‘Budget buy’ barge, France

I read with great interest Lew Toulmin’s article “Cruising the Burgundy Canal” (January & February 2010 “The Cruising World” columns) because a friend and I cruised the Marne-Rhine Canal from Reims to Vitry-le-François, Sept. 12-17, 2009.

Our cruise, on the Merganser, a converted Dutch barge built in 1931, was a casual, fun trip and a budget buy. In 2010, the rate for a six-night cruise is £700 (near $1,091), which includes all meals; bar and wine; tours, and transfer from one of the Paris airports or the Eurostar terminal.

The ship has three twin cabins and two singles (no extra charge for single cabins), all very compact but with private facilities.

The owner, Robin Purdue, is captain. The wheelhouse was always open to all; in fact, we all gathered there quite often.

There were two tours, one in Reims and one in Vitry-le-François. The tour vehicle was a car of the captain and he was the guide. Other days, we got off the barge and wandered the small towns along the canal on our own. Most of the time we relaxed as the barge moved slowly down the canal.

For a budget barge trip, contact Barge Direct, UKWH, Ltd. (31 Wellington St., Hertford, SG14 3AN, England; phone 44 1992 550616).

YOLANDE LANGBEHN

Rockville, MD