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"The Barge Lady Cruises European Hotel Barges" - Travel with Attitude

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Chocolate Guarantees a Sweet Trip

Cindy Decker

Sunday, September 12, 2010 03:01 AM The Columbus Dispatch

Read Full Article at The Columbus Dispatch

Press Releases

TOP 10 VALUES IN BARGE CRUISING FOR 2009 ANNOUNCED

The best bang for your buck on barge cruises in France and EnglandThe Barge Lady, aka Ellen Sack, a veteran broker of European canal barge vacations, has announced her "Top 10 Barge Values List." Savings of up to 50% per person off the printed rates have become available for the 2009 season.

"I have selected not only programs offering the most meaningful savings, but also vessels which best represent the unique, personalized and relaxing experiences for which barging is renowned. . Travelers can choose from a full range of value - priced cruises: From a 2 for 1 offer on France's top Ultra-Deluxe barges to a "Chocolate and Wine" experience for just six guests on the intimate canals of Burgundy," said Ms. Sack.

With the dollar gaining in strength and airfares remaining stable, 2009 will be an excellent year to plan an affordable European vacation. "Our prices begin at $2200 per person for a six night cruise," added Ms. Sack.

To access the list, go to www.bargeladycruises.com, then scroll down on the Main Page. Ms. Sack and her staff visit the barges regularly - and have floated on many "Top 10" vessels. For more on their adventures, scroll down even further and access the Blog.

Six night/seven day cruises are available between the dates April 4- October 31, 2009. Barges are small vessels, ranging in size from four to twenty two guests. A barge cruise is thus ideal for a private charter party and has become a popular vacation for three- generation families. The cruise price includes all meals, wine, open bar, daily chauffeured and guided sightseeing as well as personalized service from English-speaking crew. Barge cruising is available in France, Great Britain, Holland, Ireland, Scotland and Germany. For more information, call The Barge Lady at (800)880-0071.

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BURGUNDY BARGE ELISABETH Extends fall 2009 dates for chocolate & wine cruises

Tanlay, France---ELISABETH, a French canal barge which charters for private parties of up to six guests,has expanded the dates of their popular "Chocolate and Wine" cruise to fall, 2009. Six night cruises on the Burgundy Canal are available between August 24 and October 30. The canal is a two hour drive south-east of Paris.

Owner-operators Peter and Sheena Jenner (British ex-pats who have lived in Burgundy for over twenty years) will provide tastings of "boutique" candies and pastries; expanded exposure to small Chablis wine producers; on-board cooking demonstrations and chocolate desserts galore. A special treat is tour and lunch in the village of Flavigny, where the movie "Chocolat" was filmed.

Regularly-scheduled excursions to romantic chateaux, a Medieval abbey, and shopping at local food markets will round out the program. The Burgundy Canal winds through rural France - through ancient villages, forrests, and fields.. Walking and bicycling are available every day.

The newly-renovated ELISABETH carries up to six guests in comfort and style. Each of the three cabins has a modern and private bath. Guests can choose to relax on deck, cruise with Captain Jenner in the covered wheelhouse, or enjoy the downstairs salon. A crew of four is always on board, including a dedicated chef.

The all-inclusive whole-boat charter price is $21,800 for a party of six/$3,635 per person; $19,500 for a party of five/$3,900 per person; and $17,200 for a party of four/$4,300 per person. The cruise fare includes chauffeured transfer to and from Paris; all meals; unlimited wine and open bar; dauly chauffeured and guided sightseeing; all special "Chocolate and Wine" programming and use of ship's facilities such as bicycles.

To find menus, itineraries, guest feedback and photos of the barge and its passengers, go to Elisabeth's Chocolate and Wine Cruise in Northern Burgundy. Ellen Sack, The Barge Lady, has been a broker of European canal vacations since 1985. She represents fifty vessels located in France, Holland, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. Her office is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Call toll free at 800-880-0071.

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The Barge Lady's Bio

About The Barge Lady

Ellen Sack, the Barge Lady, has for almost thirty years been sending travelers to the continent she fell in love with at age nineteen: EUROPE. But then, European travel was always "in her blood!" Ellen's grandparents sailed many times to Europe on luxury trans-Atlantic liners, while her father planned elaborate driving trips, mostly to France, but also to other countries. Dinner table conversation revolved around where to go, where to stay and where to dine! Later, Ellen's sister became a travel agent which increased her interest in the business side of traveling.

In 1978, Ellen followed her sister's footsteps and became a travel agent. Professional and personal travels took her all over Europe and the Caribbean. As enjoyable as this life was, when an opportunity came in 1985 to specialize, Ellen was ready. She went to work for a company introducing a six-passenger barge in Burgundy. Although Ellen did not know it at the time, her life was to become increasingly intertwined with the fledgling European canal barge industry!

Since then, Ellen has sent thousands of travelers on the barge cruise of their dreams (still treating each customer as an individual); introduced many vessels into the worldwide market; created the Barge Rating System now in widespread use; and publicized barging in print media and over the internet. She has placed articles in American Way Magazine, Delta Sky Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel Holiday and the Wall Street Journal - to name but a few. She was featured twice in the bestselling book "1000 Places to See Before You Die," was called the "reigning expert on barge cruising" by Today Show travel editor Peter Greenberg, and is considered a top go-to source by reporters and editors.

Ellen believes that she is selling knowledge and opinions before anything else. To keep current, she has traveled to France over thirty times to visit her many barges there - as well as taking regular inspection trips to England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland and Germany. She says; "It's a tough job - but SOMEONE has to taste that delicious food, sip the wines, experience the excursions and meet the crew!" Ellen has also traveled widely to other destinations including Alaska, Turkey, the Baltic, the Mediterranean and cruising the rivers Rhine and Danube. In July 2008, Ellen and her husband cruised on the highly recommended and Ultra-Deluxe NOUVELLE ETOILE in Champagne. Please see The Barge Lady Blog for her day-to-day diary of this beautiful cruise!

