Facts About The Barge La Nouvelle Etoile

La Nouvelle Etoile, a luxurious, 8-person, wheelchair accessible hotel barge cruising the waterways of Holland, Belgium, France, Germany and Luxembourg, started out as a cargo barge.

129 ft long x 17 ft wide (39.3m x 5.18m)
7 crew
8 passengers
4 Guest suites
TV/DVD in saloon and each guest cabin
Piano
Exercise room
Elevator (lift) between upper & lower decks
Air conditioning & Central heating
Spa pool / Hot tub on sundeck
8 bicycles (4 regular & 4 e-bikes)
WiFi (subject to local reception)
Air conditioned minibus

Barge Specifics

• Former purpose: Transport barge
• Original year of construction: 1965
• Dimensions: 129ft x17ft (39.05m x 5.18m)
• Year converted to a Hotel Barge: 2002
• Renovated: 2022
• Generators: 2 x Yanmar 40kva
• Main Engine: 2 x Volvo Penta 174hp
• Maximum Speed: 9 Knots
• Water capacity: 20m³
• Fuel capacity: 5m³ diesel

Your Crew On Board

• Crew of 7: Captain, Tour Guide/Deckhand, Chef, Hostess, Stewards (2), Pilot/Engineer
• Nationality of crew: Our crew members are both American and European nationalities. All speak fluent English, and several speak other languages including French, Dutch, German, Spanish and others.

Accommodation On Board

Maximum 8 passengers / 4 suites

All 4 suites can be configured with either 2 single beds or a king bed. All beds are 200cm long x 90cm wide (6ft 7” x 3ft)

Each suite has an en-suite shower room. There is ample storage and each has 1 wardrobe, 1 cupboard with shelves and a large drawer under each bed for suitcases. All cabins have 2 nightstands with small drawers, television with DVD player, and panoramic windows. All cabins are fitted with safes.

There are large panoramic windows (2ft high x 3ft wide) in each cabin, which cannot be opened. Fresh air vents are provided in each cabin, as well as air conditioning.

Bedding provided is sheets with a comforter and blankets, and a choice of down or synthetic-filled pillows.

Cabin Sizes

All suites are 13ft 2” x 16ft 5” (4m x 5m) including the bathroom.

Suite # 4 has been adapted for wheelchair access with hand rails and wider doors to the shower & WC (more info under Restricted Mobility, below).

Ceiling height in the cabins is 6ft 7” (2.02m)

En-suite shower rooms:

Each bathroom measures 13ft 2” x 4ft (4m x 1.2m)

Each has a large walk-in shower with tiled floor and walls and 2 wash basins. They all have WC in a separate room within the en-suite. Shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, towels, face cloths, dressing gowns, and hair dryers are all provided.

There are two USB ports in each stateroom.

All sizes are approximate.

Climate Control

Each suite has individually controlled air conditioning and heating.

Computer and Telephone

Wi-Fi is available throughout the barge and in each suite for passengers who wish to bring their own appliances, this may be subject to availability in more remote locations.

There are several USB ports in the Saloon for charging cameras, phones, and other devices.

There are stateroom phones for on board communication on La Nouvelle Etoile.

Currency

The local currency in all countries where La Nouvelle Etoile cruises is the Euro.

La Nouvelle Etoile is unable to accept credit or debit cards.

Cycling & Walking

Most cruise itineraries offer lovely opportunities to walk and cycle along the towpaths. This can be limited, however, when cruising in Holland and also between Holland, Belgium and France. River cruises offer few to no walking opportunities while cruising, though biking is possible on select routes.

You are welcome to walk or cycle using the on-board bicycles, when this is possible, while cruising. Walking and cycling in cities and villages while moored is also an option.

There are 8 bikes on-board; 4 regular bikes with 8 gears and 4 E-bikes. Safety helmets are provided. Children's bikes, helmets and child bike seats can be arranged if required on request. Please contact Paradise Connections at least 3 months prior to departure.

