La Nouvelle Etoile
Barging in Germany

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

2011 value season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8:  $48,900
Individuals: $6,500
per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,250

2011 value season date

October 17 - 23
Remich, Luxembourg  to
Koblenz, Germany

2011 regular season rates

Whole-Boat Charter for 8:  $52,900
Individuals: $6,900 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $3,450

2011  regular season dates

September 18 - 24	Remich to Koblenz
September 25 - October 1	Koblenz to Remich
October 2 - 8	Remich to Koblenz
October 9 - 15	Koblenz to Remich

Fall on the River Mosel is wonderful-and trust Captain Jan Meijer to be the only barge to offer cruises on the different and beautiful route! A surprising number of vineyards and riverside towns line the Mosel River Valley. Guests will shop, stroll, taste wine, visit old castles and Roman ruins-and also be treated to a half-day tour of nearby Luxembourg. Having spent the season exploring Holland, Belgium and France, perhaps Nouvelle Etoile is saving the best for last!

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
Germany Barge Cruise Itinerary

2010 Germany Cruise Dates
September 19 - 25 - Remich to Koblenz
September 26 - October 2 - Koblenz to Remich
October 3 - 9 - Remich to Koblenz
October 10 - 16 Koblenz to Remich
October 17 - 23 Remich to Koblenz

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 Etoille at anchor in the riverside village of Remich, Luxembourg, see below at left. After the traditional champagne welcome, enjoy the first of many gourmet meals.

Monday: Remich to Trier
Begin your beautiful cruise!
This morning's visit is to Luxembourg City, a striking and newly fashionable destination. Then, 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. The village of Piesport is our first stop; here we'll taste the famous local wine in the cellars of Dr. Theo Haart. Then it's on to our mooring for the night in the traditional and colorful town of Bernkastel, pictured at right.

Wednesday: Bernkastel to Zell
Private Riverside Winetasting
Continuing down the Mosel we come to Zell, one of the most beautiful towns on the river and famous for its wines. Visit the cellars of Dr. Josef Weiss, just outside of town. 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. 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, 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 dinner and stroll around your lovely port.

Friday: Cochem to Koblenz
Lively Port Town
Cruise in the morning to Koblenz, a major port town at the confluence of three rivers. There will be time to explore before tonight's Captain's dinner, hosted by Jan and Diana. 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 9:00am. 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

"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

"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 Mosel River, 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

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.