ACTIEF
England
Passengers: 11. Built in 1907, cruises the River Thames between Windsor and Oxford. There are three suites, two twin cabins, and one single cabin, all outside, with central heating and private bath with shower. There is a crew of four plus the owners. Double occupancy per person ranges from $1,090 to $2,890, and for the single cabin ranges from $1,840 to $2,490. To charter for six nights is $21,500 to $26,900. Six-night family departures in July and August are $2,290 for adults and $1,374 for children under age 14. There are also three-night cruises. Theme cruises include antiques, English gardens and the Henley Royal Regatta.

BARKIS AND PEGGOTTY
England
Passengers: 5 each. These boats, 11 feet wide, travel as a pair in Cambridgeshire. Head-room is only 6 feet 7 inches. Cabins are twin, with opening windows, and private shower and toilet. There is a crew of four plus a dog. Whole charter is $15,000; the individual rate is $1,690.

BONA SPES
Ireland
Passengers: 8 This barge (75 ft. long) travels the River Shannon and the Ballinamore Canal in Ireland. There is a lake boat and fishing tackle with an outboard motor for passengers to use. The barge has central heating, a crew of four.

CLEMENTINA
England
Passengers: 4/5. This barge goes from Stratford-on-Avon to Cotswold and Gloucester. There are two cabins and two bathrooms. This is a self-catered barge, in other words no meals are provided. You eat in village pubs, picnic on the riverbank or cook aboard yourself. Whole boat charter for six nights is $3,400 with pilot only, and $5,000 with pilot and tour guide.

DE VROUWE ALIDA
England
Passengers: 5. This 17 m (55 ft.) Dutch sailing barge was built in 1905. Officers are U.S. and crew UK. Itineraries include the Rivers Cam and Great Ouse from Cambridge to Ely to Downham Market. One cabin has a double bed, shower, toilet, one has two single births, and there is one berth in passageway. There is a rowboat, one adult and one child bicycle, art supplies, sandbox and toys. Shore excursions include Cambridge colleges, museums, Ely cathedral, nature reserves, markets, fishing, according to choices of guests. The guests pitch in as crew. Fares are about 50% of continental high season barge cruise rates, according to the owner. There are discounts to US military families, clergy-led retreats, and COPARS families. The barge is available with chef on board or for self-catering/riverside dining.

DUDLEY THOMAS
England
Passengers: 8. This barge, 61 ft. long and 12 ft. wide, was built in 1998, has six cabins (two double, four single). It travels exclusively on the River Thames between Hampton Court Palace and Oxford on two or three-night trips, or seven nights or more on holiday. It goes from April to October plus Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays. Cabins are centrally heated, have private shower and toilet. Highlights include Windsor Castle, Eton, Henley on Thames, Oxford and old villages and towns. No children under 14 except with whole boat charter. There are family programs and theme programs. Languages spoken: English, German, Czech, Slovak, Russian. Single cabins for seven nights are US$795, double cabin $1,480. Whole charter is $4,800 for seven nights, $2,840 for three nights.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER
Scotland
Passengers: 8.  It cruises the highlands of Scotland beginning in Inverness and visiting Lochs Dochfour, News, Oich, Ness and Lochy, Cawdor Castle, Urquart Castle, and Invergarry Castle. Cabins have twin or double beds, private bath, and two windows. An on-board chef features traditional Scottish cuisine, including salmon, venison, pheasant and partridge. Passengers can play tennis or fish for trout. Two golf charters feature four or five golf courses, and a premier golf charter includes Gleneagle. Fares start at $2,690 per person double occupancy, including an open bar and shore excursions. Charters start at $17,500 for six persons for the traditional itinerary and $27,500 for six persons on the premier golf charter.

SHANNON PRINCESS
Ireland
Passengers: 12. This barge, moored in front of a castle in Athlone, floats through the Shannon River. There is a crew of five. From the salon, stairs lead down to a suite, four twin cabins and two single cabins, each with private bath and windows that open. Fare for the six-night cruise begins at $2,290 per person and includes an open bar, guided excursions and transfers from Dublin. A golf, gourmet, equestrian, or fishing program may be added at extra cost. Whole boat charter ranges is $22,900.

SPIRIT OF LOCH NESS
Scotland
Passengers: 8. Charters are available from May to September, with cruises beginning in Inverness, Scotland, offering golf at Highland's courses and a float through Loch Ness where you can view castle ruins or watch for the Loch Ness monster. Individual fare is $1,990. Whole boat charter begins at $15,000.

NARROWBOATS
England, Wales
Passengers: 2-10 There are several fleets of self-drive narrowboats that are from 40 to 70 ft. long and are always a maximum of 7 ft. wide, to fit the canal locks of England. They are usually less expensive than bigger crewed barges and are easy to navigate.
To travel on one of these, go to NARROWBOATS

Fares are those last reported to us and can vary widely.