Hotel barge and self-drive boat cruise choices
Definitive cruise knowledge and expertise
Self-drive Boats➔ Hotel Barges➔ Home & Away➔ Half-board➔
I have worked in the boating holiday industry since 2000 and have organised thousands of cruises across Europe. My team and I boast extensive knowledge and can provide expert guidance for the best boating vacation for you.
Impartial Advice & Support
I am an accredited agent for the leading boating companies, which means that I can provide the best holiday to meet your needs. Once you begin your holiday, I remain available to assist in every possible way, including smoothing the way with any glitches that might occur.
Unparalleled Service
After discussing your requirements in detail, and providing all the information you need, I handle all of the arrangements for your booking. All of my team are fluent in both English and French.
Best Boat Companies
You can be assured that the boat suppliers we use, with whom we have long-standing professional relationships, have been selected for the quality of their product and reputation.
The Best Deals
We don't charge for our services, and through constant communication with our suppliers, we remain up-to-date with special offers and discounts. We guarantee that, when booking with Hotels Afloat, you will always receive the best deal available.
Boat Choices
Choose the adventure of taking the controls of your self-drive boat, charter a luxury skippered and crewed barge with gourmet dining, or opt for something in between: the choice is yours.
Our Destinations
Cruising in France Cruising elsewhere in Europe
We offer a range of destinations throughout Europe. Choose from every navigable inland waterway in France, or, if you would prefer to discover hidden treasures elsewhere, we propose a choice of a further eleven European countries. From the lochs of Scotland, the lakes in Canada, the waterways of Hungary and to the romance of the palaces and lagoons in Italy with their history of ancient civilisations, we can source a boating holiday that is custom made for you.
Experienced hands will need little introduction to the unique delights of self-drive boating, but for the uninitiated, we promise a journey of adventure and discovery.
From the moment you board until you dock after your voyage, each day will unfold with new pleasures and experiences. It's all about you taking the controls, deciding when and where to stop, cruising at your own pace, navigating your route, and quite simply the fun of being the skipper and driving the boat!
The boats we can book for you to come in different styles and sizes, but whichever one you choose you can be assured of everything you need for your convenience and comfort. You will be given as much instruction as you need for complete confidence in casting off on your adventure.
LUXURY HOTEL BARGES
The essence of a luxury hotel barge cruise is a combination of tranquil waterways, stunning vistas, fabulous food and fine wines. The barges we feature have been personally inspected and are among the best available. Each has an experienced skipper and a small crew, leaving you free to relax in harmony with the gently unfolding countryside and enjoy cuisine prepared by master chefs as part of an all-inclusive arrangement. Your team also offers intimate local knowledge to make cruise itinerary visits to vineyards, sites of historical and cultural note and stops at towns and villages all the more enjoyable.
Optional pursuits such as hot-air ballooning, canoeing, cycling, walking and horse-riding can be added, helping to make a luxury hotel barge holiday the ideal choice for mixed-generation families!
Select a barge and click for full details, including photo galleries, itineraries, rates and special offers!
HOME & AWAY CRUISE VACATIONS
Our unique Home & Away cruises on the luxury hotel barge La Vie en Rose in Burgundy and the Saraphina on the Midi Canal are based on freedom: A skipper and hostess to manage the barge, but the luxury of taking each day as it comes.
While the crew take the barge through the locks and handle all the navigation, moorings and mechanics, you are free to relax.
The barges provide luxurious accommodation with en-suite cabins and spacious saloons and sundecks.
Rates range from 5550€ for six nights for four guests on the Saraphina, or 10,900€ on La Vie en Rose, for six nights, ideal for six guests.
HALF-BOARD PACKAGES
Our half-board packages combine all the relaxation of a luxury hotel barge but with the flexibility of making your plans for dining out each evening. As breakfast and lunch are included, you are free to discover local riverside cafés, bistros or exclusive restaurants for dinner. The choice is yours!
Children are welcome, and with no rigid timetable, you are able to explore towns and villages at your own pace. This is the perfect choice for families.
