La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Holland

Passengers: 8
Size: 128 feet long
Last Visited: 2007 in Holland
2008 in France
Rating: Ultra Deluxe, A/C

2009 Prices

Low Season
March 29 - April 4 and April 5 - 11
Whole Boat Charter: $46,900
Individuals: $6,150 per person double occupancy

Regular Season
April 12 - 18, April 19 - 25, April 26 - May 2, and May 3 - 9
Whole Boat Charter: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900 per person double occupancy

Haarlem to Bruges
May 10 - 16, 2009
This cruise is no longer available.
Bruges to Paris
May 17 - 27, 2009
Special 10 - Night Cruise
Whole Boat Charter: $88,500


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.

Jan and Diana Meijer run one of the most accomplished and congenial operations in barging - beginning with the vessel itself. 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, a washer and dryer for the guests and sput poles that allow the barge to stop anywhere without tying up.

NOUVELLE ETOILE ("New Star") is the dream barge of Captain Meijer, who was born into a Dutch shipping familly - and thus knows more than the average barge captain about design and navigation.  But not at the expense of elegance and comfort!

The spacious suites boast oversized showers, double sinks and rich interiors design.  The salon-dining room is designed for socializing.  Guests congregate at the gorgeous bar.  There is lots of good seating - even a piano for those so inclined.

The Meijers run a top operation - one defined by divine cuisine, the depth and breadth of the wine selection, and extremely literate sightseeing.  This attractive couple is front and center; tending bar, pouring champagne, and creating a lighthearted on-board ambiance.

The Barge Lady and her husband Monsieur Le Barge Lady criused in summer, 2008.  Please go to The Barge Lady Blog for my day to day diary of this fabulous trip!  We now understand due to our own first-hand experience why Jan and Diana have so many repeat guests!

La Nouvelle Etoile
Holland Barge Cruise Itinerary

2009 Holland Cruise Dates
Six-night cruises from March 29 to May 9
March 29 - April 4
April 5 - 11
April 12 - 18
April 19 - 25
April 26 - April 2
May 3 - 9

Haarlem To Haarlem
Sunday: Haarlem to Muiden
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.

Monday: Muiden to Maarsen
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.

Tuesday: Maarsen to Gouda
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.

Wednesday: Gouda to Delft
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.

Thursday: Delft to Haarlem
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.

Friday: Haarlem to Ouderkerk
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.

Saturday: Return to Amsterdam
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

"It was by far the most luxurious trip we've taken.  The personal attention, excellent cuisine (I can't just use the word "food"), fabulous wines, relaxed and friendly atmosphere - we just had such a great time!  We made new friends with the other passengers and felt like we were leaving family when we had to say good bye to Jan and Diana!  The whole crew was so gracious and professional.  The ship (again, I can't just call it a "barge") was spotless, beautifully appointed and very comfortable. I tell my friends we were on a luxurious yacht!"
-Thomas and Kathy Coyle, 2009

"The most upscale barge I have been on and I have been on at least two dozen barges and river boats.  Can you believe an elevator on a two-deck barge?  Hope to do it in the Champagne area next year."
-Ada and Erik Paulsen, 2008

"As our friends summed it up, you hit a Home Run.  Jan and Diana couldn't have been better host and hostess - they provide everything you need and then some.  The tours in Ireland and Germany were great - What's next?"
-Robert and Judy Drotman, 2008

"We have taken many barge trips and this was among the best - due to the staff and service provided.  We loved Captain Jan Meijer!"
Robert and Eugenia Mills, 2008

"What a glorious trip! This barge exceeded our expectations - none of our 4 previous barge trips was quite this grand!  The barge, captain and crew, food, side trips - all superb.  One thing that really impressed me was the quietness of the cabins - we never heard from anyone else.  I would highly recommend La Nouvelle Etoile to anyone.  Thanks, Ellen for the great job you did for us."
-Henry and Diana Moog, 2008

"The service by the staff was 5 star or higher.  This was the most intimate and relaxing vacation we have ever taken.  If you enjoy good conversation, beautiful sights, excellent wine, superb food, quality accomodations and relaxation, this is the trip for you!"
-Larry and Frances Anne Collmann, 2008

"A wonderful week filled with great scenery, food and service.  We are looking forward to our next trip.  The week was terrific for 3 generations making the trip together covering ages from 14 to 85."
-The Leeds Family, 2008

"Our barge cruise was quite enjoyable. Not only were the accommodations delightful but the staff was very pleasant and informative.  We had such a restful and relaxing cruise.  We can't forget to mention the wonderful meals and abundance of adult beverages.  Bloody-Marys have become a favorite past time on the weekends now that we are home.  We hope to book another trip in the near future."
-Gail Kodosky, 2008

"The barge trip was magical.  It was like taking a road trip through the beautiful French countryside without any noise or traffic.  The birds even sang happier tunes!  We felt "at home" on the barge the entire week."
-Marilyn Rogers, 2008

"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

La Nouvelle Etoile
Floor Plan

128 feet long
-Four suites over 200 sq ft with twins or queen beds, TV, internet access, picture windows
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows.
-Lovely piano in the salon.
-Elevator. One suite wheelchair accessible.
-Washer/dryer for guest use.
-Jacuzzi on deck.
-Exercize Room with machines and free weights.