Barge Charter Blogs | Barging Cruises Blogs
— 2026 —
Enjoy our 2026 barge cruising blog posts about everything barging brought to you by Paradise Connections, your barge charter cruise specialists. Experience the fascinating world of boutique hotel barging and see Europe from another perspective – via an all-inclusive, luxury, crewed hotel barge cruise vacation. Either click a link in the list below to go to a blog post that interests you or just scroll down the page to view all the posts. The most current post is at the top.
2/19/2026 - Downton Abbey Lovers
2/18/2026 - Special Offers & Discounts Updated
2/13/2026 - Special Valentines Promotion
2/5/2026 - L'Art de Vivre's New Pricing Structure
2/5/2026 - L'Impressionniste's New Itinerary (Canal du Centre)
2/3/2026 - Solo Travel - "No Single Supplement" Barge Cruises
1/23/2026 - 20% Discount on Aurora's 2026 Open Dates
1/23/2026 - 20% Discount on Aurora's 2026 Open Dates
1/10/2026 - Special Offers and Discounts for 2026 Barge Cruises
1/4/2026 - Cruise Highlights for Nymphea's Brittany Barge Cruise
1/1/2026 - Happy New Year
Downton Abbey Lovers - This cruise is for YOU
Highclere Castle
The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has opened the week of April 26,2026 for their Classic Thames with Highclere Castle itinerary. UPDATE: Current availability is one cabin booked and 3 cabins open. (No longer available for private charter with discount). Highclere Castle is the iconic setting of the beloved series Downton Abbey, the critically acclaimed period drama.
Downton Abbey Cruise
The main highlight of Magna Carta's cruise itinerary on these special voyages includes a tour of Highclere Castle, home of the fictional Crawley family and real-life residence of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. The excursion to Highclere Castle replaces the standard itinerary's visit to Dorney Court.
Considered one the most elegant examples of England's Victorian castles, Highclere boasts yellow Bath Stone walls that dominate the surrounding landscape. The Castle is surrounded by a 1,000-acre estate that was designed by Capability Brown, the popular 18th-century gardener. Its parks stretch as far as the eye can see and visitors can enjoy lakes, bridges, follies, and a meticulously manicured garden in the grounds.
Hampshire's Highclere Castle has between 250 to 300 rooms (so many that they lose count). The tour includes some of the bedrooms and many of the main state rooms, which will be familiar to Downton Abbey fans. Guests can also explore its Egyptian exhibition, which celebrates the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1907. Learn about ancient artefacts that were buried with the famous pharaoh and marvel at the statues of forgotten Gods and Goddesses.
From Bridgerton to the Crown
Picture scenes experienced by your favorite characters from these popular, fictional television series. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens at Hampton Court Palace and picture Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte prancing among the topiary. From the set of The Crown, tour Windsor Castle, the home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the largest inhabited castle in the world. Its surrounding parkland was used to film scenes from Bridgerton where the Duke and his love, Kate Sharma, go horseback riding. Upon request, fans of the popular Netflix drama may also be able to divert to other Bridgerton film locations such as Basildon, Painshill and Syon House.
If you are a fan of the shows or just an Anglophile in general...
Don't Miss The Boat!
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Special Offers & Discounts Updated
Today, we updated our Special Offers & Discount page as well as the 2026 & 2027 availability calendars for each barge. Read below for details on the Downton Abbey cruise and also for our Valentine's Special that runs through Monday.
Enjoy discounts of 10% and 20% on selected cruise weeks for both private charters and individual cabin bookings. For solo travelers, take advantage of barge cruise opportunities with no single supplement charges. To take advantage of these special rates, book by March 30, 2026.
Don't forget our Valentine's Day special (25% discount) that is valid through Monday, February 23, 2026. There are good deals to be found there.
Wait, there's MORE !!!
Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta has opened the week of April 26th for their Classic Thames with Highclere Castle itinerary. Highclere Castle is the iconic setting of the beloved series Downton Abbey, the critically acclaimed period drama.
Read more HERE.
