Absoluut2
Barging in Holland

Passengers: 8
Last Visited: 2007
Size: 129 feet long
Rating: Deluxe, A/C

2009 rates

Low Season Rates:
$37,250 - Charter of 8 guests
$33,500 - Charter of 6 guests or less
Low Season Dates:  March 29-April 4 and April 5-April 11
Regular Season Rates:
$39,500 - Charter of 8 guests
$37,200 - Charter of 6 guests or less
Regular Season Dates:  April 12 - May 23


Absoluut2 is the former Marjorie, purchased in 2006 and then extensively updated by owner John Baker. We first met Captain Baker in April 2006 and then re-boarded in April, 2007. He has lived in Switzerland and Australia, where he amassed extensive experience in the restuarant and hospitality industries - and has cruised for many years on the Waterways
of France and Holland.

Absoluut2 started its life as the private yacht of the DeKuyper Liqueur family of Belgium. Captain Baker has rejuvenated the vessel. He has upgraded all the systems, including air-conditioning, and has installed Wi-Fi and internet access. The barge has been redecorated, colorful leather sofas rest on gorgeous Oriental carpets. In terms of program, Captain John Baker can call on many skills and interests. He is a wine connoisseur and loves to arrange special wine tastings. The 2008 crew consists of a top chef and experienced tour guide Luke.

Absoluut2
Cruising In Holland Itinerary

2008 "Cruising in Holland" Dates
Six-night cruises between April 6 and May 23

sChiedam to schIEdam

Sunday:
We meet at your Hotel in Amsterdam at 2:00pm and transfer to 'Ab2'. You are welcomed on board with an aperitif and some time to relax and stroll around Schiedam, known for its six working windmills (five of which are the highest in the world), chocolate factory and jenever (Dutch gin) distilleries. Enjoy your first dinner on board.

Monday:
This morning enjoy a breakfast cruise through Rotterdam harbor, Europe's largest port, to Delft - famous for the blue-and-white porcelain that bears its name. Visit a factory to learn how the world famous pottery is made. Delft is a beautiful town that has many historic connections including being one of the starting Chambers of the Dutch East India Company and the birthplace of artist Jan Vermeer.

Return to 'Absoluut2' for lunch and enjoy the beautiful Dutch countryside as you cruise to moor on the edge of a lake at Oude Wettering.

Tuesday:
This morning, experience one of the highlights of the cruise. Walk through the Keukenhof Gardens, a 70-acre showcase for the Dutch floral industry. From late March to mid-May, visitors are treated to an ever-changing display of spring flowers beginning with crocus and narcissus followed by hyacinths and tulips a few weeks later.

Return to 'Absoluut2' and continue cruising to Haarlem. There is time for shopping in this cosmopolitan town or you can visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, where both Mozart and Handel played on ites magnificent Muller organ.

Wednesday:
This morning take an excursion to the reconstructed historic village of Zaan Schaans with its working windmills, clog makers, cheese farm and mustard mill. Everything the Dutch are known for can be found in this quaint village. Rejoin the vessel and cruise through the center of Amsterdam this afternoon. Continue past lifting bridges and canal houseboats to your mooring for the evening in the peaceful countryside of the Amstel River.

Thursday:
This morning, visit Aalsmeer and its fascinating flower market where over 18 million cut flowers are auctioned and dispatched to outlets all over the world each day.

Continue cruising to Gouda where you disembark fro a visit. See the remarkable stained glass windows in St. John's church dating back to the 15th century and take a walking tour of Gouda, famous for its cheese, pipes and candles.

Friday:
Today, you cruise down the Ijssel and return through Rotterdam's harbor. The city's magnificent modern architecture creates a skyline of awesome beauty. Return to the homeport of Schiedam where you can visit a working windmill, chocolate factory or Dutch gin distillery.

Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner on board 'Absoluut2.'

Saturday:
After breakfast, we disembark and transfer you to your hotel or to the Airport in Amsterdam where your tour ends.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barge cruises in Holland Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Absoluut2

Guest Book

"It was a dream come true and the trip of lifetime.  Everybody should be able to experience it once.  The ABSOLUUT2 crew was fantastic.  They quickly became family friends.  Professionally they catered to our wish.  They were good to answer all our questions about the areas we went through and the things we saw.  We all loved the slow pace of the barge.  The crew worked well together and showed enthusiasm for their jobs.  The food was all very delicious and presented well.  John found a wine to suit every taste."
-Bob and Keitha White, 2008

"John and entire crew were professional but extremely warm and welcoming.  They made sure our grandkids (11 & 13) were enjoying themselves.  All  made for a very positive outing!"
-David and Andree Wolf, 2008

"Another great experience and week of total relaxation. I certainly will continue using the Barge Lady as there are no surprises!"
-Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McGowan, 2007

"Captain John Baker was outstanding. The cruise was excellent with great food, wines, sightseeing and service."
-Ken and Eileen Ross, 2007

"Delightful, restful, charming, fun. Everything we could have hoped for including superb cuisine and excellent staff. This trip has been on our list to do for 23 years and we were not disappointed!! "
- Fred & Carol Praissman 2007

Absoluut2 Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Four cabins, each with en-suite shower bath
Suite 1 - 167 square feet
Suite 2 - 111 square feet
Suite 3 - 111 square feet
Suite 4 - 137 square feet
-Wireless internet connection throughout and TV/DVD in cabins
-Large windows in salon, dining room
-Jacuzzi on deck.