Cruise in Holland and Belgium on Canals and the Meuse River aboard the Deluxe Hotel-Barge MARJORIE II
SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Marjorie II cruises between Holland and Belgium in the spring of 2010 with excursions to see the tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland and the beautiful town of Bruges in Belgium. The Marjorie II then cruises in the south of Belgium from late-May through October 2010, in the Ardennes region with her beautiful landscapes, castles, abbeys and Belgian delicacies. Chocolate, beer and wine will accentuate the cruise when the Marjorie II meanders along the Meuse River between Givet in France to Maastricht in Belgium.
When entering the Marjorie II you will be struck by the well-designed interior created for luxury, elegance and spaciousness. Relax in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy an unrivaled view from the large panoramic windows while cruising the inland waterways of Europe. In the dining room you will find French cuisine of the highest quality, served on the finest china and silverware, all of which combine for a memorable culinary experience.
The sundeck is the perfect place to relax, further enhanced by the enticing jacuzzi. What better place to appreciate the scenery!
Cabin comfort is a priority on the Marjorie II. The six cabins (170 square feet each) have been created to comfortably accommodate queen or twin beds. Each has been furnished in an old ship style with mahogany and brass fittings. If you wish to keep in touch with home or just wind down at the end of the day, then make full use of the Satellite TV and video library. The ensuite bathrooms come fully fitted with double sinks, oversized showers with massage jets and all the necessary amenities.
Features
- Size of barge: 129 ft by 16 ft 5 in
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Large salon with 12 picture windows, large comfortable U-shaped sofa and two settees. Dining area with table for 12.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with Jacuzzi, chairs, dining table for alfresco dining, and umbrellas for shade.
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Six cabins 170 sq ft each including two twins or queen bed and large ensuite bathroom with oversized shower and double sinks. Two cabins a few steps down from main deck, four on lower deck. Satellite TV in cabins with video library.
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Mercedes mini-bus
- Accessibility: Steps to salon and cabins.
- Bicycles: 12 15-gear mountain bicycles
Marjorie II's Deck Plan
Dining Aboard the Marjorie II
SAMPLE MENU
Continental and Hot Breakfast:
- Breads
- Cereals
- Fruits
- Yogurt
- Daily hot breakfast items which may include pancakes, Belgian waffles, eggs, bacon, etc.
Lunch:
- Hearts of Palms and tomato salad with oregano dressing
- Chicken fillet in an Almond crust with a choice of dips
- Home made Banana ice-cream topped with Chocolate sauce
- Fried Goats Cheese wrapped in Bacon on a bed of Assorted garden Greens and Pink grape fruit dressing
- Wok fried shrimps and Crispy vegetables accompanied with Bell-Pepper oregano tagiatelle
- Fresh Fruit salad Marinated in White wine & Honey
- Stew of Green & white Asparagus served with Croutons & Bacon
- Chiabatta vegetable Cheese toast
Evening Meals:
- Terrine of Foie Gras with Tarragon Port Wine gelée
- Cream of Forestier mushroom Soup
- Pan fried baby Turbot accompanied with Wild Rice, broccoli and a Bell-pepper sauce
Passenger Comments:
The barge trip more than exceeded our expectations and was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience from beginning to end, largely due to the excellence of the crew.
-- J.S.
It was beyond all our expectations!!! The crew was very friendly and yet they were all very professional. We all wanted Dave, the chef to follow us home so that we could continue to enjoy the fabulous meals. We were three generations and everyone had a wonderful time.
-- D.K.
The cabins were excellent - surprisingly well designed and use of space. Service was truly unbelievable. Food/drinks were excellent and varied, everything we wanted - even Margueritas from fresh limes. Excursions were so interesting and diverse - Binzi was a great guide. The high point was the relaxed setting - a chance to live at a slower pace, walking and biking along with the barge.
-- R.H., TX.
Quality of cabin, service and food, drinks, excursions, and quality of barge route were all excellent. I couldn't think of anything to improve unless there were more excursions available on other routes. The excursions were really a huge hit with us, to a large degree, because of the incredible knowledge and humor that Binze possessed. Also Russell, Leanne, and Tash were a big hit with their presence and attitudes. Also Binze went way out his way to help our friends in Paris to find their hotel and then take them back into Paris to meet us.
