French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE: Cabin Week Cruises & Other News

The luxury crewed French Hotel Barge PROSPERITE has made changes for their Individual Cabin Cruise Booking weeks for the 2011 season.

French Hotel Barge PROSPÉRITÉ - Barging vacations in France
Barge cruises along the French canals of Southern Burgundy
Canal de Bourgogne - between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois

Prospérité is normally available for private charters only, but this season they have opened two weeks on their calendar for individual cabin cruises for a shared charter. This is a wonderful opportunity for a couple to do a barging vacation aboard a quality barge such as Prosperite.

SHARED BARGE CHARTER, Cabin Cruise Weeks:

• July 10-16, 2011 (take part in Bastille celebrations!)
• October 2-8, 2011

RATE:

• $12,500/cabin (i.e. $6250/person, double occupancy)

PRIVATE CHARTERS: Prospérité is pretty well booked up for Spring & early Summer, but inquire, perhaps they are open for YOUR dates! Prospérité is currently open from June 26 through August 27, 2011. They are a very popular barge, so inquire for dates before they are all gone.

RATES:

Value season, 2011 - April 3-23 and October 16-29:

• up to 8 guests: $39,900

Regular season, 2011 - April 24 through October 15:

• 6 guests: $47,400
• 7 guests: $48,650
• 8 guests: $49,900

 

A FEW COMMENTS FROM 2010:

"Just an outstanding experience - nothing about it we didn't love - the food was wonderful - Damien is a superb chef and interacted personally with us, he even taught a cooking class - Captain Spencer has a assembled a highly talented, service oriented crew who make it a delight every day - the sightseeing excursions were interesting and informative and Rejane made Burgundy come alive with her knowledge and passion.  We recommend this cruise without reservation - and we are seasoned travelers."

"A wonderful experience.  Accommodations, food and wine are memorable experiences  Captain Spencer and crew met or exceeded every need.  Wonderful people who are pleased to serve and enjoy doing it."

"I just wanted you to know what an exceptional experience we had on Prosperite.  We had high expectations of the barge, the crew, the scenery and ALL were exceeded!  Captain Spencer, Rejane, Emily, Aidita, Vincent and Damien were all exceptional hosts!”

OTHER NEWS:  Earl and Spencer are in the midst of a major upgrade to this already gorgeous barge! All of Prospérité's carpeting (upstairs and down) will be replaced, the entire vessel will be re-painted, and the bathroom facilities more modernised. In addition, all new bathroom linens will be purchased.  Last season, they purchased a brand new Mercedes minivan. These upgrades keep Prospérité in the premier rank of boutique hotel barges.

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

 

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Spring Dutch Tulip Cruises - Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE

Visit Holland this spring and see the tulips in bloom while enjoying a cruise through countryside of the Netherlands aboard Hotel Barge Savoir Faire.

Hotel Barge SAVOIR FAIRE - Barging cruises in Holland, Belgium and France

In addition to visiting such famous sites as Haarlem, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda, Amsterdam and the windmills of Zaanse Schans, the Savoir Faire Holland Tulip Cruise also includes two of the most popular destinations in Holland. Not to be missed are:

• Aalsmeer, close to Amsterdam, is the home of the world’s biggest flower auction. The auctions are held early in the morning but they are still very popular. Many tourists put their wish of sleeping in aside for a visit here. And it is not just for tourists, local cultivators and 1.500 foreign growers send their products to the auctions. The flowers are sold to buyers all over the world, more than 75% of the flowers and plants sold at the auction are exported.
• Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden (32 hectares) is located between the two towns of Hillegom and Lisse, south of Haarlem. The park attracts 800.000 people during the open hours of eight weeks each year and it's one of the most photographed sights in the world. For the season of 2011, 7 million bulbs have been planted making the flower season something very special to look forward to.

SAVOIR FAIRE has a special offer for April 3-9 and April 10-16, 2011 cruises... Inquire.

The Hotel Barge Savoir Faire is fully air conditioned (central heat, too!) and accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 well-appointed staterooms. Each stateroom can be configured with two twin beds or with one queen bed, and has ensuite private bathrooms. Each guest stateroom has a DVD player with an LCD screen and 2 sets of wireless headphones. The salon, dining area, and bar are finished in mahogany, teak and brass, decorated with antiques and paintings collected over the years.

