What is the difference between a river cruise and a barge cruise?
>Really, the two basic differences are size and cruising area. Because barges operate on smaller tributaries and rivers, they are very restricted as to their size. Therefore, barges carry fewer passengers, generally not more than a couple of dozen – and that only on a few of the larger barges. You will most likely not travel more than 50 or 60 miles and remain in one small area of a region, for example the Loire Valley in France. Barges are wonderful if you have a small group of close friends who have common interests, but may be somewhat risky if it’s just the two of you traveling. Because of their size, river barges have very little common area, usually only where you dine and a small lounge. In addition, while the food is exceptional, the menu is very restrictive with limited selections each night. River cruises may cover several hundred miles and can allow you to enjoy the history, culture and marvelous sights of several countries with many like-minded and similarly-aged passengers
