Facts about Hotel Barge Kir Royale
The 8-passenger French Hotel Barge Kir Royale is a new addition (2024) to the fleet of barges we represent and offers luxury hotel barge cruises in the Champagne region of France. Your classic cruise will give you the chance to explore the true beauty of the region while understanding its history and sampling some of the finest wine in the world.
Dimensions: 128 feet (39m) x 16ft 6" (5.1m)
5 Crew
8 Passengers
4 En-suite Staterooms, as Twin or Doubles
Air conditioned & Centrally heated
WI-FI (subject to local reception)
Piano
Teak-furnished Sun Deck
Spa pool / Hot tub
8 Bicycles
Air conditioned minibus
Barge Specifics
- Former purpose: ex-French cargo carrier
- Original year of construction: 1930
- Dimensions: 129ft x17ft (39.3m x 5.18m)
- Year converted to a Hotel Barge: 1976
- Barge completely refurbished: 2023/24
- Generators: 2 x 220 volt generators
- Main Engine: DAF 185 HP
- Maximum Speed: 10 Knots
- Water capacity: 8.8 tons
- Fuel capacity: 5 tons diesel
Your Crew On Board
- Crew of 5: Captain/Pilot, Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper, Host/esse
- Nationality of crew: Mainly English, speaking both English and French.
Accommodation On Board
Maximum 8 passengers / 4 suites
All 4 suites can be configured with 2 single beds or 1 king-sized bed. As singles, beds are 200cm long x 90cm wide (6ft 7” x 3ft). As king, beds are 200cm long x 180cm wide (6ft 7" x 6ft).
Each suite has a large & stylish en-suite bathroom with shower, his and hers wash basins, and WC. The bathrooms have fully tiled floors and walls. All are supplied with washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels, bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer.
There are portholes in each of the suites. They can be opened, but not while cruising.
There is a guest washroom on the main deck.
Cabin Sizes
Jeroboam suite (stern)
Approx. 230 ft2 including en-suite bathroom
3 portholes in the cabin and no porthole in the bathroom.
Methuselah suite (mid-ship)
Approx. 190 ft2 including en-suite bathroom
1 porthole in the cabin and 1 porthole in the bathroom.
Salmanazar suite (mid-ship)
Approx. 200 ft2 including en-suite bathroom
1 porthole in the cabin and 1 porthole in the bathroom.
Balthazar suite (bow)
Approx. 220 ft2 including en-suite bathroom
2 portholes in the cabin and 1 porthole in the bathroom.
En-suite bathrooms:
The bathroom measurements are included in the suite sizes mentioned above.
Each suite has a large & stylish en-suite bathroom with shower, his and hers wash basins, and WC. The bathrooms have fully tiled floors and walls. Washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels, bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryers are provided.
Ceiling height: 1.95m - 1.98m (approximately 6ft 6in)
All sizes are approximate.
Climate Control
Each suite has individually controlled air conditioning and central heating.
Computer and Telephone
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on board for guests bring their own devices. Connectivity can be limited in remote locations.
There are no passenger phones on board Kir Royale.
Currency
The local currency in France is the Euro.
Kir Royale is unable to accept credit or debit cards.
Cycling & Walking
You are welcome to walk or cycle using the on-board bicycles as often as you wish. Most guests choose to disembark the barge at a lock and visit local villages, returning to the canal and meeting the barge a little further along. The barge travels at a slow speed therefore catching up is not a problem. Our Biking Plus program offers circular routes to follow.
Their Biking Plus program offer circular routes to follow.
Dining Room & Saloon
The saloon is a wonderful place to relax. It is very spacious, light, airy and has been the subject of a complete refit with bespoke furniture. There is a fully stocked bar which is open 24/7, a piano, and a separate dining area with table seating for 8 guests. There are 12 steps from the saloon down to the cabin level.
Electricity
The barge is wired for 220 and 240 volts but not 110 volts. We suggest you bring an adapter for your particular appliance, which corresponds to the standard French 2-pin plugs. If you wish to use your electrical appliance on-board, please speak to a crew member on arrival to ensure it is suitable for 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
Excursions
The Kir Royale minibus is a 9-seater (including driver), air conditioned, long wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter. It is used for transfers and excursions during your cruise.
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 speak with Paradise Connections in advance of your cruise and we can pre-arrange with the Captain.
Any guests not wishing to participate in an excursion are welcome to remain on the barge.
Facilities On Board
- 5-person spa pool (hot tub)
- 8 bicycles (see Cycling and Walking)
- A small library of books and maps
- A collection of board games
- Fishing rods
- Nordic walking sticks (on request)
- Bose Hi-Fi system with an iPad docking station and radio. There is a selection of CDs
- Guest devices may be connected to the Hi-Fi system
- TV/DVD player in saloon
Food & Drink
All meals on board are freshly prepared by your chef and most meals are a set-menu (there is no choice available). International and regional French cuisine is served.
