Barge Charter Blogs | Barging Cruises Blogs
— 2025 —
Enjoy our 2025 barge cruising blog posts about everything barging brought to you by Paradise Connections, your barge charter cruise specialists. Experience the fascinating world of boutique hotel barging and see Europe from another perspective – via an all-inclusive, luxury, crewed hotel barge cruise vacation. Either click a link in the list below to go to a blog post that interests you or just scroll down the page to view all the posts. The most current post is at the top.
1/10/2025 - Springtime Barge Cruises: Burgundy in Bloom
1/8/2025 - Visit Holland This Spring
1/7/2025 - Special Offers Updated
1/5/2025 - Q&A: Barge Cruises for Solo Travelers
1/2/2025 - 5 Things to Enjoy on a Barge Cruise
1/1/2025 - Happy New Year
Springtime Barge Cruises: Burgundy in Bloom
Spring is an ideal time to visit Burgundy. Warming temperatures create perfect conditions for sightseeing and cycling alongside the canals. The hillsides are in bloom with colorful flowers, market squares return to life as town folks set up their open-air shops again, and the canal towpaths reward travelers with the pleasant sound of birdsong.
Flora & Fauna
Burgundy in the springtime is a paradise for nature lovers. It is warm enough to sit topside and enjoy the sunshine, but cool enough that you'll be able to take a comfortable stroll or bike ride. Birdsong really does fill the air. Perhaps you'll spot a European green woodpecker or the elusive moorhen.
Above the water, mayflies and dragonflies will be making the most of their short lives, displaying and breeding while on the surface. The aptly named Water Boatmen use their long oar-like hind legs to row themselves across the water. Rushes will be home to bullfrogs while the bankside flowers attract numerous colorful butterflies such as the Peacock and Red Admiral.
Spring also brings blackthorn and wild cherries bursting into bloom along the banks, along with the verdant green willows and alders producing their furry catkins. Lines of chestnuts, poplars and plane trees will also be seen, often planted to provide shade. On the towpaths, flowers such as wild orchids, lilies, and yellow irises create a palette of colors.
What makes Burgundy such an attractive destination is this enchanting overlap of nature and the manmade world. You will find buildings that are centuries' years old and ensconced in ivy, tiny quaint villages, and wild horses cavorting freely in the fields beyond the vineyards.
It's a serene escape, and a chance to recharge, far from the madding crowds and tourist traps.
Barging in Burgundy
Our Burgundy barge cruises may vary in location but have many aspects in common such as daily excursions that include wine tastings, cultural tours, and gourmet meals prepared by on-board master chefs who love to showcase the gastronomic traditions of their region.
Among the barges having special offers & discounts this spring are:
- Barge La Belle Epoque in Northern Burgundy, cruising between Tanlay and Venarey-les-Laumes on the Canal de Bourgogne (up to 12 guests)
- Barge L'Art de Vivre in Northern Burgundy, cruising the Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne between Auxerre and Chevroches (up to 8 guests)
- Barge L'Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy, cruising between Fleurey-sur-Ouche and Escommes on the Canal de Bourgogne (up to 12 guests)
- Barge Finesse in Southern Burgundy, cruising between St-Julien-sur-Dheune and St-Jean-de-Losne (8 guests)
- Barge Renaissance in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy, cruising between Châtillon-sur-Loire and Montargis (up to 8 guests)
Learn more
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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Visit Holland This Spring Aboard Aurora
A barge cruise is definitely the way to discover Holland. The Netherlands are famous, of course, for tulips and cheese, but it is also a land with a rich artistic and cultural history. The western provinces are populated by windmills which sit above the polders along the very river that gave its name to Amsterdam. Cities such as Haarlem and Delft are meccas for lovers of pottery and art. Stroll through the famous Keukenhof Gardens with over seven million flowers stretched across 100 acres.
A barging cruise uncovers some of Holland's hidden gems and is the perfect way to experience the best the country has to offer. Experience quaint Dutch windmills, world-famous flowers, small European towns, historic cities, art history, Delft pottery, and a distillery, all in one week.
Learn more
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Special Offers & Discounts Update
We have updated our Special Offers & Discount page for private barge charters, and cabin cruise weeks. Specials include Spring & Summer bookings for select barges.
For solo travelers, the "no single supplement" special offer should definitely be of interest. Save on select weeks for Burgundy, Canal du Midi, Scotland, and Italy.
Inquire / Book Now
Q&A: Barge Cruises for Solo Travelers
Are you a single traveler and considering a solo cruise? A barge cruise is ideal for you. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or cruising for the first time on your own, a solo barge cruise gives you the best of both worlds – the delightful company of like-minded travelers as adventurous as you are, and group activities that spark conversation and create lasting memories.
