La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Germany

Passengers: 8	Your Hosts: Jan and Diana Meijer
Size: 128 feet long	English Speaking Crew of: 5
Last Visited: 2012	Bicycles: 8
Rating: Ultra Deluxe	Air Conditioned: Yes

Cruise Rate Includes:6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, chauffeured transfers from Frankfurt or Luxembourg City to the barge & return, all meals, from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner, open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.

Cruise Rate Does NOT Include: Airfare to and from Germany, cancellation insurance and crew gratuity (suggested minimum amount is 5% of the cruise price)

2013 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $51,900
Individuals: $6,790
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,395

2013 available value season date

October 20 - 26 Remich, Luxembourg to Koblenz, Germany

2013 regular season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $55,900
Individuals: $7,290 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,645

2013 available regular season dates

September 29 - October 5	Koblenz to Remich
October 6 - 12	Remich to Koblenz
October 13 - 19	Koblenz to Remich

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2014 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $51,900
Individuals: $6,790
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,395

2014 value season date

October 19 - 25 Remich, Luxembourg to Koblenz, Germany

2014 regular season rates

Whole-Boat Charter: $55,900
Individuals: $7,290 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,645

2014 regular season dates

September 21 - 27	Remich to Koblenz
September 28 - October 4	Koblenz to Remich
October 5 - 11	Remich to Koblenz
October 12 - 18	Koblenz to Remich

Barge Lady’s Kelly and Tim Weiss had a fantastic time on La Nouvelle Etoile; they describe it as THE BEST of the many barge cruises they have taken over the years. Not surprising, since La Nouvelle Etoile has always reflected the commitment to absolute quality of longtime owners Jan and Diana Meijer, pictured below. Kelly says:

“Our route began in Luxembourg, floated all through the Mosel River Valley and ended in Koblenz, Germany. Immediately upon boarding, we were treated to a champagne welcome with delicious homemade macaroons and chocolate-dipped fruits. This elegant reception previewed the delicious cuisine and superior attention to details we experienced all week.”

“Beginning with the barge itself, we saw how wonderful it can be when EVERYTHING is provided to make the experience both luxurious and practical. As well as being gorgeously decorated, this is the only barge in Europe with a computer in every cabin; guest laundry facilities; dedicated exercise room; and best of all, an ELEVATOR! The cabins are spacious, with plenty of storage space (even for a notorious over packer like myself) and the marble baths boast double sinks. The public areas are welcoming, with a soft color scheme, and best of all is the open bar, over which Jan presides for the nightly cocktail hour.”

“Jan and Diana truly love to welcome their guests as friends and create a warm ambiance. In this they are helped by longtime crew, including guide Franck, who offers impromptu piano 'concerts.' Jan loves to mix cocktails and stories at the bar, while Diana introduces the wines and cheeses, always pointing out her personal favorites.”

“Chef Richard is amazing - if he had his own restaurant there is no doubt in my mind it would be Michelin starred! Every morning for breakfast we had fresh squeezed orange juice and in addition to the fruits, breads, yogurts and local pastries, Richard would make something special - one morning it was french toast, another we had poached eggs over toast and my favorite - fresh apple pancakes - yum! Each meal topped the previous - we all raved about the dinners and every night Jan would say "You didn't think we'd give the best meal away on the first night did you?" Every meal was so good it was hard to pick a favorite. His halibut with a white wine and herb sauce is pictured at left. Definitely a high point was the night we indulged in fresh lobster mornay that had been flown in live the night before!"

“The Mosel Valley is dramatic with steep vineyards climbing the hillsides and picturesque villages lining the shore. We loved exploring these colorful towns, such as Cochem, Bernkastel and Koblenz. Bicycling was another highlight, easily arranged with Jan who advised us of the best routes. We took two lengthy rides and were able to explore the interesting towns and scenery away from the river. Every day there were excursions or wine tastings.

Our favorites were the American (World War II ) cemetery in Luxembourg and Burg Eltz Castle, nestled in the hills above the river valley, pictured at left. The wine tastings at Dr. Pauly Bergweiler and Joseph Weis showcased regional and award-winning wines and provided an opportunity to buy gifts. My only regret is that I bought only one jar of the red peach jam at Joseph Weis – I wish I had bought ten jars – it is that good!”

“Of course, even with an incredible week on La Nouvelle Etoile, our guests do not go to Germany for such a short time. We added two nights in Munich and had fun at Octoberfest, and one night in Frankfort. Each of these cities have lovely Old Towns, squares, markets, and historic sightseeing. It is very easy to create a nine night itinerary in Germany.”

