Calgon, take me away!  When a bubble bath won’t satisfy, pick up a travel brochure or read about an exciting or exotic place in your favorite online or hardcopy magazine!  We just might be able to persuade you to pick up the phone and call for arrangements on a cruise.  While this is not your typical ocean view cruise ship, a river barge cruise can be just as heartwarming and well appointed as an ocean cruise.  Although transportation is slower, the views are lush with hillside greenery and quaint villages await you.  So stop dreaming about vacation and start packing.

River barge cruises work the waterway systems throughout the South-East United States.  One company www.cruisecompany.com is well established in the river barge cruises.  Packages usually include ports, shore excursions, taxes, drinks and meals.  Depending upon the area visited, number of days involved, and time of year, you’ll find the river barge cruises well within your budget.  River barges accommodate a limited number of patrons which helps keep a “family” feel to the cruise.  Most barges have game rooms equipped with billiards and card tables for those who just can’t get enough Texas Hold’em.  Entertainment ranges from on shore excursions to on barge live entertainment pre-arranged with the cruise company.  On barge rooms may be as large as 200 sq. feet with double bed capacity.  For the Cruisecompany.com their rooms come equipped with private bath/toilet facilities.  Just like home away from home, maybe better because someone else does the cooking and cleaning!

Shore excursions allow guests to visit villages and towns along the waterways.  Each excursion brings treasure to those who search for it.  While many of these excursions will have a historical flavor, even the worst historian of the group will enjoy looking into local customs, traditions, and cuisines.  There is always room to bring a few purchases onboard, and of course in the US, shipping items back to home is a popular way to send favorite purchases ahead of you.  Rivers of notoriety and ports include Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; cruise the Missouri and trek Lewis and Clark’s adventure, ride the mighty Mississippi, or find your self in Nashville with the stars!  If you ever wanted to understand Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas a river barge cruise is a fantastic way to view the countryside and experience the culture.

Want more exotic cruises?  Try www.francecruises.com this US based company specializes in River barge cruises in France.  The flat bottomed barges float through the rivers and canal waterways of exotic France.  Patron capacity is usually less than 15 with onboard dining in elegant French cuisine prepared by a very capable French chef.  With food and drinks available onboard, the stars shining bright overhead, what else could a romantic couple want?

Shore excursions for Francecruises.com usually include visits to notable basilicas, points of interest such as the Eiffel Tower, charming villages, wine vineyards, and much more.  The traveler by barge will indeed acquire an intrinsic sampling of France.  Narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings with artistic carvings, centuries old traditions, and rubbing shoulders with locals will enhance this unique and interesting way to cruise.  Don’t worry about food or shopping.  You’ll have ample opportunity to let your palate and gastronomy enjoy the French cuisine. 

Prices for a France river barge cruise vary.  These cruises may also be chartered for private parties and vacations.  Each destination also will reflect upon the price charged.  Airfare to France is usually not covered unless pre-arranged in a special package.  Most of these cruises involve one – two nights stay in a beautifully appointed hotel with transportation provided to and from your barge cruise.

What do I pack?  Simply pack light.  With limited space available, mix and match coordinates designed for comfort will work great.  Comfortable walking shoes are a must!  A simple tote for women large enough to hold a sweater and bottle of water but small enough to carry easily is desirable.  Wear layers.  Of course pack one item which can convert to “fine” in case of that unexpected visit.

 Wherever you choose to travel by River barge, whether the United States or France, you’ll find hospitality from the companies and answers to all your questions!  Before traveling, acquaint your self with the companies, the places on your itinerary, and the local cultures.  You’ll have one happy experience full of history and fun!  Happy Traveling.

Some photos courtesy of Jennifer Kahn-Chicago, IL.