The cabin accommodations were wonderful. Much roomier and more comfortable than the last barge we were on and that was nice too. The service was fabulous. What a wonderful crew. The meals and wines were unbelievable. Very imaginative cooking and just the right amount of it.
--B.H., WA, USA
The high points of the cruise were the overall balance of beautiful barge, good crew, beautiful countryside and food/drink. Very, very relaxing.
--H.B., NY, USA
Overall the trip was wonderful. The scenery was beautiful, the service was excellent and the overall accommodations on the barge were exceptional. The barge is beautiful, the crew was outstanding and the overall experience was relaxing and great. The barge was immaculately maintained and furnished. It was a beautiful, relaxing week cruising. The service was spectacular. The crew on the boat - Leigh, Vicky, Eleanor, Charlie and Dieter - went out of their way to make sure that we had everything we needed. They are extremely personable and helped to make the trip wonderful. Ronny, the captain, was a great guy and provided us with a lot of interesting information about the area, his life barging, etc. This was our first barge trip and won't be our last. The quality of the barge and the service provided by the crew made the experience exceptional.
--K.B., NJ
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Holland and Belgium
Haarlem to Bruges
Sunday
Transfer from your hotel in Amsterdam to the Marjorie II, moored in Haarlem. After a drink to welcome us on board, we can visit the Frans Hals Museum and its collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ.
Monday
After an early breakfast we take a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers are auctioned every day. Returning to our boat, we cruise on to Leiden. This is a very charming University town with the American Pilgrim museum how tells the stories of the founders of New England, the Pilgrims.
Tuesday
This morning marks a cruising highlight: a walk through the glorious Keukenhof Gardens, Holland's best-known gardens park, with more than 70 acres filled with over 6 million flowering bulbs. We stroll through breathtaking waves of color on this unforgettable half -day excursion. Back on board, we cruise through beautiful landscapes to Delft.
Wednesday
Delft is a fascinating town, full of small canals and humpbacked bridges and best explored by bike or on foot. Many beautiful buildings illustrate the city's historic connection with the Dutch East India Company. The birthplace of Jan Vermeer, Delft is also famous for its tableware, and we visit a factory to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. Then, back on the barge, we cruise through Rotterdam, the largest port in the World direction Antwerp.
Thursday
Antwerp, where the three "must-see" sights are baroque painter Pieter Paul Rubens' house, the Plantin-Moretus house, a printing plant and shop in service between 1555 and 1876, and of course Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral. This evening you should go to the "Grote Markt" to drink one of the more than 100 kinds of Belgian Beers. Today we need to cruise on the Schelde River to Ghent. This river has a tide difference of more than 20 feet and a strong current.
Friday
A first and lasting impression of Ghent is of its marvelous medieval structures whose sturdy stone facades reflect well in canal waters. We visit the Castle of the Counts. This magnificent, almost unrivaled, example of a feudal fortress of the Counts of Flanders has a massive medieval shape that rises from the reflective waters of its moat; it was built about 1180. We cruise to our final mooring, Bruges. The day ends with this evening's Farewell Dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, we transfer you to your hotel or airport.
Water levels, waterway traffic, and maintenance of canals and locks all have a direct effect on canal and river cruising. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closure due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs or other unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, all routes are subject to change.
SAMPLE ITINERARY (New for 2010 only)*
Belgium and France: Meuse River: Givet to Maastricht
After cruising with the Marjorie II in Austria, Germany, Holland, Northern Belgium and France, the hotel barge owner is now pleased to add Northern France and Southern Belgium to his portfolio for 2010. The area of Northern France and Southern Belgium known as Ardennes is well known for it’s beautiful landscapes, castles, abbeys and Belgian delicacies, including chocolate, beer and wine. The Meuse River offers excellent and ample opportunity for cycling, walking and golfing.
Sunday
We meet in Brussels at your hotel or other designated location for your transfer to the Marjorie II, moored in the picturesque village of Givet in France. After a Champagne welcome, there is time for an evening stroll before dinner on board.
