Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're in the planning stage or ready to go, check out our FAQs for information about trips on eWaterways. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call and one of our agents will be happy to help.
How do I find the right small boat holiday? I have looked at all types of sites and now am more confused than when i started?
Relax; you have come to the right site. We are a global aggregator of small ship product and we really understand small boat cruising. We will take you through the process and generate several ideas that meet your needs.
Back to top ↑
What is a barge?
A barge refers to a specific type or style of hull which is designed to navigate is shallow, narrow, waterways. Most barges were built to carry goods into hard to reach areas of the country. Hotel barges which are fully crewed and are operating today usually are cargo hulls which have been redesigned. They are barge hulls over which cabins and saloons have been constructed in order to accommodate travelers. Luxury barges are smaller vessels, accommodating a minimum of 6 passengers and a maximum of 50. The cruises usually include all gourmet meals with wine, all shore excursions, and most include "open bar" and bicycles for the use of the guests. These vessels cruise on small waterways, mostly canals, such as the Nivernais in Burgundy, France's most famous wine country, the Canal du Midi in the south, or through the tulip fields of Holland, the Caledonian Canals in Sctoland, and sometimes on the rivers, such as the Shannon in Ireland, the Rhone in Freance and the Thames in England.
The purpose of a barge cruise is not to rush from Point A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment with fine food and wine, enjoy the delights of the countryside you are passing through, and get to know the "soul of the country." The barges travel neither far or fast.
Back to top ↑
Is Barging only for the sedentary, older traveler?
Not at all! Canal cruising is for those who want a "close-up, personal" experience in Europe. Mature & younger travelers find the pace and comfort of a barge the ideal way to explore the real heart & soul of a country. More active types like to take off on village walks, hill climbs or bicycles...meeting up at the next lock. The unique advantages of a barge is that we can tailor an itinerary and celebrate a special event to suit the guests
Back to top ↑
What sort of activities will I find during my barge trip?
Lots! Each morning and again after lunch, guided tours to historic and cultural sites of the region provide guests many interesting choices from visiting chateaux, famous vineyards, country market towns, private gardens to museums celebrating art, weapons, textiles or bread! Other interests, like golf, ballooning, riding and tennis are also accommodated. If it's Burgundy, there's a visit to Beaune or Macon...along the Thames in England the route might be Windsor Castle to Oxford. (In between, there is fine food & drink)
Each barge has a designated crew member guide and an air-conditioned van or bus that travels with it, for daily excursions to points of interest such as nearby chateaux, colorful local markets, ancient monasteries, or fascinating specialty museums.
Back to top ↑
Will I feel confined?
Not if you enjoy meeting the locals, viewing passing vineyards and chateaux from a hot tub on deck, or sharing experiences with a congenial group of travelers on journeys more like "moving house parties. You will be able to get on and off your barge practically at will, to take a walk along the tow path or a bicycle ride to town. (Almost all the barges have bicycles on board for passenger use). Meet and talk to the locals, view the vineyards, or accompany the crew as they shop in the early morning for delicious, freshly baked bread and croissants. Learn the secrets of fine French cuisine from your gourmet chef. Savor an amazing variety of local cheese and other delicacies. All of this in addition to the included sightseeing tours en route.
The gentle movement of the barge, anchored at night, has caused dedicated insomniacs to report wonderful, restful sleep. It is the relaxed atmosphere aboard, the friendly and helpful crew, the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, together with the wonderful cuisine, lively conversation and interesting sightseeing that make it magical.
Back to top ↑
What amenities can I expect on the barge?
All cabins have private, nicely appointed bathrooms with showers. Some suites include bathtubs. Several barges have saunas and on deck hot tubs or jacuzzis as well.
Usually there are no telephones, TVs or computers. For emergency communications, barges do carry a cellular phone. However...anyone who chooses to break the tranquillity of the voyage for urgent business like baseball scores, elections or market closings...public phones are handily spaced along the canals. As for TV, a few barges have satellite TV for those who can't miss CNN.
Back to top ↑
Are barge cruises expensive?
Barges come in many styles and levels of luxury from rustic and comfortable like a good Country Inn to elegant, like a fashionable Hotel. But the essence of barging is not decor...but the taste and texture of the region that is revealed in the welcome greeting of the villagers, the smiles and hearty charm of the lock keepers, and the personal & friendly attention of local artisans and guides. Barge rates do reflect the level of luxury and the season...but since they are inclusive, they are great value. Meals, wines, open bar, guided excursions and admissions...all included!
Generally speaking, the smaller the vessel, the more personal the service, and the more exclusive the experience. This is reflected in the pricing. Small vessels are ideal for families, groups of friends, or individuals who who are attracted to the luxury of a barge cruise.
