Barge Tours

Live The Life Of Luxury Cruise Tours

A luxury cruise tour can really enhance your lifestyle. If you love cruises, you'll find yourself in the same boat with many of the same mind. You'll have the opportunity to create lasting friendships among the guests on board.

The benefits of a luxury cruise include any number of stops at various cities in many countries. While there is a slew of luxury cruise liners to choose from, it is important to remember that the physical size of the ship can dictate your course of sail and the events of the itinerary. Small- to medium-sized ships can sail further inland than their larger counterparts, creating an opportunity to see several historical landmarks.

If your luxury cruise ship of choice should be the larger version, you may find a choice of excursions. If sightseeing is planned, there may be one scheduled in the early hours of the morning, with another to follow in the afternoon. And, still, most lines manage to squeeze in time for a fantastic lunch break. Otherwise, you may return from the second excursion sometime in the early hours of evening, perhaps in time for dinner.

Your time spent at port can account for a great portion of your enjoyment on a luxury cruise. While some guests take courage and hire a private car to tote them around the city, others tend to stay within the docking area. If you choose the latter, then you may be missing out on several fantastic opportunities. The port itself is usually located in an industrial district of any given city, so unique attractions and historical landmarks can be several miles out of sight. To save money on your luxury cruise and still get the most of your time at each port, you can choose to split taxi fares with others, since most drivers charge by the carload and not per person. This is your chance to experience some great local culture!

The actual time spent docked at ports may depend on the type of luxury cruise that you have chosen; typically offered are river cruises and Barge Tours. Ships that traverse the rivers can generally hold many more guests (up to 180 people). On the other hand, barge tour ships can accommodate much fewer guests (5-25 people).

Other distinguishing features of these two subtypes of a luxury cruise are that river cruises can cover more ground, visiting perhaps several countries in a week's time. Barge Tours, however, are designed for canals that will take you through several towns. Naturally, a barge tour is much slower. It is not uncommon for Barge Tours to travel only 50 miles for the week.

If you are concerned about on board accommodations with your luxury cruise, the river cruises will provide a restaurant, entertainment, and even a lounge. Barge tours are primarily first-class operations with an exquisite dining room and even a sun deck.

Regardless of the options you elect to have, a customized luxury cruise experience is in your grasp. A luxury cruise is the ultimate experience of sightseeing, fun, and relaxation. Cruises are available all around the world, from the United States, to South America, Asia, and Australia. Take your time in choosing your dream luxury cruise destination, and you'll be glad you did your homework.

By Janet K. Tusing -

Know of any inexpensive inland waterway tours in the Netherlands?
Barge tours?

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What's the best Bike & Barge tour company for Holland trips?
I'm looking for a shorter trip, around eight days. Anybody have recommendations for good tours and good tour companies?

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Looking for an affordable European Week-long Riverboat or barge tour?
My friends are looking for a riverboat/barge honeymoon vacation in Europe, particularly in France. I have found a couple of tours but just a little bit out of there price range. I was hoping to find them a 5-7 night stay on a boat all-inclusive for about 3 or 4 thousand for the couple. I need to suggest tours in this price range so they have enough of their budget left over for plane tickets and other extras. Know of any tours that fit this description? Or any sites/travel agencies that specialize in riverboat/barge tours in Europe. Thanks...

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How to experience 'Venice of East' part of Bangkok?
I have heard that it is called Rice Barge Tour. Is this correct or is there a better place to be?? How to reach there adn how much time does one require to do this full trip and experience this part of Bangkok (I anyways have not seen Venice)

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