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.
French Hotel Barge Anjodi - Canal du Midi, France
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!
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".
A FEW EXAMPLES . . .
CANAL DU MIDI - ANJODI
For example, during a cruise on the French Hotel Barge Anjodi along the Canal du Midi, there are visits to the underground Limoussis Caves, the Meze Dinosaur Park, and medieval fortified Carcassonne where the youngsters can pretend to be gallant knights, while the grown-ups can enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards and explore the wonderful food market in Narbonne. Rick Stein certainly enjoyed it when we was on board Anjodi filming his French Odyssey TV series some years ago.
BURGUNDY - L'ART DE VIVRE
Another great destination for a family cruise is the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, home to the French Hotel Barge L’Art de Vivre. Activities for the younger members can include tree-climbing and kayaking at local adventure parks and visiting the Parc L’Auxois zoo, while other folks in the family can indulge in a private wine tasting in Chablis and a tour of the Renaissance Château d’Ancy le Franc.
LOIRE VALLEY - NYMPHEA
When considering taking children on a boating holiday in France, a river cruise in the Loire Valley aboard the French Hotel Barge Nymphea, is an amazing way to explore the many attractions this region has to offer There’s nothing like seeing the world through the eyes of children. Learning how locks operate, visiting castles, an aquarium and a zoo, makes this not only fun for children and adults but it’s an education in itself.
IRELAND - SHANNON PRINCESS
The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess offers a Family Adventure charter which is a perfect casual cruise choice for families. Cruise through an area of spectacular unspoiled landscape, atmospheric ancient settlements and ruins with your friendly, professional crew. Each day can be changed and arranged to your immediate requirements. Activities may include: Walking, Zorbing, Zip Lining, Canoeing, Waterskiing,
Trekking, Fishing, Cycling, Horse Riding, Water Sports, Traditional
Music, Pottery & Crafts, Go-cart Racing, etc. This charming owner-operated barge has excellent modern facilities including Wii &
PS3 on board (with games for all age groups) as well as DVDs and satellite TV. There's also interesting history, antiquity, folklore & music.
SCOTLAND - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
The family cruise holiday aboard Scottish Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander makes frequent stops on its itinerary that offer plenty of activities that are popular with children. On a typical trip, a child will have the chance to go bowling, try out some fishing, explore castles, go-karting, have a picnic, go swimming, and even join the chef in preparing a barbecue. A ride on the steam train that was used in the Harry Potter films is suitable for anyone of any age with an interest in steam locomotives, Harry Potter, or both. Remember to keep a lookout for Nessie!
Captain & The Kid --- Kids in Jacuzzi
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.
Meze Dinosaur Park --- Parc L’Auxois
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.
"Harry Potter" Steam Train --- Château de Chenonceau
So, in the immortal words of The Ramones:
Hey Ho, Let's Go !
It's not how far nor how fast, it's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.