La Nouvelle Etoile

Germany Barge Cruise Itinerary

Remich, Luxembourg to Koblenz, Germany
Sunday: Remich, Luxembourg
Welcome Aboard!
After being met in mid-afternoon by our driver in either Frankfurt or Luxembourg City, you'll be chauffeured to La Nouvelle Etoile at anchor in the riverside village of Remich, Luxembourg. After the traditional champagne welcome, enjoy the first of many gourmet meals.

Monday: Remich to Trier
Begin your beautiful cruise!
After breakfast, visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, pictured above, where General George Patton Jr is buried. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg City, a striking and newly fashionable destination, with dramatic views, pictured below. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile in time for lunch and begin your cruise on the beautiful River Mosel, cruising to Trier, Germany, our port for the night.

Tuesday: Trier to Bernkastel
Quaint Towns
Trier is the oldest town in Germany. It was founded by Roman Emperor Augustus in 16 BC and is an historic time capsule, offering sites from many periods. Roman ruins include the Porta Nigra, a huge city gate and fortification, a 25,000-seat ampitheatre and several baths. Also on view is St. Peters, the oldest cathedral in Germany. There may be time to shop in the welcoming market square, a popular destination with its many fruit stands, flower displays, painted facades and fountains! Then it's back to Nouvelle Etoile for a picturesque afternoon cruise to our mooring for the night in the traditional and colorful town of Bernkastel, pictured at below. Here we'll taste the famous local wine in the cellars of Dr. Pauly Berweiler. Back on board it's time for cocktail hour and another gourmet dinner.


Wednesday: Bernkastel to Zell
Private Riverside Winetasting
This morning you will have some time for exploring and shopping in Bernkastel, pictured at right. Continuing down the Mosel we come to Zell, one of the most beautiful towns on the river and  home to the famous  Schwarze Katz or "Black Cat" Mosel wines. Visit the cellars of Dr. Josef Weis, just outside of town. There Peter Weis leads you through a tasting of  some of his own Black Cat wines. Then take an hour or two to shop and stroll in this delightful town!


Thursday: Zell to Cochem
Incredible 12th Century Castle
From Zell, take a leisurely cruise past vineyard-clad hills to Cochem, pictured below. If you're up for a bicycle ride, today would be a prime day, with the bicycle path taking you past cute towns and alongside vineyards.  Cochem is a colorful town dominated by the remains of its 1000 year old castle and dotted with welcoming Medieval squares and half-timbered houses. This afternoon we will take you to one of the true highlights of your cruise: Burg Eltz, pictured at left, a romantic, fairy-tale castle nestled high in the hills. It is still owned by a branch of the Eltz family that has occupied the castle since the 12th century. Many consider it Germany's best-preserved castle, furnished as it was 500 years ago. Return to Nouvelle Etoile for a stroll around your lovely port before dinner.

Friday: Cochem to Koblenz
Lively Port Town
Cruise in the morning to Koblenz, a major port town at the confluence of three rivers. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic town. There will be time to explore before tonight's Captain's dinner, hosted by Jan and Diana, pictured below. What about an after-dinner drink in a wine-stube? There is a lot of nightlife to enjoy in this lively town!


Saturday: Frankfurt Transfer
A Sad Farewell
After a last elegant breakfast, depart at 9:00 am. We'll chauffeur you either to the Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt Rail Station, rental car pickup or hotel in the immediate area. We hope to see you back again on NOUVELLE ETOILE!

This cruise runs in the opposite direction - Koblenz to Remich - on alternative weeks.

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

La Nouvelle Etoile
Guest Book

"La Nouvelle is the best barge! Jan and Diana are wonderful, and the chef is amazing."
Larry and Beth Burtschy (repeat guests), cruised May, 2013 
"Our trip on the Nouvelle Etoile was wonderful. We had high expectations, but this exceeded them. Jan and Diana were most gracious and tireless hosts. It soon became clear that Jan had thought of everything for the comfort of his guests. Frank was most knowledgeable about the places we visited, an excellent tour guide. In addition he entertained us in the evenings with his piano playing, and some of us even danced. As to Chef Richard - what can we say! Any five star restaurant would be happy to have him as their chef. We loved Diana's wine and cheese explanations. Also, her flowers on deck were so beautiful. The cabin facilities and deck were extremely comfortable, and reflected the great care Jan had given to outfitting the Nouvelle Etoile. We hope to take another trip on the Nouvelle Etoile next year."
- Dorit and Gerald Paul, cruised June, 2012

"Dear Ellen, I wanted to drop you a note telling you how FABULOUS our trip on La Nouvelle Etoile was! WOW---Jan and Diana are fabulous----Frank, the tour guide is magnificent, and Richard, the chef could easily open a Michelin starred restaurant---the food was sublime. I was skeptical that anything could top the Horizon II (our first barge cruise we took a few years ago) , but this DID! The barge is so lovely and well cared for---what a shell shock to re-enter the "real world" when we left. I can't rave enough about how wonderful the entire experience was---it far exceeded any of our expectations. Many thanks!"