Got a Question? Ask Away!
No question is too big or too small. Whether you're curious, exploring ideas, or just want a little advice, Bob & Sheila are here to help.
Inquire / Book Now
Special Valentine's Promotion
For our valued clients, we have a special promotion for Valentine's Day. We're delighted to offer an additional 5% off selected weeks for 2026 barge cruises. This means that, when combined with existing promotions, you can enjoy a discount of 25%. This is valid on new bookings made by Monday, February 23, 2026.
– CHARTERS –
L'ART DE VIVRE
Northern Burgundy: Canal du Nivernais
Up to 8 guests
April 12, May 3, 24, 31
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
Southern Burgundy: Canal du Centre
Up to 12 guests
May 3, 10
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
– CABINS –
ANJODI
South of France: Canal du Midi
Up to 8 guests
April 26
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
LA BELLE EPOQUE
Northern Burgundy: Canal du Bourgogne
Up to 12 guests
March 29, April 12
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
L'IMPRESSIONNISTE
Southern Burgundy: Canal du Centre
Up to 12 guests
April 5, 12
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
RENAISSANCE
Upper Loire/ Burgundy: Canal de Briare
Up to 8 guests
March 29, May 3
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND
Scotland: Scottish Highlands
Up to 12 guests
April 12
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
LA BELLA VITA
Italy: Venice & the Po Valley
Up to 20 guests
April 26, May 17
View Brochure
Save 25% ~ Valid through Feb 23, 2026
More . . .
Whether you book a cabin and cruise with like-minded travelers or choose to privately charter a barge with family and friends – this will make a suberb Valentine's surprise.
Book Now to Secure Your Space
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L'Art de Vivre's New Pricing Structure
French Hotel Barge L'Art de Vivre offers barge cruises in Northern Burgundy on the Canal de Nivernais. They are an 8-passenger barge with 4 guest cabins and now have charter rates for groups of 4 and 5 guests. This is perfect for smaller groups, especially if they desire their own room for themselves.
This new price structure allows your charter party additional space and privacy, while enjoying the same cruise experience, itinerary, and onboard services as a full-boat charter. For example, you can charter L'Art de Vivre for a group of 4 and, as there are 4 guest cabins, each person can have their own cabin, if so desired.
Learn more
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L'Impressionniste's New Burgundy Itinerary (Canal du Centre)
The portion of the Canal du Bourgogne that the French Hotel Barge L'Impressonniste normally cruises will be closed due to engineering work. Therefore, beginning in May 2026 and throughout the remainder of the season, she will cruise on the Canal du Centre, approximately 25 miles to the south.
The Canal du Centre offers equally enchanting landscapes, historic villages, and opportunities to explore Burgundy's renowned wine and gastronomy, ensuring a memorable and authentic experience. Many of L'Impressionniste's usual excursions will still be offered, including Dijon, Clos de Vougeot, and Beaune. Enjoy enchanting landscapes, historic villages, and many of her classic experiences — a perfect mix of familiar favorites and new discoveries.
Learn more
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Solo Travelers - "No Single Supplement" Barge Cruises
Dreaming of getting away by yourself on a solo escape through the picturesque canals and countryside of Europe? If you are a solo traveler, now's your chance to indulge in a luxury barge cruise without the single supplement charge.
This no single supplement offer is available for a limited time on select dates for 2026 aboard the following hotel barges:
- La Belle Epoque - Northern Burgundy, France
March 29 - April 4 : $7,090 (value season)
April 12-18 : $7,090 (value season)
April 19-25 : $7,090 (value season)
- L'Impressionniste - Southern Burgundy, France
April 5-11 : $7,090 (value season)
April 12-18: : $7,090 (value season)
- L'Art de Vivre - Northern Burgundy, France
April 19-25 : $6,250 (value season)
June 14-20 : $7,250
- Anjodi - Canal du Midi, France
April 26 - May 2 : $7,250
June 28 - July 4 : $7,250
July 12-18 : $6,250 (value season)
- Renaissance - Upper Loire and Western Burgundy, France
March 29 - April 4 : $9,390 (value season)
- Scottish Highlander - Scottish Highlands, Scotland
April 5 - 11 : $6,350 (value season)
- Spirit of Scotland - Scottish Highlands, Scotland
April 12-18 : $6,850 (value season)
- La Bella Vita - Venice & Lagoon, Po Valley, Italy
April 26 - May 2 : $6,350
May 17-23 : $6,350
June 14-20 : $6,350
Whether you're discovering the vineyards of Burgundy, the sun-drenched Canal du Midi, the majestic highlands of Scotland, or the romantic waterways of Venice, this is your moment to travel solo in style.