Back to top ↑
What is a "barge package?
A barge package is a travel product that includes more than one service of your trip. Usually, our barge packages will include an hotel stay either before or after your cruise (and in some cases perhaps both.) The package might also include air transportation from the nearest gateway airport to your hometown. These services, when bundled as a package, represent a significant savings over the cost of the individual travel services were you to purchase them independently.
Back to top ↑
How much baggage can I bring on my barge trip?
Although the barges are spacious enough, there is limited storage facility on board. For this reason we recommend limiting your barge cruise baggage to one suitcase and one carry-on per person. But pack wisely, as there are no laundry facilities on the barges, and laundromats are few and far between in the rural areas. Since river ships are larger, and often the cruises are longer it is not necessary to restrict the luggage you bring on board to one piece. Most river ships do offer optional laundry service, but not dry-cleaning. If the vessel you have chosen has a pool, a jacuzzi, or hot tub - don't forget your swimsuit! Generally, the canals and rivers are not recommended for swimming.
Back to top ↑
What is a river boat?
Our river boats accommodate from 60 to 250 passengers, and navigate the major waterways of Europe, South America, North America, Oceania, and the Coastal Waterways alongside these continents.
On a river cruise, you will sail from one fascinating city to another, one island to another, sometimes stopping at small romantic villages, visiting fairytale castles and lush vineyards. There is always something interesting to see - often on both sides of the river - and frequent stops are made for shore excursions, or just to give you a chance to taste the nightlife, or experience the daytime ambiance, of a foreign town.
Aboard the river ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities, and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service is available on most river ships, but not on most barges. A river cruise, or coastal waterway cruise, like an ocean cruise, is a "one-unpacking vacation" - no more early morning wake-up calls for long coach rides from hotel to hotel! All meals on board are included in the cruise price, but your bar tab is charged to your shipboard account Aboard the river ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities, and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service is available on most river ships, but not on most barges. The shore excursions may be optional at a supplemental cost.
Back to top ↑
Do all river cruises offer the same services?
Not all river cruises offer exactly the same services and amenities. On some, the dining room is "open seating" so that you can enjoy dining with different guests throughout your holiday, while on others, restaurant seating is assigned when you arrive on board (but of course, you always have the option of requesting a change in table assignment). A great variety of fascinating shore excursions are sometimes included in the cruise price, while on certain ships, they are only available for purchase on board. Some of the river cruises forbid smoking in their restaurants and most public areas, while on others, there will be a designated smoking section in the onboard dining room. Generally, smoking is allowed on deck outdoors. Some of the river cruises are sold only in English-speaking countries, and service on board (announcements, shore excursions, etc.) are done only in English; while other cruises are also sold in Europe and around the world, so that announcements etc. will be multilingual, and you will have a chance to mix with a variety of nationalities.
Back to top ↑
Is river boating only for the older traveler?
Not at all! It is an excellent and comfortable way to get acquainted with sights and life along the shores of the rivers which for centuries served as super highways for both goods and communication. Mature & younger travelers find the pace and comfort of river boats less exhausting then other forms of travel. Comprehensive sightseeing tours are available at most ports of call which are fully guided and at an optional cost. They may be reserved and purchased on board.
Onboard our Star Clippers, you can help to raise sail, navigate by the stars, and learn a lot about knots and how to make them. Many of our vessels welcome families and offer special discounts for children traveling either with parents or grandparents. Our small ships have excercise facilities and often kayaking, swimming, diving, and hiking may be an integral part of daily life during the cruise. Libraries with games and books are also available on most of our vessels.
Back to top ↑
What is not included in my cruise cost?
Airfare, transfers to and from the vessel, shore excursions, wine, alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, and items of a personal nature which may be bought en route or which are at a supplemental cost. There is a boutique on board our vessels.
Shore excursions, wine with lunch and/or dinner, are included in your barge cruise only cost.
Back to top ↑
How much luggage can I bring on my river boat trip?
Although river ships are larger, and often the cruises are longer and it is not necessary to bring a great deal of clothing. Most river ships do offer optional laundry service, but not dry-cleaning. If the vessel you have chosen has a pool, a Jacuzzi, or hot tub - don't forget your swimsuit! Generally, the canals and rivers are not recommended for swimming. On most of our ships, the dress is informal. On our small ships, there are no events during which formal attire is required! Please try to limit your luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on.
Back to top ↑
Will I have a language problem?
Most of our crew members generally speak English along with Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese. Some speak other languages as well. When cruising through mainly rural areas, one is quite likely to find the locals speaking with a strong dialect. Although sometimes difficult to understand, we still encourage you to try to communicate with them. Announcements are made in English and on most of our vessels informational sheets are prepared in English and distributed to your cabin or stateroom.
