Specifications & Facts About The Barge
Enchanté is a spacious, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard to offer a stylish on board ambience that is perfect for enjoying a cruise through this sun-drenched region of the Canal du Midi in the south of France. She accommodates up to eight guests and has five crew (Captain, Tour Director, Chef, Housekeeper, and Hostess) to take care of you during your stay.
Length: 100ft (30.58m)
Beam: 6ft 6" (5.05m)
8 Passengers
5 Crew: Captain, Tour Director, Chef, Housekeeper, Hostess. Staff speak English & French.
4 Guest cabins (configured to Twins or Double, as you prefer)
Air conditioning and central heating throughout
Large panoramic windows
Demostration galley
Sun deck with hot tub, dining table, loungers and a sun canopy for shade
Air conditioned minibus, 9 seats including driver
8 adult folding bicycles
WiFi (subject to local reception)
Guest computer
GUEST CABINS:
All suites can be configured with 2 single beds or a double. The cabin theme is white and linen with Percale bed sheets. The furniture is made of mahogany and the new, deep and comfortable carpets were recently fitted.
There are 3 steps in Orion cabin leading to the bathroom. There are 3 steps in the corridor leading to Cassiope.
Cabin sizes
All the suites are similar in size measuring 165 ft² (15.5m²). The bathrooms each measure 33 ft² (3m²) and are included in the suite measurement.
Ceiling height: All cabins have a minimum of 6'6" (2m) headroom
Bed sizes:
- As singles, all beds are 2'9" x 6'5" (0.8m x 1.98m)
- As doubles, all beds are 5'8" x 6'5" (1.6m x 1.98m)
When a suite is set up in twin bed configuration, the beds are side by side with a small gap in between them.
Bathrooms:
Each suite has a stylish, fully-tiled, en-suite bathroom. The bathrooms each measure 33 ft² (3m²) and the shower trays measure 2.95ft x 2.95ft (90cm x 90cm). The bathroom flooring is solid teak and showers are very spacious. All are equipped with: hair dryer, shower cubicle, double wash basin and WC. Each are supplied with washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels and bathrobes.
- Cassiope (forward cabin): 3 portholes in the cabin and no porthole in the bathroom
- Orion (forward cabin): 2 portholes in the cabin and 1 porthole in the bathroom
- Andromede (aft cabin): 2 portholes in the cabin and 1 porthole in the bathroom
- Pleiades (aft cabin): 3 portholes in the cabin and no porthole in the bathroom
DINING ROOM & SALON
- Room size: 13' x 30' (3.96m x 9.1m).
- Headroom: 6ft 10" (2.1m)
The dining area has a large glass table, seating all 8 guests at a single sitting. The design compliments the contemporary modern look of Enchanté. An open Demonstration Kitchen Galley allows guests to watch as the Master Chef prepares the meals on the granite worktops, sharing his recipes and demonstrating his techniques. A fully stocked bar and Art Deco drinks cabinet completes the area.
The salon has oak flooring and is furnished with contemporary sofas and armchairs, all upholstered in Alcantara. Large panoramic windows stretch the entire length of this area, allowing plenty of light and the beautiful scenery to be appreciated.
SUN DECK
12' x 21' (3.6m x 6.4m) furnished with a One Dimension hot tub, an al fresco dining table with 8 chairs, and a sun canopy for shade. The flooring has a anti-slip surface.
LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT
- 8-person spa pool (hot tub) with electronic thermostat
- 8 bicycles
- Small library of books and maps
- A collection of board games
- Boules
- Telescope
- Computer with internet connection
- Sound system iPod / MP3 / CD player
FOOD & DRINK
All meals on board are prepared fresh by your chef and most meals are a set menu (there is no choice available). International and French cuisine is featured.
We are able to arrange special meals, such as vegetarian, no fish, vegan, etc; and we are able to able to cater for any preferences or allergies. However, it is important that we are notified at least 8 weeks prior to your departure date. Failure to notify us in advance of your cruise may result in disappointment on board.
There is no assigned seating for meals and the dining table on Enchanté seats all guests at a single sitting.
Breakfast: Usually continental with fresh breads, pastries, jam, juice, cereals, yoghurts, freshly-squeezed orange juice, teas and coffees. Eggs (poached, boiled, fried, scrambled or omelette) are available each morning on request.
Lunch: A casual 3-course affair comprising of a hot soup, or entrée, patés and cold meats, accompanied by colorful salads or a hot main course followed by delectable desserts. A selection of wines are served daily.
