All About Hotel Barge Charters: 2016

Saturday, December 24, 2016

An Anniversary to Remember Aboard a Hotel Barge

An anniversary – perhaps a wedding milestone, a special birthday or a memorable date with personal significance – is the perfect opportunity to gather together your nearest and dearest to celebrate. If you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate this special event with your loved ones, chartering a hotel barge on one of the peaceful inland waterways of Europe could be the perfect solution.

Lunch aboard French Hotel Barge Emma on the canal du midi

All our hotel barges are available for private charter and many for individual cabin bookings on a shared cruise. Barges come in different sizes and, depending on the one you choose, can accommodate a maximum of six to 20 passengers. With a highly-trained and doting onboard crew – including captain, gourmet chef, hostesses and tour guide – at your disposal, embarking on a chartered cruise allows you the intimacy of your own private vessel along with the expert knowledge and assistance you would expect from a luxury hotel.

WINE APPRECIATION CRUISES

One of our themed cruises would provide a memorable backdrop for an anniversary get-together, such as a wine appreciation cruise.

Oenophiles love the plethora of wine tours that we offer throughout France and Italy. In Burgundy or Bordeaux, Loire Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon, carefully-crafted wine cruises offer you the opportunity to visit some wonderful, long-established wineries and vineyards, as well as explore the cultural and historical delights of each wine-growing region you cruise through.

And, of course, there will be plenty of tasting opportunities both on and off the vessel – a perfect way to toast that special occasion!

So, if you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a special anniversary with family or friends, a hotel barge cruise on one of Europe’s beautiful inland waterways is a wonderful way to create memories that will last a lifetime.

See special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.

What special occasion would you like to celebrate?

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Friday, December 23, 2016

Irish Barge Shannon Princess: ONLY ONE WEEK OPEN

Attention: the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess only has ONE week open for the 2017 barging season.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess - Barge Cruises In Ireland

Laethanta Saoire Sona !

Current availability:

Aug 20-26, 2017: Cabin cruise week:

2 cabins booked
2 cabins optioned (but not yet booked)
1 cabin OPEN

THE RIVER SHANNON

The Shannon Princess cruises through a countryside little changed through the centuries. Come aboard and join the Shannon Princess cruising on the River Shannon – an incredible journey through the heart of hidden Ireland. The River Shannon (named after the Celtic goddess ‘Sionna’) is a series of lakes, rivers and tiny canals, which at almost 200 miles in length, is Ireland’s longest river. For over ten thousand years, the river was vital to the survival of the prehistoric people living along its banks. After Christianity, it became the refuge of saints & scholars.Today the River Shannon remains unspoiled and has retained its great natural beauty and enjoys a richness in wild flowers, bird and animal life.

Cruise the Shannon between Athlone and Killaloe

As barge guests cruising on the River Shannon, aboard the Shannon Princess, you are “up close and personal” with the sights. Each day you will pass crumbling ivy-covered ruins, medieval garrisons and shoreline villages. Moor right at Clonmacnoise, a monastery established in the 6th century which survived for 1000 years. Your route takes you through dappled woodlands and floodplain meadows. The barge also calls at historic towns such as Athlone and Killaloe – today a pretty riverside village, but once home to the court of the last High Kings of Ireland. Observe wildlife – rare white tailed eagles nesting in waterside trees, go fishing, or even swim from the barge.There is always time for early morning strolls through twisting country lanes – or to explore the villages and roads by bicycles. Be as active as you wish! Everywhere, the friendly Irish people will welcome you as honoured guests.

THE SHANNON PRINCESS

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge’s inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect ‘Home away from Home’ for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists. On board the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

Shannon Princess can be booked on an individual cabin basis or as a whole-boat, private charter. The barge provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins with a professional Crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.

MEALS ARE ALSO AN IMPORTANT PART OF BARGING

Shannon Princess is very proud of their reputation for fantastic food and attentive service. With an emphasis on delicious modern cuisine, their foods and menus are prepared by sourcing fresh, free range and organic produces. Each day the menus are designed around the finest and freshest ingredients gathered at farm shops and country markets along the River Shannon and of course from the sea. You will be surprised and seduced by Ireland’s abundant natural ingredients.

On Shannon Princess you will enjoy scrumptious breakfasts, mouth watering lunches and elegant dinners prepared daily on board in the barge’s galley by the professionally trained chef.

Menus also offer a low fat, healthy eating option. Shannon Princess is always happy to attend to any special dietary requirements or preferences you may have; just let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Don't miss out...
Book your 2017 Irish barge cruise NOW

Contact Paradise Connections to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess's online brochure

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Friday, December 16, 2016

Barge Scottish Highlander's Captain Returns for 2017

After a career as a yacht charter captain in the Caribbean, Mick joined the Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander in 2015.