Dining Room & Saloon

The Saloon area combines the Lounge, Cocktail Bar and spacious Dining Room and is 14m x 4.80m (46ft x 15ft 9”) with a ceiling height of 7ft 4” (2.23m).

The Lounge and Dining Room are each 23ft (7m) in length and the Cocktail Bar and elevator (lift) is located between the two.

The Lounge area has a small library, a digital music library with over 26,000 recordings, a Bose sound system, and a piano. The Saloon is furnished in rich teak wood.

There is an elevator between floors which helps accommodate guests who are less mobile. Guests requiring the use of wheelchairs can be accommodated on charter cruise bookings.

Electricity

La Nouvelle Etoile is wired for 220 volts with a 110 volt socket in each bathroom and at most stateroom desks. We recommend you bring a voltage converter with a plug adapter if you need a particular appliance near your bed or in the Saloon, 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

La Nouvelle Etoile has an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van which is used for transfers and excursions. It has extra headroom and a sliding step (and a wheelchair ramp for charter bookings).

Seatbelts must be worn at all times when in the vehicle. While the vehicle is always locked when not in use, do not leave valuables in the vehicle. European Waterways cannot be held responsible for any theft of personal possessions following a break in.

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

• Gymnasium (exercise room) on the lower deck with a treadmill, exercise bike, stair stepper, and weights.
• Elevator between floors which can fit 5 people
• 4 person Jacuzzi hot-tub on foredeck
• Retractable electric sun canopy on deck
• Retractable transparent wind screens on deck
• Chef's herb garden
• 4 regular bikes & 4 E-bikes (see Cycling & Walking, above)
• Large pop up TV, music player in the Saloon
• 24hrs coffee, tea and hot chocolate machine
• Terrace heating outside
• Pioneer and PB sound system with Bose speakers
• Computer terminal in the Saloon
• Piano in the Saloon
• Wedgewood porcelain and Chrisoffle silver
• TV & DVD player in each stateroom

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 local cuisine is featured.

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 La Nouvelle Etoile accommodates all guests at a single sitting.

Breakfast: Your day on La Nouvelle Etoile starts with a Breakfast selection of fresh breads & pastries, fruit salad, cereals, yogurts, eggs cooked to order, bacon, freshly squeezed juices, and hot beverages. A hot breakfast special is also always offered daily.

Lunch: Usually buffet style with colourful salads, patés, and cold meats accompanied by hot soup or entrée, delicious deserts and a selection of regional cheeses accompanied by quality wines selected by the chef.

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. Dinner is followed by freshly made chocolates, coffee and liqueurs.

Captain’s farewell dinner: Held on the last night of your cruise. Guests may choose to dress in semi-formal attire.

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 brands of Champagne and special vintage wines, or rare liquors, if requested by the guest with sufficient advance arrangements, are not included in the fare; however these can be purchased in advance of your cruise at cost price, please speak to Paradise Connections at least 90 days in advance of cruising. We do not recommend specific beverage orders unless you are chartering the whole barge.

Hot Air Balooning

Hot Air Ballooning is usually available when cruising in Champagne and Burgundy in France.

The ship can arrange this directly with the hot air balloon company, subject to availability. Flights usually last for approximately 1 hour and are weather-dependent. The cost is set by the balloon operator on a per person basis, and this should be paid directly to the balloon company on the day of the flight (most do accept credit cards).

Kindly advise Paradise Connections 90 days or more in advance if you are interested in ballooning.

Laundry

On the lower deck, there are laundry facilities available for guests to use. A washing machine (powder is provided), tumble dryer and an iron & ironing board.

Luggage / What To Pack

Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized case per person. Soft bags are preferable as these can be stored in the drawers under the beds.

Practical comfort and casual clothing is the norm aboard La Nouvelle Etoile and for most excursions. The dress code for dinner is smart casual. For the Captain's hosted Gala Farewell Dinner on the last evening (optional on charter bookings), guests often dress in semi-formal attire.

The weather is hottest in June, July, and August when temperatures can reach the mid 30s°C / top 80s°F.

