, good manners, and elegance. Etymology: French, to know (how) to live.

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAVOIR VIVRE
View Savoir Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Barging Cruises: Special Offers for 2012 season

HOTEL CANAL & RIVER BARGES

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES

We have some special offers and discounts for 2012 barging vacations (see below). Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing.

Barge Scottish Highlander - Barging in Scotland - Caledonian Canal Cruise

Click on the Barge's name to view their online brochure. Find their prices on their brochure's RATES page. Contact us if you'd like us to do the calculation for the special offer rate and check current availability.

2012 season : Special offers for PRIVATE CHARTERS and CABIN BOOKINGS

Barge	\| Location	\| Discount	\| Dates for 2012	\| Deposit by
La Belle Epoque	\| France: Burgundy	\| charter: 25%* \| cabin: 25%	\| April 22, May 13 \| April 29, May 6	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
L’Art de Vivre	\| France: Burgundy	\| charter: 25%*	\| April, May	\| Apr 6, 2012
		\| cabin: 25% \| -$1000/cabin	\| April 1, 29 \| June 3	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
L'Impressionniste	\| France: Burgundy	\| cabin: 25%	\| April 22	\| Apr 6, 2012
Renaissance	\| France: \| Upper Loire/ Burgundy	\| charter: 25%* \| cabin: 25% \| -$1000/cabin	\| April, May \| April 15 \| June 3	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Panache	\| Holland \| \| Champagne \| Alsace-Lorraine	\| charter: 25% \| cabin: 25% \| cabin: 10% \| charter: 10%	\| April 8 \| Apr 29, May 6 \| June 3 \| June thru Oct	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Anjodi	\| France: Midi /Provence	\| charter: 25%* \| cabin: 25% \| -$1000/cabin	\| May 6, 27 \| April 1, 8, 15 \| May 20, June 10	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Enchante	\| France: Canal du Midi	\| -$1000/cabin	\| Apr 29, May 6, 27	\| Apr 6, 2012
Rosa	\| France: Midi /Gascony \| France: Gascony	\| charter: 25%* \| cabin: 25% \| \| -$1000/cabin	\| March, Apr, May \| March 11,25, \| April 29, May 6 \| June 3, 10	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Magna Carta	\| England: Thames	\| charter: 25%* \| -$1000/cabin	\| April, May \| April 22	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Scottish Highlander	\| Scotland	\| charter: 25%* \| charter: 5% \| cabin: 25%	\| April, May \| July thru Oct \| April 22, May 20	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012
Shannon Princess II	\| Ireland: Shannon	\| -$1000/cabin	\| May 13	\| Apr 6, 2012
La Bella Vita	\| Italy: Venice/ Po Valley	\| -$5000/charter \| cabin: 25%	\| April 8, 29 \| May 13, 27	\| Apr 6, 2012 \| Apr 6, 2012

* = 25% off full charter, 8-person rate (which is also a considerable savings for the 6-person rate)

Conditions
Our normal Terms & Conditions apply. Some cruises may require a minimum of 4 passengers booked to guarantee the cruise.
These special offers are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

MORE SPECIAL OFFERS / SPECIAL EVENTS:

EMMA (Canal du Midi) - Land & Sea Package, Surf & Turf
SHANNON PRINCESS (Ireland): Guided Cycling Tours, no additional supplement
LA BELLE EPOQUE (Burgundy): Guided Walking Tours, no additional supplement : Sept 30-Oct 6, and Oct 21-27, 2012
SAVOIR FAIRE: (Burgundy): Special Offer for Family Cruises, Summer 2012
FLEUR DE LYS (Burgundy): Art Week Cruise, May 20-26, 2012
AMARYLLIS (Burgundy): Grands Cru Wine Cruise, cabin cruise: July 15-21, 2012
NAPOLEON : Wine Discovery Week, cabin cruise: July 1-7 AND July 8-14, 2012
NAPOLEON : Picture Perfect (Painting) Art Cruise, cabin cruise: July 29-Aug 4, 2012

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

These barging vacations are fully crewed and all-inclusive:

Six nights' accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.

French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE: Cabin Week Open & Value Rates

We have just been notified that the French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE has opened up June 3-9, 2012 as a cabin week and has ~~one cabin~~ available. (Update March 13, 2012: Fully booked)

French Hotel Barge SAVOIR VIVRE - Barging cruises in Burgundy, France

Barge Savoir Vivre cruises along the canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy canal) between Escommes and Fleurey-sur-Ouche.

We would like to remind you of Savoir Vivre's special low rates for April 1-May 12, 2012.

The first six weeks of their 2012 charter season has the very special pricing of $22,000 for charters of any size up to 8 guests. This equates to only $2750/person. This is a $6000 savings from their regular, 8-person rate. A very good deal, indeed.

April 1-7: Booked
April 8-14: Open... BOOK NOW
April 15-21: Open... BOOK NOW
April 22-28: Open... BOOK NOW
April 29-May 5: Open... BOOK NOW
May 6-12: Open... BOOK NOW

Savoir Vivre is a bit different to the other barges that we represent as they do not have an onboard chef. Pastries for the continental breakfast are supplied by the local baker. Lunch is catered by professional chefs who meet up with the boat with their prepared meal. Dinners are off the boat in locally selected restaurants (included in charter fee).