Dinner: Always a gastronomic adventure created by your talented chef. A taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, complemented by fine wines, followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee, and liqueurs.
Captain's Farewell Dinner: Held on the last night of the cruise. Guests may choose to dress slightly more formal.
Drinks included in the cruise price: Non-alcoholic beverages, regular or decaffeinated coffee and tea, and whole or low-fat milk, are offered with all meals. The well-stocked bar is open 24-hours per day serving beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. Wines are served with meals and there is a champagne welcome on arrival.
Drinks not included in the cruise price: Some champagnes and special vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles in advance at cost price. Please let us know what you would like to order. We do not recommend special ordering unless you are chartering the whole barge.
Water: Tap water in France and on board Enchanté is potable and bottled water is available.
ELECTRICITY
The barge is wired for 220 and 240 volts but not 110 volts. It is suggested that you bring an adapter for your particular appliance, which corresponds to the standard French 2-pin plug.
If you wish to use an electrical appliance onboard, please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board to ensure that it is suitable to the barge's electrical system. We cannot be held responsible for unforeseen voltage fluctuations which sometimes occur when swapping from one voltage system to another.
CLIMATE CONTROL
Enchanté has reversible air conditioning and central heating throughout with individual temperature controls in each cabin.
COMPUTER & TELEPHONE
There is a computer with internet access available aboard Enchanté. This can be found at the bottom of the stairs in the office area and is available for all guests to use.
WiFi is available for guests bringing their own appliances, however, there are some moorings where connection to the internet can be slow. Sometimes when the barge is cruising, connection is not possible because the barge is out of signal range.
There is no passenger telephone available on Enchanté.
EXCURSIONS
The Enchanté minibus is a 9-seater (including driver), silver-grey Volkswagon Transporter Caravelle. It is a stretch version for luggage and has 3-zone air conditioning.
For charter bookings, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group's particular needs. If a destination or excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge, we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise Paradise Connections in advance and the Captain will be informed.
Any guests not wishing to participate in an excursion are welcome to remain on the barge.
CYCLING AND WALKING
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles as often as they wish. Most guests choose to disembark the barge at a lock and visit local villages, returning to the canal and meet the barge a little further along. The barge travels slowly and therefore catching up is not be a problem.
There are 8 adult, 5-speed folding bikes with a low crossbar tube. Cycle helmets are provided on board. Specialist bicycles, children's bikes, and child bike seats can be arranged if required. Please request with Paradise Connections at least 8 weeks in advance of your cruise.
Because the barge travels at a slow pace, walking is a popular activity.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
The region Enchanté cruises in is not suitable for hot air ballooning.
THEMED CRUISES
Themed Cruises are available for charter groups. Enchanté offers Wine Appreciation, Culinary, Golfing, and Family Group itineraries. Sample itineraries for themed cruises can be found on the ITINERARIES page of Enchanté's online brochure. Inquire with Paradise Connections for more information, itinerary, and supplement charges if applicable.
PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
Please let Paradise Connections know in advance of booking your cruise if you have a physical disability and require any assistance.
There are 3 steps down from Enchanté's sundeck to the salon. From the salon, there is a curving staircase of 11 steps down to the cabins on the lower deck. Orion has 3 steps within the cabin up to the bathroom. There are 3 steps in the corridor to access Cassiope.
Because of the many steps on board, Enchanté is not really suitable for wheelchair bound guests. The toilets are on the lower deck and the dining area is above so a visit to the restroom requires a minimum of 11 steps up and down.
Wheelchairs cannot be used on board and can only be used to assist on excursions where there are often cobbled streets. Sometimes rough ground can hinder a wheelchair.
If you would like us to provide a wheelchair for your arrival, please notify Paradise Connections at time of booking. There is no charge for the wheelchair but passengers must be accompanied by someone who is able to push the chair as the crew is unable to assist.
MEDICAL
Please let us know in advance of your cruise if you require frequent or ongoing medical attention.
The crew are unable to administer medicines but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase any necessary medicines. Due to your cruise often being in a rural location, we recommend you bring all necessary medications with you.
Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation and the Emergency Services can be called if required.
SMOKING
Our barges have a strict non-smoking policy for safety reasons and for the comfort of fellow passengers. If you would like to smoke we request that you smoke outside on deck away from fellow passengers.