Back to top ↑
What is the difference between a canal barge, a river boat, and a small ship?
Canal Barges offer active vacations to ‘off the beaten track’ destinations in Europe’s canals, primarily in France. Discover the soul of the country while walking, running, bicycling, sightseeing or simply watching from the deck of the barge See enchanting scenery and authentic small villages and towns. The food is great, as is the wine and the cheese. Cabins are small, but functional and offer private facilities with air conditioning. Ships accommodate 6 to 24 passengers. Great hospitality in a very relaxed atomoshpere. Informal and casual.
River Barges offer cruising in a more traditional way. The vessels are normally a bit larger, accommodating up to 50 people. Curl up on deck as you meander past towns and major villages. The food is great as is the wine and cheese. Sightseeing is each day is included. Cabins are larger than those on the canal barges and, of course, offer private facilities with air conditioning. Ambiance is intimate and informal.
River Boats offer journeys along the major waterways of the world in a more formal atmosphere. You’ll find much more public space including lounges and spacious decks. Traditional sightseeing tours are available to allow for visits to the cultural and commercial centers of great cities. Cabins are more like cruise liner cabins or small hotel style rooms. River boats accommodate as many as 100 or even 150 guests, though this can hardly be considered a crowd. Ambiance is more formal than those of the barges, but still comfortable and quaint.
Small ships are probably the hardest to explain since every small ship is different. Accommodating as few as 20 to as many as 150, small ships cruise the rivers, coastal waterways, and oceans of the world. By virtue of size, they can come into ports that larger ships cannot and there is greater flexibility with respect to getting on and off the ship for sightseeing. From Greece to Australia to Antarctica, small ships are a wonderful way to see the lesser known ports of the world as well as the famous stops that everyone talks about. Small ships offer wonderful ambiance, traditional local cuisine and often gourmet dining experiences.
Some small ships are available for every budget, from casual to luxury and everything in between.
Back to top ↑
What is the difference between an ocean liner and a small ship?
The differences are many. First and foremost is the size. Today’s ocean liners hold thousands of people. They’re like floating cities really, complete with casinos, a selection of restaurants, even shopping and swimming pools. Cabins, or staterooms as they’re called, are similar to hotel rooms and can be just as large or larger depending on how much you want to spend. Why do the cruise lines do all of this? Well, you normally spend quite a bit of time on board, so they want to make your time as pleasant as possible. Basically, big ships are really more about the cruise and the amenities versus the destinations and your experiences at those destinations.
Small ships are just the opposite – they’re about the experience and the destination. Again, the size is the first difference. Some barges hold has few as eight people, while some small ships hold as few at 20. In general, on the WorldWaterways site, you’ll find ships that hold 8 to 120 people or more. The concept is about the experience. Cabins are small, but functional and comfortable. There aren’t a selection of dining rooms. Often the dining room also doubles as the lounge. There are no swimming pools, but on the small ships, you’ll often have swimming stops.
Back to top ↑
Will I get seasick on a small ship?
On a barge -Never...canals are not tidal and are controlled waterways. The gentle movement of the barges anchored for the night have caused dedicated insomniacs to report wonderful, restful sleep.
On a river boat - Not likely since the current, usually, is not strong enough to be felt on most modern vessels.
On a small ship - Not any more or less than on an ocean liner. However, it all depends on the weather. Different people react to motion in different ways though normally, you shouldn’t have a problem. Most passengers do not have any problems with seasickness since small ships spend only a few hours (on average) at a time cruising. Occasionally the seas are rough, so if you are prone to seasickness or if you are particularly sensitive you may want to bring your own seasickness medication.
Back to top ↑
What clothes should I bring?
Most passengers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board barges and fancy dressing is not the custom. Comfortable, casual attire, sneakers or docksiders on board. Sweaters, a windbreaker and shorts or cotton pants are recommended. At the Captain's final dinner, a little "dress-up" is O.K. Ties are rare, and there is no need for anything formal
Each destination is different, but the best rule of thumb is to think casual and bring layers. You will receive more specific packing suggestions with your documents, but remember, small ships are always ‘smart casual’. You won’t need any gowns or suits or even a sport coat. ‘Smart casual’ just means neat, comfortable clothing.
Back to top ↑
What do I do about gratuities?
Always appreciated. Never required. Gratuities are not included in the price of your trip - tipping is at your own discretion. We include suggested tipping guidelines with your pre-cruise documents. On the barges, we suggest a guideline of 5% of the cost of your cruise to be given to the captain at the end of the cruise. The captain will distribute it to the crew.
On the river ships, we suggest $10-$15 per person per day - the gratuity will be divided among the crew at the end of the cruise.
