Saturday, May 18, 2019

Graduation idea - Family barge charter

Family Barge Charters

Do you have children who are interested in European history or maybe are studying French?

Here's a great graduation idea... a family barge charter!



French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Canal du Midi, France

With hectic lifestyles becoming the norm these days, a vacation where several generations of the same family, perhaps for a birthday or graduation celebration, can grab that rare opportunity to all be together is becoming more and more desirable.

Hotel barge charters are a wonderful way for families to spend special time together. There is something on offer for family members of all ages. A doting crew to care for you, delicious food prepared by your very own on-board chef, your own minibus to take you where you want to go, and stopping in a different locations every day without having to pack and unpack. It’s like having your own private floating villa!


3-minute video highlighting the fun of a family barging cruise

Most of our hotel barges offer family charter cruises with great activities for the children, but also plenty of time for the adults to relax, especially if they’re sipping a chilled glass of Chablis in the on-deck spa pool as they cruise gently along a meandering canal on the waterways of Europe.

A private barge charter's itinerary can be tailored to fit your personal interests. Many of our barges have sample itineraries for family cruises. Take a look at their online brochure under "Itineraries".

The voyage itself is already great fun. Grandchildren may find themselves steering their 126 foot vessel along a tree-lined canal, perhaps joining their cousins in the barge jacuzzi or biking together, as their parents relax alongside on the sundeck just a few feet away.

Having your own chef makes evening meals both enjoyable and flexible on a family charter. Dinner can be enjoyed as a family, with perhaps a casual barbecue during the week for children to enjoy some alfresco dining. Or a high tea can be served for younger children with the normal recipes they enjoy. Alternatively, a combination where elder children join the adults for dinner and then a break between courses for an evening stroll before bedtime. Adults can then relax in peace and quiet with coffee and liqueurs.

Ashore, as well as our traditional cultural visits, we can arrange horse riding, water sports, tennis and many other activities to keep the younger ones and young at heart, completely satisfied. As with all our charter itineraries your experience is fully customisable to suite the ages and needs of your group. Child equipment such high-chairs, car seats, child bike seats, travel cots, children’s bicycles and more are available on request at no extra cost.



Special Offers

Many of our barges have special offers for this summer



So, in the immortal words of The Ramones:


Hey Ho, Let's Go !





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


Friday, May 17, 2019

New Special Offers - Expires June 24, 2019

Special Offers on Barge Trips

We have updated the special offers for our European hotel barges. Most offers are valid for new bookings made by June 24, 2019. There's a variety of nice discounts across France, Italy & Scotland for you to enjoy, including La Bella Vita's special opera cruise. Departures range from May through October 2019. Check out our Special Offers page and don't hesitate to pop us a line.

Many barges are offering 10% and 20% off private charters which are great for groups of family & friends. We all like a discount! Plus there are similar discounts on individual cabin bookings allowing you to join a group with like-minded folks. We also have "No Single Supplement" specials on select departures which are a super deal for those intrepid solo travellers.






Cruise the Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy aboard L'Impressionniste

Paradise Connections represents luxury hotel barges along various European waterways where attentive crew will pamper you with personalized service to ensure your enjoyment of this unique vacation.





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



Special Offers for 2020 Barge Charter Season


Special Offers for
2020 Barge Charters

We have posted special offers for hotel barge charters taking place in 2020. Offers valid for charters deposited by June 24, 2019.




La Belle Epoque cruises the Canal du Bourgogne in Burgundy

Paradise Connections represents luxury hotel barges along various European waterways where attentive crew will pamper you with personalized service to ensure your enjoyment of this unique vacation.





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



Thursday, May 16, 2019

Italian Hotel Barge LA BELLA VITA's 2019 Opera Cruise

Special Opera Cruise

La Bella Vita's special Opera itinerary is for 7 nights and commences Saturday August 10, 2019. It includes one hotel night in Verona (August 10), a visit to the fascinating Arena Muse Opera, a wonderful museum devoted to the history of opera, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant, and a performance of Puccini's "Tosca" at the Arena di Verona (best seats in the House). The opera-themed cruise aboard La Bella Vita continues for 6 nights August 11-17, 2019 between Venice and Mantua.



Opera lover? Enjoy an opera-themed cruise aboard La Bella Vita




Special Offer

Opera Cruise
Save 20%
Book before June 24, 2019




Before your cruise from Venice to Mantua begins, you will be taken to Verona to visit the fascinating Arena Muse Opera, a wonderful museum devoted to the history of opera, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant.

Then comes the real highlight as you take your top-priced front stalls seats to enjoy a performance of one of the best-known operas, Puccini’s  "Tosca", in the magnificent setting of the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona.

At the end of a memorable evening, you are transferred back to your hotel in Verona, where next day, there will be a guided tour of this charming city, before joining La Bella Vita in Venice.

During the 6-night cruise, there are visits to some wonderful baroque theatres, such as the Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, as well as the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua with its bell-shaped interior, that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770.

And, of course, there is a lot more to see as you cruise across the Venetian Lagoon past its colourful islands and on through the Po Valley... visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara, and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua, as well as wine tastings and dinner in a private stately home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.

This 7-day adventure is a wonderful combination for what Italy is famous for – wonderful cuisine and wine, Renaissance architecture and, of course – opera!




About The Italian Hotel Barge Bella Vita



Italian Hotel Barge La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita

La Bella Vita is a stylish 20-passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colors throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines.