You can find Savoir Faire's itineraries in our eBrochure.

Our website has interesting supplementary information for Holland and Belgium.

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

 

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French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA - 3-night Discovery cruise

The French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA has an opening for a 3-night/4-day Discovery Cruise, July 26-29, 2011, along the historic canal du midi in the south of France.

The price for this special Discovery Cruise is only $12,880 for 4 guests (i.e. $3220/person).

ALEGRIA is also offering a 10% discount on their Beziers to Carcassonne cruise of April 16-22, 2011. The special price for this week is $16,560 for 4 guests (i.e. $4140/person).

Read more about the French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA in our January post, here.

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

 

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

Book a 2011 cruise aboard the Irish hotel barge SHANNON PRINCESS by St Patrick's Day (March 17, 2011) 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!  Confirm your new 2011 Shannon Princess barge cruise between now and March 17, 2011 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.

Experience barging in Ireland this year!

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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

 

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Irish Hotel Barge SHANNON PRINCESS - New rate structure

The Irish hotel barge SHANNON PRINCESS has modified their price structure and now offers rates for 6-person and 8-person charters, along with their previous rate for 10-guest charters.

Hotel Barge Shannon Princess - All-inclusive crewed barging cruises along Shannon River, Ireland

The Shannon Princess, a boutique hotel barge cruising the fabled River Shannon in Ireland, is owned and operated by Irish husband and wife team, Ruairi Gibbons & Olivia Power. Together they have brought their shared knowledge, experience and passion onboard the Shannon Princess to create a very personalized and bespoke cruise experience.

Onboard the 10-passenger Shannon Princess, enjoy contemporary luxury and traditional hospitality at its best. Ruairi as skipper and tour guide, along with Olivia as master chef, lead a handpicked professional crew. You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

RATES for all-inclusive standard 6-night/7-day private barge charter:

Value Season: April 17 - May 14, 2011

• 6 guests: $27,500
• 8 guests: $31,000
• 10 guests: $35,000

Regular Season: May 15 - October 8, 2011

• 6 guests: $31,000
• 8 guests: $35,000
• 10 guests: $39,000

Shannon Princess also offers cabin cruises where you share the barge with other guests, as well as themed charters. See our RATES page.

Read previous posts about Shannon Princess:

• IRELAND: Winter & Spring Walking Weekends with Barge Shannon Princess
• Barging & Guided Walking Tour Cruise Ireland Summer 2011

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

The Shannon cruise brings you in touch with the very soul of Ireland. Come and explore the lovely Irish countryside... not only the rich wildlife and spectacular scenery, but their myths and legends as well. Pass by ancient monasteries, prehistoric cities, forts and Celtic vilages, while floating along the tranquil Shannon river.

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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

 

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French Hotel Barge NYMPHEA - Loire Valley, France

Looking for a different vacation this summer? How about a barging cruise and explore the spectacular Loire Valley in France while gliding along the River Cher.

The Valley of the Kings is a timeless region of spectacular beauty and grace and we are delighted to offer the all-inclusive luxury French hotel barge NYMPHEA which navigates the heart of the Loire Valley.

French Hotel Barge NYMPHEA - Video

The 6-passenger French hotel barge, Nymphea, is a classic Dutch design with shallow draft and is ideal for navigating the incredibly beautiful yet somewhat sandy reaches of the river Cher in the Loire valley, France.

Cruise Highlights:

• Cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau
• Visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and see the silkworm nursery
• Excursion to the Château d'Amboise
• Private wine tastings at Montrichard and Domain de Fontenay
• Visit to Château de Nitray and its rose garden
• Colorful street markets
• Excellent walking and bicycling
• Optional hot air ballooning

Visit the French hotel barge NYMPHEA's online brochure

Like most barges, Nymphea offers private barge charters as well as charters where you can book a cabin and share the barge cruise with other guests. Nymphea also has special rates for private, honeymoon charters for two.

• Standard itinerary
• Cycling / Biking Cruise Itinerary
• Golf
• Family cruise
• Romantic Honeymoon Getaway

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and we check availability for your dates!