LAUNDRY
We recommend that you bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise as there are no laundry facilities on board. However, the crew may be able to assist in an emergency on a requst basis.
LUGGAGE / WHAT TO PACK
Please try to fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase per person. Soft bags are preferable. There is only enough space on the barge and minibus for a total of up to 8 suitcases and 8 small pieces of hand luggage.
Practical comfort and casual clothing is the norm aboard Enchanté and for most excursions. The dress code for dinner is relaxed and informal. For the Captain's Farewell Dinner on the last evening, guests often dress up, which is optional.
The weather in the south of France is generally warm. June, July and August is the warmest often being in the mid-30s°C (upper 80s°F).
Suggested things to pack:
- Light clothing including shorts and t-shirts. A sweater or lightweight jacket is recommended for evenings and the air conditioned interiors.
- During spring and autumn, you may need medium weight clothing. A lightweight raincoat for showery times would be advisable.
- In summer, a sun hat can be useful.
- Comfortable walking shoes with textured non-slip soles are recommended.
- Enchante has a spa pool/hot tub so don't forget your swimwear. Towels are provided.
CURRENCY
The local currency in France is the Euro. Enchanté is unable to accept credit or debit cards on board.
TIPPING
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board.
As a guideline, the average tip given by guests from around the world is approximately 5% of the full cruise fare. The usual way to give the tip is to give the amount in cash as one lump sum to the Captain on the last day of the cruise. It will be distributed equally between the whole crew on board.
Please note that gratuities can only be made on board by cash payment. Euros or Dollars are equally appreciated. ATMs are accessible for cash withdrawal on most itineraries during the cruise and the crew can advise where these are located.
PROBLEM DURING YOUR CRUISE
If you have a problem during your cruise, please give us the immediate possibility to make it right. Bring any concern to the private attention of your Captain who will often be able to solve any issue immediately.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Once on board your Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures.
Please note that we cannot be responsible for any valuables that you bring on board. We strongly recommend that you do not bring valuables with you unless required and that you ensure that any valuables are covered by your travel insurance.
Safes are provided in each cabin but cabin doors are usually not locked for safety reasons.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ON BOARD ENCHANTE
On arrival the Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures on board.In addition, it is important that all passengers are familiar with the safety instructions detailed below.
- Please follow the instructions of the Captain and crew at all times.
- Remember that decks can be slippery. Please wear non-slip shoes and do not run or jump whilst on board.
- Do not walk on the side or rear decks or outside the guard rails.
- Passengers are not permitted in the engine rooms, technical areas or crew accommodation at any time, or in the galley or wheelhouse unless accompanied by a crew member.
- Do not embark or disembark the barge unless the gangplank and handrail are in place or the crew have advised that it is safe to do so. Never do so when the barge is moving.
- Be careful when the vessel is being moored up with the barge ropes. In particular do not step into a loop in the rope or try to release the mooring rope from a bollard.
- Keep clear of any overhead obstructions and remain seated if on deck whilst the barge passes under bridges with restricted headroom.
- Do not attempt to touch the sides of any lock or bridge.
- Do not open lower deck portholes whilst the barge is moving.
- Life jacket preservers are located in designated lockers in your cabin or in designated deck lockers. Once on board, please take the time to identify their location and read the instructions.
- For fire safety reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the barge.
- The barge's equipment such as the hot-tub and bicycles must only be used following preparation by the crew. Use of the bicycles and the hot tub is at your own risk. Breakable glasses are not permitted in the hot tub and alcohol consumption is not advised
- There is an open bar policy on board. However, excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous, particularly in a warm climate and in proximity to deep water and the Captain has the discretion to withhold alcohol if safety to passengers or crew is at risk.
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In an emergency:
- Keep calm. Do not return to your cabin to recover your possessions.
- If you discover a fire on board, sound the fire alarm and notify a crew member immediately. If possible, close doors behind you to confine the fire. Please take the time to identify the location of fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
- If the alarm sounds or you hear repeated continuous blasts on the barge horn, you must, if possible, assemble on the sundeck for further instructions.
- If you discover water below deck, notify a crew member immediately and go to the sundeck to await further instructions
- If you are in your cabin and the way to the sundeck is obstructed, follow the signs to the alternative fire exit. Please take the time to identify all fire exits.
- There is a defibrillator in case of cardiac arrest. Instructions are in English and located by the machine.
- The emergency number for fire, police or medical assistance on all public phone networks is 112
Please ask a member of the crew on board if you require any further safety advice
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