We are able to arrange special meals, e.g. vegetarian / no fish / vegan etc, and we are able to cater for any preferences or allergies. However it is most important that we are notified of any specific requirements at least 8 weeks prior to your departure date. Failure to notify Paradise Connections in advance of your cruise may result in disappointment on board.
There is no assigned seating for meals and the dining table on board Kir Royale accommodates all guests at a single sitting.
Breakfast: Your day on Kir Royale starts with a wholesome and balanced variety of breakfast foods, along with fresh breads & pastries, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and hot beverages.
Lunch: is usually a casual meal, bistro style, with refreshing salads or soups depending on the season, followed by local specialties and a selection of cheese or dessert, and accompanied by a selection of quality wines. Occasionally a buffet meal or picnic will be proposed as an alternative.
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 is held on the last night of your cruise. Guests may choose to dress slightly more formal.
Drinks included in the cruise price: The well-stocked bar is open 24 hours, which includes wines & premium spirits, beers, and soft drinks. All wines are provided with meals and there is a Champagne welcome on arrival. Non-alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole or low fat milk, are offered with all meals.
Drinks not included in the cruise price: Some Champagnes (with the exception of the Captain's reception) and special vintage wines, however these can be purchased in advance of your cruise at cost price; please inquire with Paradise Connections. We do not recommend specific beverage orders unless you are chartering the whole barge.
Hot Air Balooning
Please contact us well in advance of your cruise if you wish to book. This is a popular activity and it is often too late to book during the week of your cruise.
Flights usually last for approximately 1 to 1½ hours and are weather dependent. The cost is approximately 250 Euros per person. You will need to contract and pay the balloon company on the day of the flight (they do accept credit cards).
Laundry
We recommend 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 request basis.
Luggage / What To Pack
Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized case per person. Soft bags are preferable. preferable. There is only enough space on the barge minibus for up to 8 suitcases and 8 pieces of hand luggage.
Practical comfort and casual clothing is the norm aboard Kir Royale 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 Champagne is generally warm. The weather is hottest in June, July and August when temperatures often reach the mid 30s°C / top 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.
- There is a hot tub on board, so don't forget your swim suit. Towels are provided.
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 pharmacy for you to purchase any necessary medicines. Due to your cruise often being in a rural location, we recommend you bring all necessary medication with you.
Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation and the Emergency Services can be called if required.
Problem During Your Cruise
If you have a problem during your cruise, please give us the immediate opportunity to make things right. Please bring any concern to the private attention of your Captain who will often be able to solve any issue immediately.
Restricted Mobility
Please let us know in advance of your cruise if you have a physical disability and require any assistance. Most barges are generally not suitable for passengers with significant mobility problems or disabilities. If in doubt, please inquire.
Kir Royale has a gangplank to the deck level from the bank of the canal with handrails. There are no steps from the deck to the saloon but there are 12 steps between the saloon and the cabins.
Wheelchairs cannot be used on-board and can only be used to help get round on excursions where the ground is suitable. If you would like to hire a wheelchair to be available for your arrival, please contact us at least 8 weeks before departure. The small hire charge should be paid directly to the barge Captain on arrival and is approximately 100 Euros.
Safety & Security
Once you are on board, your Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures. Safety Instructions are detailed below.
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 all valuables are covered by your travel insurance.
Safes are provided in each cabin on board but cabin doors are not usually locked for safety reasons.
Smoking
Kir Royale has a strict non-smoking policy for safety reasons and for the comfort of your fellow passengers.
If you would like to smoke it's requested that you do so outside or on the deck away from fellow passengers.
Sundeck
There are 3 outdoor sundecks — the forward deck with heated spa pool; the aft deck which is partially covered for outdoor dining; and the upper sundeck accessible via an outside staircase. There are also 8 reclining chairs.
Themed Cruises
Please contact us for more information. Kir Royale is new to the fleet and has not yet specified themed cruises.
Tipping
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge the standard of service provided. As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received
The usual way to give the tip is to give the amount in cash as one lump sum to the Captain / Cruise Director on the last day of the cruise. He / She will distribute the amount equally amongst the crew.
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. If you have any questions, please speak to the Captain.
Transfers
For details of the Kir Royale's vehicle, please see “Excursions”, above. The approximate transfer duration between Paris and Kir Royale is 2 or 2½ hours depending on the cruise direction.
Water
Tap water in France and on board Kir Royale is potable and bottled water is also available.
Safety Instructions On Board Kir Royale
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 the designated locker in the Saloon. 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.
- 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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