Suggested things to pack

• Light clothing including shorts and polo 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 as the deck can be slippery when wet.
• There is a hot tub on board, so don’t forget your swim suit.

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

There are 10 steps between the Saloon to the lower cabin deck and a further 2 steps down to access cabins 3 & 4.

There is an elevator on board. The lift is 112cm (44") and 97cm (38") deep. Entrance is about 85cm (33”) and the cabin most suited for passengers with mobility restrictions is Cabin #4, with a door entrance of 88cm (34"). There are handrails in the en-suite bathroom for the toilet and shower.

Cabin #4's en-suite bathroom entry door is double-hinged for accessibility and the shower is fully accessible. The bathroom entrance is 88cm (34"), toilet door is 82cm (32") and the shower is 75cm (29").

There is also a wheelchair available on board for passenger use, which is free of charge. Any passengers with restricted mobility, please contact our reservation team for more details. Please note that we can only accommodate wheelchair-reliant guests on private charter bookings.

Please note: there are no toilet facilities on the upper deck and passengers will need to return to their cabin to use the bathroom.

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 La Nouvelle Etoile. The cabin doors are not usually locked for safety reasons.

Smoking / Vaping

We have a strict non-smoking/non-vaping policy on board the vessel for both safety reasons and for the wellbeing and comfort of your fellow passengers and crew.

If you would like to smoke/vape we request that you smoke on shore. Smoking on deck, away from the saloon entry door, is permitted on charter bookings only.

Sundeck

The lovely sun deck measures 17ft x 22ft (5.08m x 6.7m) and has a Spa Pool which can accommodate 4 people. There are 8 reclining chairs for sunbathing and a large table for dining al-fresco. For shade, there is an electronic retractable canopy. The sundeck also has outdoor heating should the evening turn chilly.

Tipping

Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare. While tipping is entirely discretionary, it is traditional in luxury cruising and greatly appreciated by the crew, who strive to ensure you are fully satisfied with the level of service on board. As a guideline, the average gratuity offered by our guests from around the globe is approximately 10% of the Cruise Fare

A tip envelope will be made available on the last night of your cruise. The usual way to give the tip is to give the amount in cash as one lump sum to the captain on the final morning of the cruise. They will distribute the sum equally amongst the crew.

Euros or Dollars are equally appreciated. ATMs are accessible for cash withdrawal on most itineraries during the cruise, but ATM withdrawal amounts are often limited. The tour director can advise where these are located and/or assist in guests reaching ATMs, as needed.

Transfers

The pick up and drop off point varies throughout the year depending on cruise direction. Alternative pick up points may be possible on request for Charter groups by advance request. Transfers will be in La Nouvelle Etoile's vehicle (please see under "Excursions").

The approximate transfer duration varies depending on the cruise itinerary and direction, but can range from approximately 30 minutes to 3 hours.

It is usually possible to make your own way to the barge but this must be arranged in advance with Paradise Connections.

Water

Tap water on board La Nouvelle Etoile is potable and bottled water is also available. There is also a water softener on board and a special filtered drinking water tap at the bar.

Safety Instructions On Board La Nouvelle Etoile

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.
• La Nouvelle Etoile is a smoke-free vessel. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on 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.

In an emergency:
• Keep calm. Do not return to your cabin to recover your possessions.
• In the event of a fire on board, the automatic smoke detection system will detect the fire and sound an alarm. If no alarm sounds and you detect a fire, notify a crew member immediately. If possible, close doors behind you to confine the fire. Please also take the time to identify the location of fire extinguishers. Use these only if needed to safely pass through a space and reach an exit; otherwise, move to a safe area and allow trained crew to use the extinguishers to fight any fire.
• 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, proceed to the alternative fire exit, if reachable, or use a fire extinguisher, if needed, to clear a safe path of travel through the affected area. Never use the elevator in the event of a fire or other emergency. Please take the time following boarding to identify all fire exits.
• Your vessel is equipped with a defibrillator in case of cardiac arrest. Instructions in English are given automatically 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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