Mark is delighted to become the first “Barge Lad” of Barge Lady Cruises, as well as the first team member based in the United Kingdom. Besides achieving these “honors,” Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to assist our guests in selecting the barge cruise of their dreams.
Mark has worked in the international travel industry for over 40 years. Starting out as a retail agent, he then segued to planning luxury bespoke journeys with Abercrombie and Kent. His clients included prominent businesspeople, high-profile celebrities, and even members of the British Royal Family (although he won’t tell us which ones!). Mark then entered the European barge industry, where he soon became a destination specialist with first-hand knowledge of vessels all over Europe and the U.K.
Mark’s favorite memories on barge cruises reflect the depth and breadth of his professional experiences. Transiting the Arzviller boat lift in the Alsace while sipping a glass of locally produced Riesling is a cherished memory, as is cruising across the Loch Ness in Scotland, cradled by the majestic Cairngorm Mountains and Cuillin Hills. In Champagne, he enjoyed the tours and tastings at smaller champagne houses, particularly at a private luncheon hosted by the Baroness of Château de Ricey-Bas.
His worldwide travels are just as expansive and include safari in the Masai-Mara, sunbathing in the Maldives, as well as an expedition cruise to Antarctica — not to mention flying from London to New York on the Concorde for his 30th birthday! When not working or traveling, Mark divides his time between London and Lancashire. He enjoys keeping fit, good food and wine, attending the theatre, and spending time with friends and family.
“I am thrilled to promote the joy of barging: a complete switch-off from the outside world with the exclusivity of being served royally as an individual rather than being treated like any other tourist.”