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

 

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Hotel Barges: Current special offers Barging Cruises

CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2011 HOTEL BARGES - BARGING VACATIONS & CRUISES

 

French Hotel Barge ALOUETTE

Barging cruises on the Canal du Midi in the south of France

We love Europe in the springtime (and other seasons, too!)...

Click on the Barge's name to view their online brochure.

• SPRING 2011: Special offers for Full-Boat, PRIVATE CHARTERS (expires Feb 25, 2011)

Barge	Location	Discount off charter rate	| Dates
Renaissance	France: Burgundy/Upper Loire	$5000 off 6-8 guests	| Apr & May
La Belle Epoque	France: Burgundy	$5000 off 10-12 guests	| Apr & May
L'Impressionniste	France: Burgundy	$5000 off 10-12guests	| Apr & May
L’Art de Vivre	France: Burgundy	$3000 off 6-8 guests	| Apr & May
Enchante	France: Canal du Midi	$5000 off 6-8 guests	| April 24
Anjodi	France: Canal du Midi	$3000 off 6-8 guests	| Apr & May
Rosa	France: Gascony	$3000 off 6-8 pax	| Apr & May
Scottish Highlander	Scotland	$3000 off 6-8 guests	| Apr & May
Magna Carta	England: Thames	$3000 off 6-8 guests	| Apr & May
La Bella Vita	Italy: Venice	$5000 off 12-20 guests	| Apr & May
Savoir Faire	Holland	25% off 10-12 guests	| April 3 & 10 | (expires March 31, 2011)

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• SUMMER 2011: Special offers for Full-Boat, PRIVATE CHARTERS (expires Feb 25, 2011)

Barge	| Location	| Discount off charter rate	| Dates
La Belle Epoque	| France: Burgundy	| $3000 off 10-12 guests	| July & August

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• SPRING 2011: Special offers for CABIN BOOKINGS, Shared-boat charters (expires Feb 25, 2011)

Barge	Location	Discount per cabin	| Dates
Renaissance	France: Burgundy/Upper Loire	$1000 off / cabin	| May 1
La Belle Epoque	France: Burgundy	$1000 off / cabin	| May 22 & 29
L'Impressionniste	France: Burgundy	$1000 off / cabin	| May 1, 15, 22
L’Art de Vivre	France: Burgundy	$1000 off / cabin	| May 15
Enchante	France: Canal du Midi	$1000 off / cabin	| Apr 10 & 17
Rosa	France: Gascony	$1000 off / cabin	| May 15, June 12
Scottish Highlander	Scotland	$1000 off / cabin	| May 1 & 8
Magna Carta	England: Thames	$1000 off / cabin	| Apr 24, May 15 & 29
La Bella Vita	Italy: Venice	$1000 off / cabin	| Apr 17, May 15, June 5
Savoir Faire	Holland	25% off / cabin *	| April 3 & 10 | (expires March 31, 2011)

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• OTHER SPECIAL OFFERS ON THE FOLLOWING BARGES (expires March 31, 2011)

Barge	Location	Discount rate	| Dates
Hirondelle	France: Burgundy/Upper Loire	50% off companion price - cabin bookings**	| All 2011
Fleur de Lys	France: Lower Burgundy	50% off companion price - cabin bookings**	| Apr & May
Amaryllis	France: Lower Burgundy	1 complimentary night B&B in a 5-star Paris hotel***	| All 2011
Alouette	France: Canal du Midi	1 complimentary night B&B in a 5-star Paris hotel***	| All 2011
Fleur de Lys	France: Lower Burgundy	1 complimentary night B&B in a 5-star Paris hotel***	| Apr & May
Roi Soleil	France: Canal du Midi	5% discount off charter rate	| All 2011

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Conditions
Barges 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.
Credit card payments on all offers carry a 2% surcharge.
*For this Savoir Faire cabin offer a minimum of three cabins must be booked.
**These Hirondelle and Fleur de Lys offers are based on double occupancy in a double/twin cabin and apply to a maximum of two cabins per departure.
***These Amaryllis, Fleur de Lys and Alouette offers apply to full boat charter bookings only in 2011.

These vacations are fully crewed and all-inclusive:

• 6 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. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure using local produce.
• 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.
• Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point.

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

 

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