Most small ships use a combined gratuity pool to keep things simple. We normally suggest $12 a day, for each person in the cabin, so if there are two of you, $24 a day is standard. As for shore excursions, a gratuity of $2 to $3 for drivers and $5 per day for tour leaders can be presented to the person directly.
Back to top ↑
Are there doctors onboard?
No. Plus, you should also keep in mind that some small ships travel to remote areas and you should keep this in mind if you have any special medical needs.
Back to top ↑
What kind of electricity is there onboard?
All of our vessels are wired for 220 volts but not 110 volts. We suggest you bring an adapter, converter, and /or the necessary wall plugs for your particular appliance that corresponds to the standard for the countries you will be visiting. Before using any electrical appliance while on board, please check with the crew to ensure that it is suitable for the barge's electrical system. Some of our vessels have hairdryers in the cabin, or available at reception - your pre-cruise documentation will advise you about this.
Back to top ↑
Are there telephones and tv?
Usually there are no telephones, TVs or computers. For emergency communications, barges do carry a cellular phone. However...anyone who chooses to break the tranquillity of the voyage for urgent business like baseball scores, elections or market closings...public phones are handily spaced along the canals. As for TV, a few barges have satellite TV for those who can't miss CNN.
On the small ships, there may be inter-cabin telephones, computer connections.
Back to top ↑
Are kids welcome on barges and small ships?
Most of the passengers appreciate the atmosphere and company of young adults and adults. Children under the age of 10 are accepted only on full charter. Family charters, and reunions grow more popular each year
Children are welcome on many river boats and small ships. Please check the information on the specific vessel pages regarding discounts, accommodations, and tariffs for children.
Back to top ↑
Will I be able to make special requests?
Special dietary requests can be made to the Maitre d'hôte or barge manager on the day of embarkation. These requests should also be submitted to Worldwaterways as early as possible. If there will be a birthday or other special event to celebrate during your cruise, please let us know. We will try to accommodate these requests, however we ask that you understand that in some cases we may be unable to do so.
Please make sure that you advise us of any food allergies or medical conditions that require special attention.
Back to top ↑
Why should I book through eWaterways.com?
We take pride in the knowledge that we have about our boats and the experience of our professional staff. We have gone to a good deal of expense and effort to qualify the products so that you will have a very special holiday and a memorable travel experience.
You can book your cruise, and your cruise in combination with air transportation from your home, transfers, hotel stays,and additional sightseeing directly from this website. It is easy and reliable.
Back to top ↑
Can I smoke onboard?
Some of the river cruises forbid smoking in their restaurants and most public areas, while on others, there will be a designated smoking section in the onboard dining room. Generally, smoking is allowed on deck outdoors
On the canal and river barges, no smoking is allowed in the cabins and staterooms nor in the public areas. Smoking is only permitted on deck.
Back to top ↑
How can I book a hot air balloon trip?
Many of our barge cruises offer an optional hot air balloon flight. These balloon trips are operated by an independent company and most barges have the information onboard.
The price is currently about $250 per person. The flight can be booked as an optional excursion while you are onboard and depends on weather conditions and the number of people who wish to go. (A minimum number of passengers is required). These flights usually take place in the very early morning or late afternoon.
Back to top ↑
Do I need a passport or visa?
Valid passports are required for travel. Your passport must be valid for 6 months following your travel dates. Some of our cruises take place in countries that may require visas. Please check the individual cruise pages for information.
Back to top ↑
Are these boats available for charter?
Yes. You may choose to charter the entire vessel or block a number of cabins as a "part charter." When the vessel is chartered, you and your party will have the full capacity of the boat and may request certain deviations from the schedule and the service. When doable, our crews will make all efforts to accommodate. These special requests must be made known at the time of the first deposit and will be confirmed in writing.
Back to top ↑
What happens if I miss the boat?
All effort will be made to try and get you to the next boarding point. Any additional costs incurred will be at your own expense
Back to top ↑
Are there hairdryers onboard the barges?
Yes, there are hairdryers in every cabin. In the event that one is not found in your cabin, you can just ask the captain or barge manager to get one for you.
Back to top ↑
If I am physically challenged can I cruise on one of your boats?
There are some programs which are not feasible for travelers who are physically challenged. Please be sure to check with us prior to booking. Barges, as a rule, are not "handicapped friendly" since they are usually small, have no elevators between decks, and the mooring is not alongside quays or piers. Many of our small ships do, however, have cabins that are specially equipped.
Back to top ↑
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Credit cards are accepted for deposits without signature, but we require a signed credit card authorization form for final payments. Documents cannot be released without this signed form.
Back to top ↑
What are your office hours?
Our offices in New York are open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm.
Back to top ↑