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

2010 Prices

Low Season
March 28 - April 3 
April 5 - 11
Whole Boat Charter: $46,900
Individuals: $6,150 per person double occupancy

Regular Season
April 11 - 17 -  Sold Out
April 18 - 24
April 25 - May 1 - Special Rate - $5,175 per person; 3 cabins available as of 2/1/10
May 2 - 8 - Sold Out
Whole Boat Charter: $52,900
Individuals: $6,900 per person double occupancy

Haarlem to Bruges
May 9 - 15, 2010
Whole Boat Charter: $52,900
Scroll down on our itinerary page to see this second route!

Bruges to Paris
May 16 - 27, 2010
11 nights/ 12 days
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

2010 Holland Cruise Dates
March 28 - April 3
April 4 - 10
April 11 - 17 - Sold Out
April 18 - 24
April 25 - May 1 - Special Rate Available
May 2 - 8 - Sold Out

Haarlem To Haarlem
Sunday: Amsterdam to Muiden
Board in a quaint village
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, pictured below.

Monday: Muiden to Maarsen
Magnificent Castle
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
Buy Gouda cheese in 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
Still painting by hand at the Delft Pottery Works
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
Largest display of flowers in the world!
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
Evening cruise right though Amsterdam
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
A Sad Farewell
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.

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May 9 - 15, 2010

Amsterdam to Bruges
Sunday: Amsterdam to Haarlem
Haarlem Walk
Your group will be met at 3:30pm in the lobby of your Amsterdam hotel and chauffeured to the barge at anchor in Haarlem. Haarlem is a gorgeous town, very wonderful to walk in. Peek in the famed St. Bavo Church, browse the square, follow the riverside road. Tonight is the first of many gourmet dinners on board.

Monday: Haarlem to Delft
Flowers, Flowers Flowers!
Flowers are center stage today; After all, you ARE in Holland! Right after breakfast is an early visit to the amazing Aaalsmeer flower auction, from which millions of flowers are priced and shipped daily. Return to cruise to the town of Lisse, from where you will be taken after lunch to Keukenhof, renowned showcase of the Dutch flower industry.(You can arrange for the purchase and shipment of bulbs here.)While you visit Keukenhof, the barge will cruise to Delft, an enchanting town criss-crossed by canals and bridges. There may be time to visit the Delft Pottery Works. Delft was the home of artist Johannes Vermeer. Stroll after dinner to discover scenes straight out of Dutch masterpiece paintings.

Tuesday: Delft to Willemstad
Cruise right through Rotterdam!
This morning’s visit is to the Ketel One Distillery, where this prestigious vodka is made. Return to the barge and an amazing cruise through Rotterdam, a city destroyed in WWII and now entirely rebuilt. The harbor is huge and pulses with energy. Tonight’s mooring is the charming fortress town of Willemstad.

Wednesday: Willemstad to Antwerp
Float into Belgium!
This morning, we will cruise to the Ketel One Distillery, where this prestigious vodka is made. Return to the bareg and an amazing cruise through Rotterdam, a city destroyed in WWII and now entirely rebuilt. The harbor is huge and pulses with energy. Tonight's mooring is the charming fortress town of Willemstad.

Thursday: Antwerp to Ghent
Elegant Medieval City
We’ll float on the flood tide on the “Sea Schelde,” which takes La Nouvelle Etoile to Ghent.A very important trading center in the Middle Ages, Ghent is known for its extant Medieval core. Do not miss Saint Bravo Cathedral with its famed “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painted in 1432 by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck – as well as many other works of art, including many in the crypt. Cross Saint Michael’s bridge for the best panoramic view, including well preserved Medieval houses.

Friday: Ghent to Bruges
Lace and Cobblestoned Streets
Cruise to Bruges, a marvelous port in which to end your journey. Often called the “ Venice of the North,” Bruges is criss-crossed by canals and offers many museums but a stroll through the tiny Medieval streets is most enchanting. Shop for lace and souvenirs, too. Tonight, Jan and Diana join you for the Captain’s Dinner.

Saturday: Goodbye in Bruges
A Sad Farewell
You’ll depart at 9:00am and taken to your hotel in Bruges. We hope to see you on La Nouvelle Etoile again!

La Nouvelle Etoile
Guest Book

"Words cannot explain what a wonderful trip it was.  The crew and Jan and Diana went beyond the duties as host and hostess.  Richard's food was to die for, there was nothing I did not enjoy.  My whole family was overwhelmed with everything and enjoyed the evenings sitting around reviewing the days travels.  Wow - what an experience - beyond my wildest dreams.  Thank You!"
-Helen Poe, 2009

"A truly once in a lifetime experience that our entire family enjoyed.  Diana, Jan and the crew were so friendly and accomodating, paying attention to important detail.  The newspapers and fresh pastries were delightful each morning.  I'd recommend this barge to anyone interested in wine and vacationing.  Diana presented each food course so elequently, it was delicious before we even tasted it!"
-Jeff and Barb Perlmutter, 2009


"Loved the barge trip.  The accomodations, crew and ambiance was the best and really wonderful.  We plan to take another trip with Jan and Diana, hopefully soon."
-Kevin and Marsha Jennings, 2009

"WOW...Thank you so much for recommending the Nouvelle Etoile.  It was the most luxurious barge we have ever sailed on, but you know that.  Luxury is nice but the food, the staff and the owners were right up there as well.  Jan and Diana were wonderful.  We definitely want to do some additional trips with them.  Thank you for everything you did for us and our friends to make it such a wonderful holiday."
-Elaine Lee, 2009

"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

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.