French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA : Cruise the Canal du Midi in Southern France

This weekend we have created a new online brochure for the French Hotel Barge ALEGRIA who cruises the Canal du Midi in the south of France.

Alegria hosts a maximum of four guests in two large cabins fitted with king size beds (or twins if you prefer), and is managed by a crew of five.

Barge cruising offers a week of relaxation, gastronomy, excellent wines, fascinating culture, great landscapes, and friendship with a warm nation.

Each day is a new day of discoveries...

• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your cruise on the French canals
• View ALEGRIA's online brochure
• Visit the barging section of our website: http://paradiseconnections.com/barges.html

Experience France from a different perspective!

News from French Hotel Barge EMMA - Canal du Midi, France

A couple of days ago, we received an email from our friends Liz & Rene, owner-operators of the French Hotel Barge EMMA, who cruise the Canal du Midi, plus the Camargue & Provence areas of southern France.

Liz said:
It is absolutely gorgeous here now. We have started the painting and varnishing for the new season and on Sunday we are taking Emma from Capestang to the top of the locks at Beziers as there are no plane trees on the pontoon so we can paint at peace without all the fallout from the seed pods sticking in it. I hope this is Spring definitely settled in now with no big cold spells on the horizon, I am in summer mode.

Doesn't this look delicious!

• View our online brochure for EMMA
• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your Hotel Barge Cruise Vacation
• Visit the barge section of our website http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges.html

à bientôt,
Sheila & Bob

Dutch Tulip Cruise 2009 - Hotel Barge Savoir Faire Holland

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We received an email from Chris yesterday announcing cabin availability for a few choice weeks of the season.

Holland Tulip Cruise April 19-25, 2009 2 cabins available Itinerary
Burgundy (France) Cruise Nemours to Villeneuve August 2-8, 2009 4 cabins available Itinerary
Burgundy (France) Cruise Villeneuve to Nemours August 9-15, 2009 4 cabins available Itinerary
Champagne (France) Cruise Epernay to Paris September 13-19, 2009 4 cabins available Itinerary

While many weeks are no longer available, please contact Paradise Connections to inquire for open weeks for full-boat charters and individual cabin bookings, and we'll see what we can do!

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The Savoir Faire accommodates up to twelve guests in six staterooms, all with private bathrooms. Each stateroom can be configured with either two twin beds, or with one queen bed.

In the public areas, the Savoir Faire is unique with five separate areas for passenger enjoyment; whether for a personal retreat, a quiet conversation, a small group get-together, or for all passengers to enjoy together.

• The main lounge has a panoramic view, comfortable custom-made furniture, upright piano, game table, and library.
• Adjacent to the lounge is an elegant dining room, large enough to double as a dance floor on festive evenings, and a writing desk in its own quiet corner.
• To the aft is a cozy cocktail lounge, a favorite meeting place for aperitifs or quiet conversations, with stereo and CD player.
• Outside there are two spacious decks -- a fore deck that opens directly from the main lounge, and an elevated observation deck offering a magnificent view of the passing countryside.

Each day, the chef combines fresh ingredients drawn from local markets to create the most incredible cuisine you have ever experienced. The menus YOU will experience aboard will always be unique, and tailored to your specific needs.

• View SAVOIR FAIRE's online brochure
• Contact Paradise Connections to plan your European barge vacation
• Visit the barging section of our web site

Looking forward to hearing from you!

ROI SOLEIL - Special GALA evening in the South of France

Guillaume & Tracey of the luxury barge, River Yacht ROI SOLEIL wrote to announce their special offer for new charters confirmed by April 31, 2009, "Champagne Aperitif with Live Music and Gala Dinner with Grand Crus".

Roi Soleil is available for private, luxury, barge cruises in the South of France and accommodates up to six guests in three double cabins with Queen-sized berths. Roi Soleil is fully air conditioned throughout and has a spa pool, Bose sound system, DVD library, bicycles, even a fireplace!




