Europe's Best-Kept Luxury Travel Secret? Barge Cruising Explained
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
A barge cruise is an intimate form of travel. It's on board a much smaller than a river cruise. beautifully restored vessel.
It is all inclusive. Your cabin, your meals, your beverages, Wi-Fi, transfers to and from the ship, which is a nice ad, and then also excursions.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
Port Highlights
Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.
About our Bacon Score methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Have you ever dreamed of drifting through the French countryside at walking speed... stopping in charming villages... enjoying chef-prepared meals paired with local wines... all while sharing the journey with fewer than two dozen fellow travelers? In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk, Ken Lawrence sits down with Christy Fitzharris of Wheels Up Travel & Cruise to explore one of Europe's most exclusive—and least-known—vacation experiences: Luxury Barge Cruising. Unlike traditional river cruises, luxury barges carry just a handful of guests, allowing you to experience Europe's canals, vineyards, castles, and storybook villages at an incredibly relaxed pace. During this interview you'll discover: ✅ What luxury barge cruising is ✅ How it compares to river cruising and ocean cruising ✅ Why food and wine lovers rave about it ✅ Who this style of travel is perfect for ✅ The best destinations in France, Scotland, Holland and beyond ✅ What a typical day onboard looks like ✅ What's included in the fare ✅ How much it costs ✅ Why working with an experienced travel advisor matters If you're looking for a slower, more immersive way to experience Europe, this may be the vacation you've been searching for. #BargeCruising #EuropeanTravel #RiverCruise #SmallShipCruising #LuxuryCruise 📞 CONNECT WITH CHRISTY FITZHARRIS 📧 Email: christy@wheelsuptravelco.com 📱 Phone: 830-310-0244 🔗 Schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/wheelsup-travelcompany/consultation Christy's Christmas Markets Cruise: https://travefy.com/trip/itinerary/k5SSks4AdOusBJLOAIYhSAXAwMDEEE5aK8R5RGeV1ZITG8sIQaUl?d=80833144 Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com https://realtravelexperts.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/ https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/ Image & Video Credits: Images and video clips Courtesy of : The Barge Lady Cruises & European Waterways RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk. TRAVEL PRODUCTS & SERVICES WE LOVE: Some of the products and services featured below are offered through affiliate partnerships. If you choose to make a purchase using our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating travel content and resources. ✈️ Stay connected wherever you travel with Holafly eSIMs and save 5% https://holafly.sjv.io/R02q22 🛒 Shop All LEVEL8 Products https://amzn.to/3QO1XmC 🧳 LEVEL8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On https://amzn.to/4vkxtaK 🧳 LEVEL8 Lightweight Luminous 20 in Carry-on https://amzn.to/4xG5hkf 🎒 LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack https://amzn.to/4aZTqUp Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Special guest, Christy Fitzharris 01:10 Barge cruising - what is it? 01:56 How is it different than a river cruise? 04:10 Typical day on a barge cruise 05:37 Luxury - not rustic 06:34 Staffing 06:53 Who is the "barge" cruise guest? 08:17 Locks 08:45 Narrow boat cruising 09:21 Destinations 09:53 Cost 11:04 Itineraries 11:53 Best time to go 13:45 Contacting Christy 14:32 Christy's future travels 15:44 Sign Off