Barge & Canal Cruise FAQ
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Get a Free Barge or Canal Cruise QuoteThe questions people ask us most about barge, canal and small-waterway cruises.
Will I get seasick on a barge?
Very unlikely. Canals are still water with no waves. Lochs and open stretches of river can be a little choppier in wind, but nothing like the sea.
Are barges suitable for children?
Families often charter a whole barge, which works well. Joining a barge with strangers is better suited to adults, and some operators set minimum ages — we check for you. Bike-and-barge and self-drive boats are good for active families.
What about limited mobility?
Barges and narrowboats have steep steps, narrow passageways and no elevators, so they are hard for wheelchair users. River ships are generally easier. Our sister site Accessible River Cruises goes into detail.
What is the best time of year?
Most European barges sail from spring to autumn. May, June and September give mild weather and fewer crowds; July and August are busiest; harvest time is special in wine regions. Northern canals are cooler and wetter in any season.
What should I pack?
Casual clothes, layers, flat non-slip shoes for decks and towpaths, a light rain jacket and something a little smarter for a dinner ashore. Luggage space on barges is limited, so soft bags are best.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Many hotel barges have Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots, but signal in the countryside can be patchy. Treat it as a bonus.
How far ahead should I book?
Hotel barges have so few cabins that popular dates can sell out a year ahead, especially for whole-barge charters. Self-drive boats for summer weeks also go early.
How many locks will we pass through?
It depends entirely on the canal. Some stretches have long flights of locks close together; others run for miles without one. On a hotel barge the crew handles them and guests can watch, help or walk ahead.
Do barges sail every day?
Usually yes, but only for part of the day. Barges typically cruise in the morning or afternoon and moor overnight, so you never cruise at night and always wake up somewhere quiet.
Is a barge trip good for a special occasion?
Very. Anniversaries, milestone birthdays and family reunions are some of the most common reasons people charter a whole barge. The chef can often plan a celebration dinner.
Can dietary needs be handled?
Because the chef cooks for only a few guests, most barges handle allergies and dietary preferences well when told in advance. Self-drive boats leave the cooking to you.
Who handles the booking?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise. Request a free quote and they will compare boats, confirm inclusions and handle the details.
Still Have a Question?
Every barge and canal is a little different. Send us your question with your quote request and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will answer it for the specific boat and route you are considering. You can also read about French hotel barges, the barge vs river ship comparison, or chartering a whole boat on our sister site.
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