Read on for answers to frequently asked questions for cruising solo...
I'm new to solo cruises, what can I expect?
A safe, sociable environment where like-minded travelers will come together to experience the very best of the region. Enjoy the luxury of personal space when you want it, gourmet meals, fine wines, a crew to passenger ratio of 1:2 and so much more.
Will I have my own room?
Absolutely! You can enjoy the comfort of a spacious and well-equipped cabin.
Do I have to attend every excursion?
No, however the selection of excursions are often hidden gems that are frequently inaccessible to larger cruise ships. It would be a shame to miss out!
Will I have to pay a single supplement?
Single supplements do apply on regular cruises but often there are "no single supplement" offers. See our Special Offers page for details.
Where will I meet the group?
Guests are met at the agreed pick-up point and transferred by chauffeured minibus to the barge for a champagne meet-and-greet.
Is there a dress code on board?
Comfortable clothing is recommended on board, however you may wish to bring smart/party attire for the Captain's Dinner on the last night of your cruise.
What’s included on this barge cruise?
We offer an all-inclusive barge cruise experience. Transfers from the designated pick-up point, gourmet 4-course meals created by the onboard master chefs, a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout, an impressive wine list hand-picked and poured by the onboard wine expert, a selection of impressive and exclusive excursions to showcase the very best of the region and spacious accommodations.
Are crew gratuities included? If not, how much should I give?
A service charge is not included in the barge cruise fare. It's entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided. As a guidance, the average tip given is approximately 5-10%.
What kind of food is provided?
To give you a true taste of the region you are cruising through, your chef will create mouthwatering menus using the finest ingredients from local markets and specialist suppliers. Please let Paradise Connections know of any dietary requirements to avoid disappointment.
Do I have a minibar?
Cabins do not have a minibar, however you are welcome to help yourself to the well-stocked open bar in the saloon.
We are not promoting "singles-only cruises" as such, just giving single travelers the opportunity to enjoy the hotel barging experience with like-minded couples and small groups. As one guest described it:
"One of the best parts of hotel barge cruising has been meeting so many fellow travelers. I have enjoyed sojourns on deck, gourmet meals and fine wines with my fellow passengers, visits to chateaux, markets, cathedrals and lots more."
Interested? Contact us!
Inquire / Book Now
5 Things to Enjoy on a Barge Cruise
Taking a luxury hotel barge cruise is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the beauty of the countryside, the many wonderful cultural and historical sites to visit, and the laid-back atmosphere of life on the canals.
La Belle Epoque - Barging in Burgundy
Barge cruises can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like. A diverse range of activities and outings are possible from your floating home. Here are just five of many...
Discover Local History
Shannon Princess - Barging in Ireland
No matter what country your luxury barge cruise takes you to, there are plenty of fascinating heritage sites along the route. From Celtic and Roman days to the present, there is no end of interesting sights to see. The canals, with many contructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, are themselves full of historic interest.
Enjoy the Cuisine
One of the real perks of a hotel barge cruise is the excellent food. No matter where you visit, there will be sumptuous local specialties to try. Traveling via river or canal means that you are never too far away from some of the finest agricultural producers in the country. From canal-side meals of freshly-caught fish to daytrips into country market towns, a barge holiday a foodie's paradise.
Get Active
Cycling along the canal
The main mode of transport on a barge cruise may be by boat, but getting off and stretching your legs is easy. You can get active with the help of our walking guides, cycling maps, horse riding excursions, and more. It's ideal for those who want to change the pace up a bit. The canals pass through some prime golfing spots, so a day playing golf can also be arranged – as can a number of other enjoyable outdoor activities.
Watch the Wildlife
TThe scenic routes that travelers follow on a hotel barge cruise are more than just a backdrop. They are part of the surrounding ecosystem, and as such, are a genuine delight for nature lovers. Waterways are important habitats for local birdlife, as well as a range of other wildlife. Travelers with children can encourage their little ones to see how many different animals they can spot on the journey.
Paint a Picture
Digital cameras offer an easy way to have plenty of mementos from your cruise, but a drawing or painting can be even more special. Artistic travelers will be treated to a cornucopia of fantastic scenes to paint. A peaceful afternoon spent by the water, or in one of the historic towns along the route, with easel and brush is sure to provide a memorable experience. The result makes the perfect souvenir from the trip.
Let's Start Planning Your Adventure
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Happy New Year 2025
Wishing every day of your new year to be filled with good health, success, prosperity, and joy.
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