A hospitality industry doyenne with over a decade of hands-on experience, Juana boasts a dynamic background in customer service, restaurant operations, and luxury hotel sales.
Born and raised in Germany, her love of travel comes naturally, as she regularly toured Europe by automobile with her family during summer vacations. Having moved to America in her mid-twenties, she brings a wonderfully Continental flair to the Barge Lady’s guests.
Prior to her minting in 2018 as a Barge Lady, Juana honed her customer service skills during a successful stint with the renowned Langham Hospitality Group. Since joining the Barge Lady team, Juana has immersed herself into the barging experience on the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands, throughout Southern Burgundy on the the Canal de Bourgogne, and in the southwest of France along the Canal du Midi.
Within these popular cruise regions, she visited many barges, met the charming crew members, sampled the gourmet cuisine, sipped the local spirits, and enjoyed the enriching excursions. In keeping with the family nature of Barge Lady Cruises, Juana invited her mother and father to sail with her in Southern Burgundy and the Languedoc, respectively. Being able to make these memories with her parents has been one of her personal and professional highlights.
As the Barge Lady’s resident foodie, Juana enthusiastically explores Chicago’s many enticing dining options, from neighborhood bistros to award-winning restaurants. A fitness enthusiast, she can often be found on long walks with her canine companion, Tyson, or punching boxing bags and dropping heavy weights on the floor at one of the CrossFit studios around town. At home, Juana likes to putter around her kitchen, whipping up dishes inspired by midwestern ingredients and international cuisine.
Juana says, “Obviously the amenities, accommodations, cuisine, and culture found on a barge cruise are those of indulgent luxury. Lazing in the hot tub, sampling wine in private cellars, and feasting on gourmet French fare are all part of barging’s charm. However, when I recall my most cherished memory made on Europe’s canals, it is relaxing on the deck of the Athos, watching the most glorious southern sunset, sipping a cup of tea, and chatting with my father. It is the moments of quiet connection such as these I so enjoy creating for Barge Lady’s guests.”