In this episode of The Cruise Lifestyle, we sit down with Walter Nand, Founder and Director of Unique Cruises, who specialises in Barge River Cruising in the UK, France, Italy (and shortly Croatia!).
I must admit that as a travel agent, I was very familiar with the standard river cruising options throughout Europe – selling numerous staple Amsterdam -> Budapest tours, as well as some of the lesser known options (well, lesser known in the Australian market anyway!).
However, I had never really investigated the option of River Barge cruising for my clients. Maybe it is because the product was never really represented in this country in a big way, or possibly it’s just that this boutique option was just a little off the radar from the mainstream product offerings we think of when cruising the rivers of Europe.
Let me just say that after speaking with Walter, the Barge cruising option is definitely a jewel when it comes to river cruising in Europe. Particularly in France, where your “private floating villa” can be available at per person rates similar to premium river cruises, yet intimate enough that you can charter the whole vessel – compete with captain, executive chef and staff to look after your every whim – from a small group of only 2, 3, 4 or 5 couples! Once you get your head around the product, the mind is blown at the possibilities for your own unique, private European cruise. Well worth a watch.
Head to www.uniquecruises.com.au for more info and download their brochures.
This week, we have also added in “cruise news”, and catch up with Bruce Piper, Editor-In-Chief for trade rag “Cruise Weekly“, as well as the consumer focused “Travel & Cruise Weekly“. We have a chat about the latest cruise stories & news from the last week or so.