Monday
Today we will visit the magnificent Chateau and Gardens of Freyr. This most magnificent sight in the country is home to an outstanding estate exuding a touch of Versailles about it (16th & 18th C.). You will be able to enjoy the beautiful interiors and the authentic furnishings of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin. In the afternoon, we cruise to Dinant, home to cathedrals and fortifications as well as the home of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.
Tuesday
Today’s excursion is to the 13
th century Abbey de Leffe, which is famous for their beers. This afternoon, we will cruise to Namur, which is located at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers. The city boasts an impressive Cathedral and Citadel, among other highlights.
Wednesday
We drive to the Waterloo Battlefield, preserved almost as it was in 1815. Find out about this great, historical battle, which pitted Napoleon's troops against those of Wellington and Bluecher. We will cruise this afternoon to Huy, one of Belgium's oldest towns.
Thursday
We cruise in the morning to Liege from were we drive to Eupen, the German speaking region in Belgium.
We visit the Jacques chocolate factory founded in 1896. This educational museum uncovers everything from the cultivation of cacao to the finished products, from the origins to the fabrication of chocolate as well as the ceremonial rituals that accompanied the tastings in times gone by.
Friday
We cruise this morning to Maastricht. A short drive brings us to the Wine Castleuo; of Genoels-Elderen. With its 50 acres of vineyards, it is the largest winery in Belgium. The microclimate on the hills of Limburg produces excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines. We have a guided tour and a wine tasting. There is time to browse in town before our evening’s farewell dinner.
Saturday
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Brussels, where your tour ends.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and may run in reverse on your cruise week. The captain reserves the right to adjust if deemed necessary.
Marjorie II
2010 Season Cruise Schedule* |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Mar 28 |
Bruges-Haarlem |
Low
|
| Apr 4 |
Haarlem-Bruges |
Low
|
| Apr 11 |
Bruges-Haarlem |
Low
|
| Apr 18 |
Haarlem-Bruges |
Low
|
| Apr 25 |
Bruges-Haarlem |
Low
|
| May 2 |
Haarlem-Bruges |
Low
|
| May 9 |
Bruges-Haarlem |
Low
|
| May 16 |
Haarlem-Bruges |
Low
|
| May 23 |
Bruges-Givet |
Low
|
| May 30 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Jun 6 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
| Jun 13 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Jun 20 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
| Jun 27 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Jul 4 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
|
| Cruise Schedule* ... continued |
| Week |
Route |
Season |
| Jul 11 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Jul 18 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
| Jul 25 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Aug 1 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
| Aug 8 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Aug 15 |
Maastricht-Givet |
Low
|
| Aug 22 |
Givet-Maastricht |
Low
|
| Aug 29 |
Maastricht-Givet |
High
|
| Sep 5 |
Givet-Maastricht |
High
|
| Sep 12 |
Maastricht-Givet |
High
|
| Sep 19 |
Givet-Maastricht |
High
|
| Sep 26 |
Maastricht-Givet |
High
|
| Oct 3 |
Givet-Maastricht |
High
|
| Oct 10 |
Maastricht-Givet |
High
|
| Oct 17 |
Givet-Maastricht |
High
|
|
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
MARJORIE II
2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS |
| ACCOMMODATION |
LOW
Mar 28 thru Aug 28 |
HIGH
Aug 29 thru Oct 23 |
SUMMER FAMILY CHARTERS
Jul 4 thru Aug 28 |
|
Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,800 |
$4,100 |
NA |
|
Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,900 |
$2,050 |
NA |
|
Charter for 10 |
$38,000 |
$41,000 |
NA |
|
Charter for 12 |
$41,750 |
$45,400 |
NA |
|
Family Charter for up to 12 |
NA |
NA |
$38,000 |
NOTE: 2010 rates are the same as 2008 and 2009 seasons' rates
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with private bath
- Transfers from Amsterdam/Bruges, or Brussels depending on cruise itinerary, to the barge and return
- All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (special excursions are extra)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Amsterdam/Brussels and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent euros to the captain
 |
Special Places Travel, LLC
"Barges in France (and the rest of Europe) ... for the experience of a lifetime!" ™
For booking information,
Phone (toll-free): 1-877-64-BARGE (1-877-642-2743)
Outside of the U.S.: 001.443.321.3614
or E-mail: info@specialplacestravel.com
|
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Last Update: January 11, 2010
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