This Gala Evening aboard the River Yacht ROI SOLEIL includes:

• Live Music with Champagne Aperitif followed by a Gala Dinner with Foie Gras, plus Grand Crus (three bottles) of Bordeaux or Bourgogne, such as Margaux, Saint Julien, Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny-Montrachet.

Roi Soleil boasts innovative gourmet cuisine, with cooking demonstrations in their galley which was special designed for this purpose.

© Photo by Paradise Connections

© Photo by Paradise Connections

• View ROI SOLEIL's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections to charter your barge: CLICK HERE
• Visit the Barging section of our website: CLICK HERE

Go Barging this summer and enjoy!

Low Air Fares to Europe - Take a barge vacation

We just received a Fare Watcher announcement from Travelocity.com informing us that there are flights from JFK (New York) to London, England and also JFK to Paris, France for the super low price of only $308-ish Round Trip from now to May 20, 2009.

So, you can no longer use the excuse of high airfares to NOT book your barging vacation this season. Nope, no way! That rates right up there with "the dog ate my homework". Come on, don't you deserve to treat yourself and get away from things for a bit?

Cruise the Thames... Meander through the French canals... Enjoy the tulips of Holland...

There are some excellent special offers currently in effect... such as Magna Carta rolling back their prices to 2005 and Renaissance's 10 nights for the price of 6 special Paris Marathon cruise...

CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS - EUROPEAN BARGE VACATIONS Hotel Barge Magna Carta, River Thames England The British Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA is offering 2009 & 2010 cruises at 2005 prices! More info... Burgundy France Walking Tour Cruise, October 2009 Book a cabin before 31st March 2009. More info... Hotel Barge Alouette - 2 Free B&B hotel nights Confirm your new 2009 booking by 31st March 2009. More info... Hotel Barges Napoleon & Hirondelle Offers Free TGV Confirm your new 2009 booking by 31st March 2009. More info... Hotel Barge Emma, Canal du Midi France - 10% discount Book before the end of March 2009. More info... Paris Marathon 2009 - Barge Renaissance, Special Cruise 10 nights for the price of 6. More info... $1000 discount on Burgundy Hotel Barges - April & May 2009 Book before 31st March 2009. More info... Cruise the River Shannon, Ireland - $1000 discount on May & June 2009 Book before 31st March 2009. More info... La Dolce Vita - Venice Italy : $500 discount per person on all May & June 2009 private charters Book before 31st March 2009. More info... Promotional rates on select barges for 2009: 25% discounts Book before 31st March 2009. More info...

Enjoy the European Waterways in 2009. It's a good-value vacation for couples, families, and friends.

• Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE
• Visit the Barging section of our web site: CLICK HERE

Barge LA DOLCE VITA Venice ITALY discount

Inquire: CURRENTLY NOT CHARTERING - see LA BELLA VITA 

The Italian Barge LA DOLCE VITA which cruises the Venetian lagoon and along the Brenta river (Venice Italy) is offering a $500 discount per person on all private charters taking place in May and June 2009. This offer expires March 31, 2009 so book soon!



Their unique cruise not only visits Venice's many attractions but also encompasses the outer islands of Torcello, Burano and Murano, as well as cruising the beautiful, canalised Brenta river.



The cruise around the Venetian lagoon and along the Brenta river is as unique as Venice herself. La Dolce Vita's itinerary combines four very different landscapes: from that of the picturesque islands of the northern lagoon to the charm of romantic Venice; and from the wilderness of the southern lagoon to the splendid architectures of the countryside villas along the Brenta river. This mixture of culture, art and nature is unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms.



The additional opportunity afforded by hotel barge travel becomes obvious as they create their own schedule oblivious to the hustle and bustle of other visitors to Venice, Italy.

Come and experience the sweet life of Italy aboard La Dolce Vita.

• View LA DOLCE VITA's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections for more details: CLICK HERE
• Visit the barge section of our website: CLICK HERE

Your fun is our business!

