'MARIA'

• 83 FEET LONG (25.3 METRES)
• 4 GUESTS
• 1 PROFESSIONAL CAPTAIN (SKIPPER)
• 2 DOUBLE STATEROOMS—ONE DOUBLE ONE DOUBLE OR TWIN (EACH WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM WITH SHOWER, WARDBROBE, OPENING WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS AND HAIRDRYERS
• SPACIOUS, PRETTY SALON
• FULL SIZE FITTED, FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN FOR GUESTS USE
• SPACIOUS INTERIOR WHEELHOUSE AND COVERED EXTERIOR SUNDECK
• WASHER/DRYER, ALL CROCKERY, BEDDING, TOWELS ETC PROVIDED
• AIR CONDITIONING AND CENTRAL HEATING
• 4 IDENTICAL GOOD QUALITY BIKES

MARIA is arguably the most comfortable and well equipped barge in her class and, to our knowledge, the only barge with a two-stateroom layout available for skippered, self catering charters in France. A luxemoteur barge (originally so called because of the luxury of an engine and also crew quarters!), MARIA was constructed in 1924 in Holland as a small commercial barge specifically to transport a Fair Ground Ride around Holland, Belgium and France. The transformation to a private cruising barge was completed in 2002 to a very high specification in Belgium on behalf of a retired Sea Captain with long-range, luxurious and comfortable Europe-wide cruising in mind. MARIA has since been continuously upgraded to the luxury, private cruiser she is today, accommodating a maximum of four guests in two staterooms with private bathrooms, a comfortable salon and a large, open plan galley.
Further luxury is provided by air conditioning in the staterooms and salon, a large open-plan wheelhouse for upper deck dining and a wonderful aft “Cocktail Deck” terrace with a permanent sun canopy overhead. The barge is totally autonomous with an onboard super-silent electricity generator, enough fresh water for a weeks cruising for four and sufficient fridge/freezer space to store provisions for your cruise. A separate wine fridge for those bottles of white, rose and Champagne completes the vital equipment list!
On deck, Maria has an open aft-deck with built in seating for relaxed cruising and teak furniture for alfresco dining. A separate well-deck at the front of the boat offers a different view altogether whilst cruising. Four identical lightweight bicycles are kept on board for trips to local attractions or for collecting bread and provisions from local stores. The perfect floating home for your seven night cruise in the ‘Garden of France’ - the glorious Upper Loire region. Phill Spurge—your experienced captain—will ensure you cruise in total safety and comfort so all you have to think about is enjoying yourself, and perhaps where you’ll enjoy your next meal…
Leave your cares behind in 2010 and try this new, ultra-relaxing way to cruise. With your personal captain and no one telling you when to come to the table, who could ask for more? Sporting activities available nearby include golfing, swimming, tennis, hot air ballooning, horse-riding and kayaking. Click here to see Maria’s essential ‘Cruise at a Glance’ info!