Learn more
Limited space available. Book now to secure your place
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20% Discount on Aurora's Remaining 2026 Open Dates
Hotel Barge Aurora - Maximum of 8 guests - Holland & France
The luxury Hotel Barge Aurora is currently offering a 20% discount on ALL remaining open dates in 2026 for cruises in The Netherlands & France.
Springtime in Holland
A spring barge cruise along the Dutch canals is a great way to explore the area and get off of the beaten track. Famous for windmills, tulips, pottery, and cheese, the Netherlands also boasts a vibrant artistic and cultural heritage.
Current Availability: 2026 Dutch Tulip Cruises
- April 5-11 - HOLLAND
4 cabins open for charter or as cabin week (2 guest minimum to guarantee the cruise)
- April 26-May 2 - HOLLAND
3 cabins open, 1 booked
- May 10-24 - 14-NIGHT 3-COUNTRY CRUISE – Holland-Belgium-France
2 cabins open, 2 booked
Summer & Autumn
Aurora has two itineraries for France during the Summer/Autumn barging season:
Plus two 12-night, 2-Country Cruises in August:
- August 2-14 : Paris France to Bruges Belgium
- August 16-28 : Bruges Belgium to Paris France
End of Season Repositioning Cruise
- 14-Night, 3-Country France-Belgium-Holland Cruise
October 11-25
2026 Pricing
Hotel Barge Aurora is currently offering a 20% discount on 2026 rates for both private charters and cabin cruise weeks.
Requirement to guarantee a cabin cruise week:
- for a standard 6-night cruise: 1-cabin minimum
- for longer, two and three-country cruises: 2-cabin minimum
Learn more
View Aurora's online brochure for more information, such as:
Welcome, Barge Facts, Cuisine, Itineraries, Photos, Video, Rates & Dates.
Got a Question? Ask Away!
No question is too big or too small. Whether you're curious, exploring ideas, or just want a little advice, Bob & Sheila are here to help.
Inquire / Book Now
Happy 2026 from Paradise Connections!
In 2026, we are looking forward to planning another (or perhaps your first) wonderful and unforgettable cruising experience.
Special Offers for 2026 Barge Cruises
We would like to draw your attention to some fabulous barge cruise discounts now available for the spring and summer months in France, England, Scotland, and Italy. These special offers include attractive discounts on both private charters and cabin bookings available on a range of dates spanning much of the 2026 season, providing excellent value and flexibility.
In addition, there are also some very appealing "no single supplement" offers available on a variety of barges and departure dates - an ideal opportunity for solo travelers.
To take advantage of these special offers, a deposit is required by February 16, 2026.
View Special Offers HERE
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our hotel barges cruise the smaller rivers and canals that are often inaccessible to larger vessels, offering a unique and intimate cruising experience. Whether you cruise with like-minded travelers on an individual cabin booking or choose to privately charter a barge with family and friends with shared interests – you're sure to feel right at home.
Got a Question? Ask Away!
No question is too big or too small. Whether you're curious, exploring ideas, or just want a little advice, Bob & Sheila at BargeCharters.com are here to help.
Inquire / Book Now
Cruise Highlights for Nymphea's Brittany Barge Cruise Itinerary
Rochefort-en-Terre
We have created a new destination area on our Destinations page for Brittany.
The first article is cruise highlights for French Hotel Barge Nymphea's itinerary in Brittany.
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Happy New Year 2026