- Eloise Paul and Bill Lee, cruised June, 2012


"The La Nouvelle Etoile cruise exceeded our expectations! It was a "top shelf", and Ultra deluxe experience. The cabin was so spacious with lots of storage. We could not believe how large the bathrooms were - even double sinks! Each cabin had a computer, and this was a nice feature. The cuisine was ex cellent, and was 5-star restaurant quality. The crew was superb, friendly, helpful, and welcoming. We had a lot of fun with the crew, and they each did his/her job extremely well. The excursions were well organized. We were very, very pleased from beginning to end, and hope to go on another barge trip"
- Barri and David Drury, cruised April, 2012

"Jan and Diana are fabulous hosts. What can one say about Chef Richard? His cuisine has probably ruined us for anyone else! Each meal was gourmet quality and outstanding. The cabins ere beyond expectations. They were much roomier than previous barge cabins we have been in. The fresh flowers were a nice touch - loved it! Overall, our group a wonderful experience. No one felt hurried, and the meals were on time and delicious. Everything was done exceptionally well! We were the only ones in our charter group who had barged before and everyone loved the experience. It is the best way to travel...we hope to repeat the trip again."
- Judy and Gary Jorgensen (repeat guests), cruised April, 2012

"The crew was excellent! They were very friendly, professional, and did everything they could to ensure we were enjoying ourselves. Richard is a gourmet chef, and every meal was terrific! We ate all three meals and enjoyed every one of them. The wine selection was outstanding! Our cabin was much nicer than we anticipated - lots of room, large bathroom and very clean. Overall, Nouvelle Etoile was absolutely fabulous! It was a Five Star experience! We would definitely cruise again on the Nouvelle Etoile.

- Mary and Carl Strohmaier, cruised April, 2011

Our barge trip was a true vacation. You can't help but slow down and enjoy the wonderful experience of food, scenery and history."
-Allan and Nancy Miner, 2010

"Thank you Ellen for arranging another wonderful trip for us! We received a very warm welcome from Jan and Diana and their crew. The care and attention that they have given to their barge and to making the trip a perfect experience for their guests is evident. Thoughtful extras such as the use of laundry facilities and being able to keep in touch with friends and family by email were appreciated. We were extremely comfortable and our room (I refuse to call it a cabin as this was a proper room!) and shower room were truly spacious. The food was beautifully balanced and accompanied by an interesting selection of wines. I adore Champagne and I certainly got my share on this trip, both on and off the barge! It was fascinating to visit both a major Champagne House and a smaller, family run, business; the two visits were quite different but together provided a wealth of information about the production and storage of my favorite drink. The daily trips were very well chosen and, perhaps surprisingly, one which stood out for us was a thought provoking visit to Belleau woods and cemeteries near Château Thierry where US and German troops, who fought and died in June 1918 during a strategically important engagement of World War I, are buried or commemorated. We can't wait for next summer and our return to La Nouvelle Etoile for our Nancy/Strasbourg trip!"
- Margaret Harding and Paul Hewitt, 2010

"The cruise was deluxe and better than anything we expected. The Meijers were not only superb operators, they are delightful, cheerful, entertaining people. Richard the Chef was over the top wonderful. I would follow him on any barge. Every effort was made to accommodate all wishes. We got off and walked - much needed as food and wine was abundant at meals. I would do the trip again but lose at least 5 pounds before departure!"
-Deborah and Richard Kessler, 2010

La Nouvelle Etoile

Floor Plan

128 feet long
Four suites over 200 sq ft
-One queen or two twin beds
-TV, internet access, picture windows
-Brand new touch-screen computer in each cabin
-Ensuite bathroom with shower and double sinks
-One suite wheelchair accessible
In the Public Areas
-Beautiful, elegant salon/dining area with picture windows
-Lovely piano in the salon
-Elevator
-Washer/dryer for guest use
-Exercise room with treadmill, home trainer bicycle, free weights and step
-Large screen satellite television (hidden behind a sofa in the salon)
-Sun deck with retractable canopy for shade
-Jacuzzi on deck
-Wifi on board
8 Bicycles
Batavus Weekend model. Four are women’s with a frame height of 48 inches, Four are men’s with a frame height of 53 inches. Features include: 8 gears, adjustable handle bars and seats, front/back shock absorbers and a bell.