There are two main deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en suite facilities. The upper deck has a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax and watch the world drift by.

Enjoy delicious regional cuisine, fine Italian wines and the services of an attentive crew that will make this an unforgettable cruise. 

La Bella Vita offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Themed cruises such as family, golf, opera, and wine appreciation are available for private charters.




Special Offer

Save 20%
Book before June 24, 2019

Private charters: June 16, 30; July 7, 14, 28; Aug 4, 25; Sept 1, 22, 29; Oct 6, 20 

Cabin cruises: June 9; Aug 10 (opera); July 21; Aug 18






Let's reserve your spot !




Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book LA BELLA VITA
View La Bella Vita's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Special Offer For Solo Travellers

No Single Supplement On Over 25 Departures (2019) Across 8 Cruise Regions


If you are a solo traveller, or perhaps want to cruise with family or friends and would simply like a cabin to yourself, then our special "No Single Supplement" offer will certainly appeal. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with all excursions and special events done as a group.


As solo travel soars in popularity, the single supplement fee on more than 40 hotel barge departures in 2019 are currently being waived on cruises that span eight regions across Europe. The cruise regions include France (Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace-Lorraine, Canal du Midi); Venice and the Po Valley in Italy; and the rugged Highlands of Scotland. Eligible cruises are available from May through August 2019.

The growing presence of solo travelers on European hotel barge cruises provides a lively addition to the unique mix of international guests who share gourmet meals onboard, as well as exclusive excursions to castles, chateaux, local markets, and wineries, among other attractions.


It’s a great treat for both couples and single travelers to share the daily escorted excursions to fascinating "off the beaten track" places and renowned attractions.  In fact, interacting with so many interesting fellow passengers from around the world is often the best part of the cruise, according to many of our guests!

Whether flying solo or coming with a whole host of friends and family, we’re sure to have a special offer to suit your need – take a look at our special offers page here.



Special Offer for Solo Travellers

No single supplement

(Click on barge's name to view their online brochure)

FRANCE
  • Burgundy – La Belle Epoque: May 26; June 9, 16, 30; July 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18
  • Champagne – Panache: May 26; June 30
  • Canal du Midi – Enchante: June 30; July 21, 28; Aug 4, 18, 25
  • Alsace-Lorraine – Panache: July 21; Aug 18

SCOTLAND  

ITALY


Have questions? Ready to Book?
Contact Paradise Connections
CLICK HERE




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




Tuesday, May 14, 2019

New addition to English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

Magna Carta's New River Table

This beautiful River table is one of the latest additions to the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta for the 2019 season.


Their unique dining table was created exclusively for Magna Carta using solid oak for the table top and legs, and a blue resin to create the river effect.


It was custom made by Sam Meakin (pictured above) of River Designs in Dronfield, Derbyshire. View River Designs' website: http://river-designs.co.uk


 There's already a duck living along the banks of this mighty river!



Special offer

Save 20% on an all-inclusive private charter:
June 23-29, 2019

Save 10% on an all-inclusive private charter:
August 11-17,  2019




About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta




Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames
Moored at Winsor Castle

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !




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



Monday, May 13, 2019

More News From English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

More News from Magna Carta

In the off season, Magna Carta had quite a bit going on... Here's a few examples:


During 2018 we massively increased the number and efficiency of our solar panels....



Then during the winter we fitted this very high output alternator to the main engine.
Together, these upgrades mean we now run a generator for fewer than 10 hours per week..... many hotel barges run a generator 24 hours a day!!
We still have further plans to make Magna Carta even greener.



Building the new dining table.



 The new River table in the dining room



The new River table set up in preparation for a magnificient meal



Magna Carta got a new hot tub and decking this winter


Hot tub delivery


Craning the new hot tub onto Magna Carta.
Well done!




About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta



Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !




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



News From English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

Magna Carta Food News

Carl, our chef, is starting as he means to go on....


Carl keeps on producing stunning plates of food.... this was lunch main course last Thursday....


....... and this was dinner main course ..... venison..... beautiful.....


Another amazing desert from Carl.....


Our new River table laid for Captain’s dinner....




About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta



Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !




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



Sunday, May 12, 2019

From Shannon Princess: Irish Bluebells And Their Folklore

From the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

It's that time of year when much of our Emerald Isle is in fact blue. There are carpets of bluebells in woodland and forests, also in hedgerows where their presence indicates ancient woodland. They represent constancy and everlasting love... their Latin name is Endymion and Endymion was the lover of the moon Goddess, Selene. He was so beautiful that Selene cast a spell on him, putting him into an eternal sleep so that she alone could enjoy him..


In the old days, potions were made from bluebells and used to treat everything from nightmares to leprosy, spider-bites to tuberculosis. The sticky sap of the bluebell bulb made a good starch and a glue for binding books and sticking feathers on arrows. It's also said that if you put a wreath of bluebells around someone's neck, they'll be compelled to speak only the truth!


If you shake the flower, a bell rings that can only be heard by faeries. Be careful though! Faeries will use the lovely blue flowers to entice you. If you stand inside a clump of them for any more than a moment, a spell will be cast over you and you'll disappear, never to be seen again!

Thanks, Olivia



Shannon Princess only has one week open in 2019:
  • 2 cabins open for June 2-8, 2019
  • $5350/person, double occupancy


Don't feel that you have time to organize a barge trip in 2019? Book early for 2020 and benefit from 2019 rates.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess


Shannon Princess entering a lock


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.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five 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.






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