Inquire: CURRENTLY NOT CHARTERING - see LA BELLA VITA  

 

Promotional rates for 2009: 25% discounts

The following luxury hotel barges are offering 25% off their normal rates for 2009 charters. Offer expires March 31, 2009.

Barging is a unique experience, offering a combination of relaxation, gastronomy and immersion in the local landscape & culture.

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

Book at the full 8-passenger US$ charter price and receive a 25% discount. (i.e. 2 guests are free):

SCOTLAND:

• Scottish Highlander

FRANCE:

• Renaissance (except September)
• Anjodi (except September)
• L'Art de Vivre (except September)

Book at the full 12-passenger US$ charter price and receive a 25% discount. (i.e. 3 guests are free):

FRANCE:

• La Belle Epoque (except September)
• L'Impressionniste

Contact Paradise Connections to book your European Barging Vacation: CLICK HERE

We hope that you will be able to take advantage of this special offer and that we'll be hearing from you soon!

Cruise the River Shannon, Ireland, aboard The Shannon Princess

THE SHANNON PRINCESS is offering a US$1,000 discount per cabin (double occupancy) on all May & June 2009 departures for their River Shannon cruises in Ireland.



Visit the Emerald Isle aboard the 10-passenger, hotel barge, Shannon Princess II. 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.

The experienced Captain and crew of the Shannon Princess will go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated.

• View The Shannon Princess's online brochure: CLICK HERE
• Contact Paradise Connections to book: CLICK HERE
• Visit the Barging Section of our web site: CLICK HERE

Enjoy an Irish adventure! Looking forward to your inquiries.

Cruise England's River Thames on Hotel Barge Magna Carta

We are updating MAGNA CARTA's special offer. Happy Valentine's Day!

They're doing their part to get the economy moving... now we need a little help from our friends.

The British Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA is offering 2009 & 2010 cruises at 2005 prices!

• For 2009, the rate per person sharing a double cabin aboard Magna Carta will be $3,690 instead of $4,500, and $28,000 for an 8-person charter instead of $33,000.
• For 2010, bookings confirmed with a deposit by November 30, 2009 will also be at 2005 prices.
• What’s more, if you confirm your booking for 2009 or 2010 with a deposit by 31st March 2009, we will give a further discount of $250 per person.

What a beautiful way to discover the English countryside with a cruise along the historic River Thames in England.



A slow meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns, villages, a mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore whilst Magna Carta follows this old Viking trading route deep into rural countryside. Gentle exploration are the keywords, with good cycling and walking opportunities as the elegant and spacious air-conditioned 8-passenger, Magna Carta finds her way inland.

In addition to their standard itinerary, Magna Carta also offers "Theme Cruises" such as: Antiques, Art, Family, Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Golf, Health & Relaxation, Murder Mystery Cruise, Walking Cruise, West End Theatre Cruise, World War II, and Christmas/New Years Cruise...

View MAGNA CARTA's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for details: CLICK HERE

Visit the barging section of our web site:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges.html

Looking forward to your inquiries!

French Barge ROI SOLEIL - 2009 Preseason News

This morning Guillaume & Tracey of the luxury French barge ROI SOLEIL sent us a note with this chilly looking photo.

They have just completed their annual maintenance and have also given Roi Soleil a fresh new coat of paint. She's looking good!

Roi Soleil is getting out of dry dock and will soon be heading to Burgundy where they will begin their charter season. Lots of repeat guests, which is always a good sign.

ROI SOLEIL is currently open for their scheduled Burgundy (Bourgogne) cruises March 29 through May 2, 2009. This is at value season rates, so hurry and take advantage!

Unfortunately, their Provence weeks in May are completely booked up. It's not too early to inquire for next year.

ROI SOLEIL will be cruising the Canal du Midi beginning May 31st and ending October 3rd this year. Contact Paradise Connections for availability.

View Roi Soleil's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit the barging section of our web site:
http://www.paradiseconnections.com/barges.html

Looking forward to your inquiries!