Mick, a Yorkshireman, is a warm host and happy to share his passion for all things nautical with passengers in Highlander’s extended, visitor-friendly wheelhouse. Having explored every creek and cove of the Virgin and Windward Islands, Mick enjoys studying maps and charts old and new and, after a full season on the Caledonian Canal, his idea of relaxation is to embark on a 3000-nautical mile transatlantic yacht delivery.

Hotel Barge SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER moored at Urquhart Castle

Luxury Crewed Canal Cruises in Scotland - The Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness & the Highlands

The hotel barge Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish country house with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet, Scottish Highlander is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Scottish Highlander accommodates up to eight guests in staterooms that can either be configured for doubles or singles, each with ensuite bathrooms. The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensure attention to your every need.

A six-night cruise includes all meals, open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and use of barge facilities such as bicycles. View their online brochure.

Contact Paradise Connections to book SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
View Scottish Highlander's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Hotel Barging In France

On any of our hotel barge cruises, one of the wonderful ways you get to experience the best of your cruising region is through the gastronomy. Our barge chefs and sommeliers know the characteristics of the local wines and cheeses they serve and how best to pair the two together.

There are a number of similarities between wine and cheese, those staples of the French diet. Both go through a fermentation and aging process; both have flavors that vary depending on the soil, sunlight, rainfall and geography of the area in which they are produced. In France, both are given the esteemed certification of AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) to indicate the quality and provenance of their traditional production.

Like wine, the tasting of cheese is something of a science, as different regions produce so many diverse flavors in all shapes, sizes and colors. If you are a cheese connoisseur, you will certainly be able to indulge your passion on any of our hotel barge cruises in France.

Cheeses can be classified in a number of different ways. For example, by the country or region of origin: a hard cheese made in the Alpine climes of Beaufort would be incredibly difficult to make in the flat, western region of Normandy.

Another difference is the method of production: for example, the outside of washed rind cheeses are repeatedly dusted with ‘morge’ – a mixture of brine, whey and old cheese scrapings – to create a colored rind, while the inside of a blue cheese is pricked with needles to grow blue mold.

These varying processes and environments create cheeses that are wildly different in texture, smell and taste, which we invite you to try as part of every meal during your "culinary voyage of discovery".

When you cruise on the Canal du Midi you will be introduced to the distinctive tastes of the region’s cheeses, with Roquefort Papillon, Cathare au Chèvre, and Tomme au Piment d’Espelette on the menu, paired with a local Corbières or Minervois wine.

In the Loire Valley you may be treated to a cheeseboard featuring Crottin de Chavignol, a creamy goats’ cheese that is surprisingly perfect with a dry, white wine from Sancerre. In Burgundy, Epoisses and Aisy Cendré are examples of cheeses served with full-bodied red wines sucha s Meursault or Santenay-les-Beaunes.

Let us open your eyes to a world of delicious, gourmet cheeses on any of our French hotel barge cruises – you won’t be disappointed!

See special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.

Best Wishes & Happy Holidays

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Monday, December 05, 2016

French Hotel Barge RENAISSANCE offers 2 free hotel nights

The French Hotel Barge RENAISSANCE is offering two free nights at the 4-star Hotel Westminster in central Paris for charter guests in 2017. The hotel stay includes breakfast and can be used either before or after your cruise. This offer can also be combined with current specials on the Renaissance of 10% off charters for select departures in April and May and 10% off per cabin on select departures in May. Booking deposits must be made by January 6, 2017 to be eligible.

The eight-passenger, French hotel barge Renaissance provides a true luxury cruise experience. Among its amenities are spacious suites, an on-deck heated spa pool, alfresco dining on the forward deck, a fireplace in the saloon – enjoy these things along with the undivided, personal attention of a five-person crew that includes a captain, tour guide, master chef and two hosts/hostesses.

The Renaissance travels along the Canal de Briare and Canal Latéral à la Loire between the towns of Montargis and Chatillon-sur-Loire. This area is known as the Gâtinais and the "Garden of France". The Canal de Briare is one of the oldest canals in France, completed in 1642, and is steeped with history. You will discover quaint villages, beautiful scenery, and partake in interesting side trips.

Enjoy a French Barging Cruise in 2017 ...

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

It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Christmas Gift Idea : Barging Cruise

Happy Holidays!

We'd like to point out the many special offers we have on Hotel Barge Charters & Cruises for 2017. What a great gift idea!

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR 2017

Please CLICK HERE for current special offers and discounts

Here's a short video of folks that definitely enjoyed barging this summer. Take a look...

Looking forward to your inquiries

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

French Hotel Barge Rendezvous: save on Spring 2017 barging cruises

Save on Spring 2017 barging charters on French Hotel Barge Rendezvous in southern Burgundy, France.

