Pros

Barge cruises allow you to travel smaller waterways, such as canals. Canals have more locks than are usually found on rivers.

The canals meander through villages, vineyards, pastures, and people’s backyards. They offer an intimate experience of the countryside and local culture.

Barges are usually all-inclusive, including drinks, fine wine and champagne. They also provide gourmet cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients.

Pickup and drop-off from local airports, train stations and hotels are included in the cruise fare. So are shore excursions and all attraction entrance fees.

Bicycles are often available for use on shore. Some barges even have a whirlpool tub, pool and exercise equipment.

Activities such as hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, guided tours, tennis, and golf are offered at a price by most barges.

Small groups, such as family or friends, may book the entire barge. They are ideal for multi-generational family vacations, cooking cruises, barge and bike cruises, wine cruises, girlfriend getaways, or other activities, for all ages.

Though most barges are staffed, there are also self-drive barges.

There’s nothing more relaxing than slowly chugging down a canal in the summer.

Cons

Barges typically have only one deck, smaller staterooms (sometimes without private facilities), and a combination dining room and lounge. They should be booked only by individuals who don’t mind sharing space in a small setting.

Barge cruises usually span six days and travel fewer than 50 miles of river in a week

Transiting the locks can be time-consuming. As a result, passengers sometimes prefer to walk or bicycle along the canal’s banks, often outpacing the barge.

Barge cruises are more expensive than river cruises, with wide price ranges.

The dress code is Informal

Depending on your dress style and the weather, shorts, skirts or slacks are appropriate daytime attire for women. If you’re visiting a church, you’ll want to have a sweater or shawl to cover exposed shoulders. Unlike ocean cruising, days often blur into evenings without any need to change clothes for dinner.

Don’t count on on-board laundry services

There aren’t any. So be sure to take enough clothes and underwear to last you through the trip.

Resist the urge to over pack

Square footage in staterooms and suites on hotel barges is even more limited than that on riverboats or ocean liners. After you unpack your suitcase is generally stowed under your bed, so don’t take one that is over-sized.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential

Remember you’ll be on a boat, getting on and off multiple times via steps and/or a metal gangway. Both can be slippery when wet.  Wear sensible, rubber-soled shoes. Sneakers or some other type of athletic shoes are a good choice. Barges travel no more than 4 to 5 miles per hour. Consequently, passengers are afforded opportunities to hop on and off the boat to walk, bicycle or jog along the towpaths before meeting the boat at an upcoming lock. You’ll also be walking in small towns and villages—sometimes with unpaved or cobblestone streets—for guided tours and visits to artisans, wineries and castles. A pair of flats or sandals can be comfortable to wear at meals or when relaxing on the barge.

Pack in layers

Barge cruises typically sail between April and October, so the weather is temperate. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t get colder or hotter than expected. Dressing in layers allows you to feel comfortable on a crisp, chilly morning and take off your outerwear as the sun warms up the day. Daytime tours take place rain or shine, so bring along a light rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas are usually available on loan aboard the barge. Many barges have hot tubs for relaxing after a hot day. If you want to take the plunge, bring a bathing suit, sun protection and sunglasses.

Stay connected

Wi-Fi connections can be spotty along canals, especially if the barge is passing through a lock or tunnel. But you’ll be able to use your smartphone or laptop some of the time. If you want to make phone calls, you’ll need to arrange an international data plan before leaving home.

Bring along a small power strip

Make sure the strip has the appropriate voltage so that you can charge your multiple gadgets overnight, whether it’s a smartphone, camera or e-book reader. Bring an electrical adapter, too. Leave your hair dryer at home because you’ll find one in your stateroom. along with basic toiletries.

Plan to prevent motion sickness

In general, barges move over flatter, calmer waters, so the likelihood that you’ll feel queasy is much lower than on an ocean cruise. But there’s always a chance you might feel the river’s rolling waters more than you’d like. Bring enough motion-sickness medicine for the entirety of your trip, just in case. Some motion-sickness medications can cause drowsiness, so try out different brands before you leave home. If you have a history of seasickness, take the necessary measures before you get sick, as a preventive strategy.