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAVOIR VIVRE
View Savoir Vivre's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Barging Cruise Vacations Special Offers for 2012

2012 HOTEL BARGES

SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS on BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES

We have some special offers and discounts for 2012 barging vacations (see below). Contact Paradise Connections now, for current availability and pricing.

EXPIRED: Please see March 2012 SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

French Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

MORE SPECIAL OFFERS / SPECIAL EVENTS:

EMMA (Canal du Midi) - Land & Sea Package, Surf & Turf
SHANNON PRINCESS (Ireland): Guided Cycling Tours, no additional supplement
LA BELLE EPOQUE (Burgundy): Guided Walking Tours, no additional supplement : Sept 30-Oct 6, and Oct 21-27, 2012
SAVOIR FAIRE: (Burgundy): Special Offer for Family Cruises, Summer 2012
FLEUR DE LYS (Burgundy): Art Week Cruise, May 20-26, 2012
AMARYLLIS (Burgundy): Grands Cru Wine Cruise, cabin cruise: July 15-21, 2012
NAPOLEON : Wine Discovery Week, cabin cruise: July 1-7 AND July 8-14, 2012
NAPOLEON : Picture Perfect (Painting) Art Cruise, cabin cruise: July 29-Aug 4, 2012

French Hotel Barge EMMA - Barging cruises on the canal du midi, France

These barging vacations are fully crewed and all-inclusive:

Six nights' accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin.
The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges.
An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee.
Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest.
Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool.

French Hotel Barge L'Impressionniste - Barging in France - Canal de Bourgogne

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barging holiday
For more information on our barges and barging, visit our website : www.BargeCharters.com

Monday, January 23, 2012

French Hotel Barge ROI SOLEIL - Canal du Midi, France (Provence, too!)

The French Hotel Barge Roi Soleil sent us this bit of news this morning, along with some nice photos...

We are pleased to announce that Roi Soleil completed the new EU regulations inspection and was awarded Class 2, further to the previous Rhine Classification, this authorize us to navigate not only canals but also large rivers and estuaries through Europe, this is much higher than required for the Canal du Midi which is in lower class, and follows our practice of being classified over the requirements of the regular route.

Attached are photos of the haul-out, before and after, please note amongst others the new custom bronze propellor, 5 blades 85cm (33.5 inches).

- Guilluame & Tracey

Roi Soleil being hauled out in Sête

Roi Soleil sparkling in the boatyard

Isn't their new prop just gorgeous!

The French hotel barge, or river yacht, Roi Soleil with their crew of four, is available for private charter for up to six guests in three well-appointed staterooms that can be configured with either queen or twin beds. I love the open galley where you can watch the chef prepare gastronomical delights for your pleasure. The fireplace is a nice, cozy touch as well.

Roi Soleil is fully booked between May 20 and June 30, 2012 but only has one week booked (so far!) during the popular month of September. Their two Value Seasons (lower rates) from April 14-28 and July 8 through August 25, are completely open.

Roi Soleil cruises the canal du midi between Béziers and Carcassonne for most of the barging season, then changes to their Provence route between Béziers and Avignon from September 30 through October 27.

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ROI SOLEIL
View Roi Soleil's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Free Gift for Our Barge Shannon Princess Guests - Barging in Ireland 2012

Book a 2012 cruise aboard the Irish hotel barge SHANNON PRINCESS by St Patrick's Day (March 17, 2012) with Paradise Connections and we will send you a gift that you can enjoy during your barging cruise.

Tickle me with a shillelagh... you must be joking...

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

No, it's true! Book and confirm your 2012 Shannon Princess barge cruise between now and March 17, 2012 and get a FREE 2GB iPod Shuffle... or two... or three... or four... or more...

You can even have one in green!

We'll send each person in your party (whether a cabin booking of 2, or a private charter booking for 10, for example) a handy gift to enjoy on your barging vacation in Ireland.

Looking for a bit of music to put on your new iPod Shuffle? Check out these mp3 downloads from Amazon: Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, U2, The Pogues, Sinead O'Connor, The Cranberries, The Corrs, The Chieftains, The Irish Rovers, Irish Folk Players, The Cieli Band

Here's a bit of culture for you :)

Wondering what that phrase above means?

Beannachtaí na Féile Páraic oraibh! : St. Patrick's Day blessing upon you
Click HERE to listen (ban-ock-tee na fay-lah paw-rig ur-iv)

Here's another useful saying when you visit Ireland:

Pionta Guinness, le do thoil. A pint of Guiness, please.
Click HERE to listen (pyunta Guinness leh duh hull)

(Thanks to http://www.irish-sayings.com for these sound bytes!)

Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the Irish hotel barge Shannon Princess II and cruise between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon. Shannon Princess accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as either doubles or twins, as you prefer. Individual cabin bookings or private charters available. Previous blog posts for Shannon Princess.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess moored in Killaloe, Ireland

What's more? If you book an August 2012 private charter before February 29, 2012 you will receive a 5% discount off standard rates, plus the iPods!

Don't put it off any longer... experience barging in Ireland this year!

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com