Barge cruises popular among baby boomers

Posted on Monday 23 April 2012 in France, Netherlands, Amsterdam

When Indian travellers envision a cruise getaway, they may be thinking of a large luxury liner full of flashy decor and many tourists. However, there are alternatives for cruisers who wish to have a more unique and intimate experience while exploring the world's waterways.

Those who wish to see the smaller rivers and canals across the globe are taking barge tours. These ships are designed to handle shallow water and tight passageways, so tourists may get right into the heart of some cities while enjoying the flexibility of a small boat. Although the barges are much tinier than a large cruise liner, they still often boast lavish cabins, fine dining areas and helpful staff members to give onshore recommendations and more. These trips are most popular in Europe, but barge cruises are also catching on in North America, Asia and other areas of the world.

"There is simply no other way to have this type of travel experience, for example on the Canal du Midi near Béziers, you can just sit back and wine and dine on the deck while the barge ascends Fonserannes, an eight level water staircase down to the Orb River, which the barge then crosses over on an aqueduct," said Sue Heine, owner of Tujours France.

Baby boomers tend to be the demographic most targeted for these barge cruises, as many have larger budgets for luxury travel excursions and hope to see new things on the dawn of their retirement.

Travellers see the world by barge

Many companies are beginning to tap into this industry by specialising in barge cruises catered toward an older crowd. If Indian travellers are interested in European destinations, for example, there is a wealth of opportunity to choose from when considering this special kind of boat trip. For instance, tourists may take flights to Amsterdam and cruise around its waterways, enjoying the historical landmarks and stunning views from the ship. Since these boats tend to make frequent stops, it can be like having a hotel float always in close proximity as the city is enjoyed during the day.

Since these types of trip are becoming a preferred way to experience a new locale, Indian travellers considering a barge cruise may wish to book well in advance. This holiday may be ideal for older couples or even a thrilling family reunion where everyone can be on the same small ship together.

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