French Hotel Barge Rendezvous
Cruising the Canals of Burgundy France between Fleury-sur-Ouche and Vandenesse en Auxois

Enjoy a $7,500 savings on 6-night private charters for up to 6 guests in April 2017:

$22,500: April 9-15, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)
$22,500: April 16-22, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)
$22,500: April 23-29, 2017 (normally $30,000/week)

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Rendezvous accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins which can be configured with one Queen/King bed or two Twin beds. Which ever arrangement works best for you.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits
Cycle along the Route des Grands Crus
Explore Dijon's food market, Les Halles, designed by Gustave Eiffel of the Parisian tower fame
Wine tasting in Beaune, wine capital of Cote d'Or
Visit the village of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and its fairy tale style castle
Taste and learn about cheesemaking at a local farm

Rendezvous is designed for guests who want a high quality cruise but also an experience which reflects their interest in cuisine and wine, fitness, and immersion into the culture and people of France. Even the name of this barge suggests the coming together of people and places.

Rendezvous packs a lot of casual living into its space, including an open kitchen, large and canopied deck (complete with spa pool/hot tub), and cozy cabins with every amenity. Décor is contemporary and comfortable, with high quality furniture, fabrics and accent pieces, all hand-selected.

Sightseeing includes a bicycle ride through the vineyards, a private mustard tasting and tour in Beaune, and a visit to a cheese farm with a wine tasting. Optional golf will be available on several easily reached courses along the route.

Interested in a French Rendezvous? Contact us!

Contact Paradise Connections to book RENDEZVOUS
View Rendezvous' online brochure

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Special pricing for Burgundy cruises aboard French Hotel Barge Prosperite

French Hotel Barge Prosperite, is a very popular barge that cruises in Burgundy, France between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois, a beautiful and interesting region. They are offering select weeks at special pricing for barging cruises in Burgundy next year (2017).

French Hotel Barge Prosperite cruising in Burgundy France

$45,000/week for up to 8 guests:

April 9-15, 2017
April 16-22, 2017
April 23-29, 2017

$54,000/week for up to 8 guests:

October 15-21, 2017
October 22-28, 2017

Prosperite's regular season rate is $60,000 for up to 8 guests.

Cruise Rate Includes: 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Paris to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

View their brochure: http://bargecharters.com/barges/prosperite/

Prospérité cruises southern Burgundy between Dijon and Vandenesse-en-Auxois along the Canal du Bourgogne. They accommodate 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...

Looking forward to your inquiries

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFER – 30% OFF BARGING CRUISES

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY OFFER

30% OFF SELECT BARGING CHARTERS IN

HOLLAND AND FRANCE FOR 2017

PANACHE Moored in Holland
6 cabins / 12 guests

L'ART DE VIVRE moored in Burgundy

4 cabins / 8 guests

Hotel Barges Panache in Holland and L’Art de Vivre in France Feature Up to $20,000 Off

Many families will be gathering over the Thanksgiving holiday and plan their next vacation together. We would like to suggest an excellent vacation opportunity that you are sure to enjoy.

Spend quality time with family or friends on a hotel barge cruise this Spring through the picturesque landscapes of Europe.

Both the Dutch Tulip Cruise on Panache and the classic Burgundy cruise on L’Art de Vivre will allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery, discover local culture, history, gastronomy, and return home with some wonderful memories.

Book between now and November 30, 2016 and receive a 30% discount off of a full-boat, private, all-inclusive charter. You do not need to be American to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving.

HOTEL BARGE L'ART DE VIVRE: Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, France

Dates: April 30-May 6, 2017
Rate: $27,160 for up to 8 guests ($38,800 -30%)
Online brochure: L'ART DE VIVRE

L’Art de Vivre has been called, “a floating celebration of the Burgundian good life.” Highlights of the cruise includes a private wine tasting in the cellar of a renowned Chablis vineyard; a tour of the magnificent 12th century Chateau de Bazoches; a visit to the hilltop Romanesque basilica of Vezelay; and optional hot air ballooning.

HOTEL BARGE PANACHE: Dutch Tulip Cruise

Dates: April 9-15, 2017: Dutch Tulip Cruise.
Rate: $46,900 for up to 12 guests ($67,000 -30%)
Online brochure: PANACHE

The spacious 12-passenger Panache’s Holland cruise includes a visit to Keukenhof Gardens to see the world’s largest display of flowers; a tour of the Royal Delft pottery, famous for its handmade earthenware that sets the standard by which all delftware pottery is measured; and a visit to Rembrandt’s birthplace in the historic city of Leiden.

Prices are all-inclusive and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted daily excursions and local transfers to and from the hotel barge. Cannot be combined with other offers and other restrictions may apply

See more special offers for 2017 barging cruise vacations. Click HERE.

Best Wishes & Happy Thanksgiving

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your barge trip
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess almost full...

Attention: the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess is almost completely full for the 2017 barging season.

Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess - Barge Cruises In Ireland

Current availability:

July 17-22: Only week open for a private charter (all 5 cabins open)
July 30-Aug 5: Cabin week: 3 cabins open
Aug 20-26: Cabin week: 4 cabins open
Sept 24-30: Cabin week: 1 cabin open

Cruise the Shannon between Athlone and Killaloe

There are only a few spots left...
Book your 2017 Irish barge cruise NOW

Contact Paradise Connections to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess's online brochure

Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com