Actief
Cruising The River Thames
in England

Passengers: 11
Size: 98 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: First Class, A/C, Families
2009 Prices
Whole Boat Charter of 11
$31,450 - Value Season
$35,650 - Regular Season
For charter parties of less than 11, there are specific rates. Call us at 800-880-0071 for more information.
Individuals
$2,930 - Stateroom - Value Season
$3,140 - Single Cabin - Value Season
$3,450 - Suite - Value Season
$3,250 - Stateroom - Regular Season
$3,450 - Single Cabin - Regular Season
$3,770 - Suite - Regular Season
Value Season dates are:  April 5-May 2, August 2-September 5 and October 4-November 1


The Barge Lady's Kelly Weiss and her husband enjoyed a cruise aboard ACTIEF this October, where they got to know charming new owners Joe Odgers and Rachel Cockell. View new pictures from Kelly's Actief cruise on the Photo and Floorplan pages as well as some of the meals enjoyed by her on ACTIEF's Itinerary/Menus page.

Actief cruises the upper reaches of the Thames between Oxford and Windsor. Old bridges, riverside pubs and pretty stone cottages enhance the route, a beautiful part of the Thames beloved by artists and writers. Complimenting this delightful scene is the newly renovated Actief. We were delighted with the changes made to this classic vessel! The bathrooms have been gutted, enlarged and rebuilt: now sporting marble tiled floors, modern glass shower stalls and mirrored walls. The salon and cabins have been recarpeted and fabrics refreshed. As we watched the crew plant flower boxes on the charming deck and make other final preparations to begin the season, we realized that the improvements had not compromised Actief's unique "country house ambiance."

The well-rounded itinerary offers typical villages (some dating back to the 12th century, including Ewelme, where the principle industry is raising watercress!); the larger towns of Oxford, Windsor and Henley; and such local attractions as the gardens of the Clivedon Estate, the River and Rowing Museum and a private visit to a stately home. A top crew of four operates Actief. Special Family, Garden, Antiques and Henley Regatta Cruises can be available throughout the season.

Norman and Sylvia Orodenker were among the first guests to cruise with new owners Joe and Rachel. They said,"The barge trip was by far one of the best vacations we have ever taken. The new owners and their crew were superb. The food was superb. The accommodations were superb. If one wants to go barging in Europe there is no way this trip can be surpassed."

Actief Barge Cruise Itinerary

Shillingford Bridge to Windsor
On the River Thames
Sunday
Private transfer from the Goring Hotel in London to our mooring at Shillingford Bridge. After a traditional English cream tea on arrival there is a late afternoon cruise and a chance to settle in to your comfortable and attractive cabins. The evening commences with a festive champagne reception followed by dinner and your first night aboard.

Monday
This morning's cruise is through glacier formed hills to our mooring alongside the 17th century Swann Inn at Pangbourne. After lunch we visit Oxford - 'City of Dreaming Spires'. View the grandest of all Oxford's Colleges, Christchurch, founded by Henry VIII in 1525 and the setting for the tale of Alice in Wonderland. This is followed by time for shopping and afternoon tea before returning to Actief.

Tuesday
This morning our cruise continues through sylvan countryside (setting for Kenneth Grahame's 'Wind In The Willows') to the picturesque Mapledurham Estate. Here we privately visit Elizabethan Mapledurham House, home to descendants of the same family since 1490, and Mapledurham Mill, a 500 year old still working water mill (famously used during the filming of 'The Eagle Has Landed'). Afterwards our cruise continues until reaching our overnight stop at Henley-On-Thames.

Wednesday
A picturesque early morning cruise brings us to elegant Henley-On-Thames. This morning we visit the spectacular new and interactive River and Rowing Museum. No ordinary museum, this is a wonderful chance to learn something of the secrets, mythology, history and traditions of the River Thames. After lunch there is time to catch up on some shopping in this fashionable town, home to the world famous annual Henley Royal Regatta. A late afternoon cruise takes us to the picturesque medieval village of Hurley.

Thursday
A gentle walking tour around Hurley, home of Ye Olde Bell, reputedly England's oldest Inn founded for visiting monks in 1135, is followed by a visit to Peter Freebody's traditional boatyard. Peter's family has been involved in the river for 8oo years! We then cruise to one of the most stunning reaches on the river at Cliveden and our private mooring at this magnificent estate, former home of the Astors. Our tour of the fabulous gardens with breathtaking views is most memorable.

Friday
A delightful morning cruise takes us to our final mooring below magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch we visit Eton College, founded in 1440 and current school to Prince Harry. The museum of Eton Life gives a fascinating insight into the education of Britain's premier scions over the centuries. Following this there is time for you to browse the many shops in Eton and Windsor. Tonight the Captain hosts his farewell dinner, based on a period banquet.

Saturday
10.00am: Disembark and private transfer to London Heathrow Airport or the Goring Hotel.

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 Barging in England Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Actief

Guest Book

"The barge was charming - much larger than expected and its decks lined with flowering plants. The owners and crew combined a warm casual atmosphere with excellent service and an eagerness to please. The staterooms were large with modern full baths. Our meals were first class. To sum it up: Not only is the Thames a thing of beauty - so was Actief, its owners and crew. We shall see them again!"
- Eunice Shatz and Arlene Alligood, 2007

"Our cabins and the cuisine were beyond expectations! The onboard atmosphere was informal and the other passengers delightful. My daughter and I have only wonderful memories of the cruise."
- Sherwood Schwartz, 2006

"This was our first barging experience, but Actief was above and beyond our expectations. The Royal River Thames is so full of unexpected beauties and peace of nature. The care and high standards of the entire crew was a real pleasure. The cabins were wonderful; with bottled water, chocolates and flowers; bathrooms perfect. There was a good variety of excursions, with no sense of rush. It was the best of Britain for our party, which came together from five countries to share in this dream."
- The delightful Janet Millar, 2006
. . . Also, thanks to Linda van Buren

Actief Floor Plan

98 Feet long
-3 suites with twin or king beds at 131 to 191 square feet
-2 twin-bedded cabins at 86 square feet
-1 single cabin at 66 square feet
-Cozy barge with English "country house" decor
-Bathrooms recently gutted and rebuilt