Ellen has been active in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for many years. She has chaired major fundraisers and also has raised thousands of dollars by selling at auction cruises donated by generous barge owners

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Q & A

What Does the Barge Lady Do?

Our job is to help you find THAT PERFECT BARGE! We start by listening well: to your dreams, your expectations, your interests and your budget. Based on what we hear, we will make specific suggestions and will not allow you to become bogged down by considering too many vessels! This is a process! Sometimes it takes a bit of time and thinking to settle on the right cruise. If there is more than one decision maker, we hope to talk to each one.

All of us here at Barge Lady have enjoyed barging in Europe. Ellen Sack, The Barge Lady herself, has been in the travel industry for thirty years and has visited every vessel in our fleet. Kelly, Amy and Debbie have also enjoyed barging and each has a definite viewpoint. We understand that we are selling is KNOWLEDGE, and perhaps even more important than knowledge, OPINIONS. Collectively we have more first-hand experience than anyone on the web - and would be delighted to share it with you.

After you decide on your cruise, we will book it, collect the cruise fare, help you plan your trip (If we don't provide a specific service in our office, we refer you to reliable colleagues), and issue boarding documents. From the time you book to the time you depart, we are CONSTANTLY AVAILABLE to answer any and all questions you may have!

Please call us at 800-880-0071 or e-mail toellen@bargelady.comand let’s start to plan your great barge adventure.

What exactly is a European Barge Cruise?

A barge cruise vessel carries 22 passengers or less. These intimate barges cruise on short itineraries of 30 to 50 miles a week, deep in the countryside. Barge cruising is for those who want to experience a small area in depth; who want to be totally relaxed; and very interested in wine tasting and gourmet cuisine. As well, barging is perfect for small groups of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 passengers to arrange a private charter: groups of couples, friends or families!

What Are The 2012 Season Dates?

In France, from April through October

In Holland at Tulip Time, from the second week of April through the second week of May.

In Ireland from April to October

In England from April through October

How Long is a Barge Cruise?

Cruises are of 6-night / 7-day duration.

Cruises begin either on Saturday and end the following Friday or on Sunday and end the following Saturday.

In our experience, this is the perfect length! Long enough that you can really relax and enjoy, short enough that you can easily combine with a stay in one of Europe's major cities.

Charitable Organizations

The Barge Lady's Charities

We've supported the cause of medical research for many years. Now we are donating to three exemplary organizations in honor of Barge Lady guests. We have selected serious medical conditions - such as diabetes and cancer - which impact so many people, including our customers, employees and immediate families. We are proud to support:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
JDRF is the largest private funder of diabetes research worldwide. It's mission is to research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of Type 1 diabetes. The Barge Lady's 29 year old daughter has been insulin-dependent for 15 years (and fortunately is doing well), but Ellen believes in fighting back and has been very active in the Illinois chapter of JDRF. We thank our very treasured colleagues Jan and Diana Meijer (pictured above) of LA NOUVELLE ETOILE for donating a cruise. We auctioned this cruise on December 13, 2008 at the 29th annual JDRF Gala in Chicago. We will take a leadership role with the 30th annual Gala to be held December 2009. We WILL cure diabetes! For more on diabetes research, Go to: WWW.JDRF.ORG

American Brain Tumor Association
The ABTA was founded in 1973 by two Chicago-area mothers who had lost children to brain tumors. It's goals are to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. Fellowships, grants, medical student programs, epidemiology research and cutting edge research is supported by the ABTA. There is also an extensive education and support program. We donated in honor of Barge Lady guests to the 3rd annual Brain Tumor Path to Progress Walk/Run - held in Chicago April 26, 2008. We will again donate and participate in 2009. This is a cause dear to our hearts Go to: WWW.ABTA.ORG

Tour de Lis in New Orleans
Long time Barge Lady customers take a leadership role and brought this event to our attention. "Healin' Through Wheelin'" will be held on April 18, 2009. The goal is to raise funds to prevent and cure cancer; to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis; and to provide assistance for cancer patients in the greater New Orleans area. The first Tour de Lis was held in 2008 and reported 500 riders. The goal is 1000 riders in 2009. We will donate and ask our readers to go to: WWW.TOURDELIS.COM to find out more.
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Barge Lady Cruises Press Information

The Barge Lady Announces Top 10 Barging Values of 2009

Barge Elisabeth Announces NEW fall dates for Chocolate and Wine Cruise in Burgundy

The Barge Lady Announces New Deluxe Barge Sojourn to cruise Burgundy Route

The Barge Lady Company Information and Bio

The Barge Lady's Press Q and A

The Barge Lady's Charities

"The Barge Lady Cruises European Hotel Barges" - Travel with Attitude

"Chocolate Guarantees Sweet Trip" - The Columbus Dispatch

"Barging Through Europe" - on Peter Greenberg.com

The Barge Lady's Chocolate and Wine Cruise on France Guide

Chocolate Guarantees a Sweet Trip

TOP 10 VALUES IN BARGE CRUISING FOR 2009 ANNOUNCED

BURGUNDY BARGE ELISABETH Extends fall 2009 dates for chocolate & wine cruises

About The Barge Lady

What Does the Barge Lady Do?

What exactly is a European Barge Cruise?

What Are The 2012 Season Dates?

How Long is a Barge Cruise?

The Barge Lady's Charities