La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Holland

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2008 Prices

Whole Boat Charter in Holland: $46,200
Individuals: $5,995

2008 Holland Season Dates

March 30 - April 5, April 6 - 12, April 13 - 19, April 20 - 26, April 27 - May 3,
May 4 - 10, May 11 - 17, and May 18 - 24

Dutch hosts Jan and Diana Meijer are perfect guides to Holland at Tulip Time - and Nouvelle Etoile is the only Ultra-Deluxe barge cruising in Holland. We visited NOUVELLE ETOILE in April 2007 - moored in the delightful port of Haarlem, Holland. (Haarlem is a great favorite of our guests.) As always, we were welcomed warmly and as always, came away extremely impressed with the vessel, the owners and the program. NOUVELLE ETOILE begins every season in Holland, then transiting to France for routes in Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace (some combinable into 13-night cruises), finally ending the season on Germany's idyllic River Mosel.

The fact of so much choice is only one reason for NOUVELLE ETOILE'S high repeat rate. Surely as influential a factor is the skill of owners Jan and Diana Meijer, who run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. In addition to the lovely public areas and cabins, NOUVELLE ETOILE boasts a long list of innovations: an elevator, a handicap access cabin, computers in every cabin (with e-mail and a navigational system that the passengers can access), an exercise room, and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

Andy and Nordal McWethy said: "The whole cruise was like being in the elegant home of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We loved it!" Hans Brouwer and Mary Spillane said: "Jan and Diana are dedicated people and enjoy what they do. Absolutely a first class operation."

La Nouvelle Etoile
Cruising In Holland Itinerary

2008 Holland Dates
Six-night cruises from March 30 to May 24

Haarlem To Haarlem
Day 1
You are met at your hotel in Amsterdam and driven to the Nouvelle Etoile, moored in the quaint little village of Weesp for a champagne welcome and evening cruise to Muiden.

Day 2
Morning visit to the magnificent castle of Muiden. Our cruise takes us along the beautiful Vecht River, an area noted for its castles and country estates. During the 17th and 18th centuries the wealthy merchants of Amsterdam built their mansions here and laid out charming formal gardens. Moor for the night in the old town of Maarsen.

Day 3
Early morning cruise along the Hollandse IJssel. Stop along the way to visit the Witches Scale in Ouderwater and then on to the cheese town of Gouda. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful buildings, excellent shops and the most magnificent stained glass windows in Holland.

Day 4
This morning, for those who are interested, visit the farm of a local cheese maker whose operation has been run by the same family for several generations. Cruise to Rotterdam, through the center of this busy port and on to Delft. Visit the Delft Pottery Works, where porcelain is still handmade and painted. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering around this delightful ancient Dutch city.

Day 5
A morning cruise through the canals past Leiden, across the magnificent Kaag Lakes to Lisse. Spend the afternoon at the famous Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world. Here you will see hundreds of varieties of tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs. Visit the Cruquis Museum near Haarlem, then enjoy a leisurely cruise into nearby Haarlem.

Day 6
An early rise and drive to the colorful flower auction in Aalsmeer. After breakfast, visit the picturesque town of Haarlem and the museum of the famous Dutch painter, Frans Hals. Cruise to the village of Zaanse Schans where you can tour a working windmill. Evening cruise through the heart of the city of Amsterdam where the small canals and architecture will take you back to a previous century and then on to Ouderkerk to moor for the night. Farewell dinner on board.

Day 7
After breakfast you are driven to your Amsterdam hotel or the airport.

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 Holland. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

La Nouvelle Etoile
Guest Book

"Totally relaxing, low-key luxury.  Charming hosts, delicious food, and remarkably comfortable cabins"
- William Weaver and Frona Daskal 2008

" First rate.  Jan and Diana made us feel at home and treated us royally.  We will go back again next year."
-Ron and Hannah Rogers, 2008

"It was terrific. We loved the ship. The owners and staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The food and drink were excellent. They met my husband's food issues without a hitch and the chef made is sound as if Mike was getting the better of the meals. Everyone was so gracious and were our friends rather than people there to take care of us. We can't wait to go again."
-Michael and Christine Harris, 2007

"As owner/operators, Jan and Diana Meijer take great pride in their barge - and it shows! Everything about the trip exceeded our expectations. Our only complaint was that the trip had to end."
-Steve and Anna Duff, 2007

"The crew of the Nouvelle Etoile were all both professional and personal. We enjoyed them as much as our fellow travelers. They spared nothing in pampering us beyond our wildest expectations. I don't believe that you could find a better travel experience on a barge, but thanks to this marvelous crew, we will be back for more."
-Gordon and Meredith Burns, 2007

"The trip was 'over the top.' Luxurious accommodations, sumptuous meals, and the dynamite team of Jan and Diana as our hosts. La Nouvelle Etoile was our home away from home and we wanted for nothing."
- Harriet and Michael Kaplan, 2006
Wonderful Barge Lady repeat guests! Thanks, Harriet.

"It was a beautiful trip with incredible food and wine. And... when you said this barge was Ultra - luxury category, you really understated things! The accommodations were beautiful and spacious; the bath had double sinks. The internet access was very helpful. The whole cruise was like being in the elegant homes of very good friends who had the best staff you could imagine. We really loved it."
- Andy and Nordal McWethy 2005

La Nouvelle Etoile Floor Plan

128 Feet long
-Four suites over 200 square feet with twin or queen beds, TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.