CELEBRATING OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A LUXURY ENGLISH BARGE CRUISE
By Rose Palmer
I love cruising in all its forms, but an intimate barge cruise is my favorite luxury experience. After three previous barge cruises with European Waterways in France and Italy, my husband and I decided that another barge cruise was the perfect way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. This time we chose the Magna Carta barge on the River Thames. With additional time in London before and after the cruise, it truly was a very memorable trip.
I especially love barge cruising because it is a personalized, intimate experience on waterways that can only be accessed by small boats. Unlike conventional river cruises, a barge cruise offers the charm and exclusivity of a small boutique hotel rather than the impersonal feel of a large chain establishment.
The UK is crisscrossed by a network of over 2700 miles of canals and rivers that were once used to transport goods. Now they are a source for recreational activities as vacationers enjoy these waterways on traditional narrowboats.
For those who want to experience a cruise through the English countryside but don’t want to manage their own boat, a week on the Magna Carta is the perfect solution. The Magna Carta was built in 1936 and was a working barge in Holland until 1999. After her hardworking years, she found a new lease on life in the heart of the English waterways. Current owner Dominic Read has lovingly restored her into an elegant floating hotel that now embodies the charm and warmth of an English country home.
The Magna Carta barge
Much bigger than a typical narrowboat, the Magna Carta has four cabins that can accommodate up to eight guests; however, on our cruise, there were only four of us. Decorated in classic and classy maritime colors of navy and white, our cabin was comfortable and spacious enough for two people. The room provided air conditioning and heat if we needed it, though we found that opening the porthole windows was sufficient during our cruise in September.
The cabin had plenty of efficiently organized storage, most of which I didn’t use. The en-suite bathroom came with a shower, high-end toiletries, and luxuries such as a heated towel rack and underfloor heating.
On the main deck, the common space felt like a comfy living room. There was plenty of lounging space on the plush leather sofas, and the library of books gave us reading options if we needed them. In the dining space, an artistic oak and blue epoxy river table punctuated the space. One corner was a well-outfitted bar that supplied ingredients for any cocktail that came to mind.
Out on deck, more chairs allowed leisurely lounging while taking in the passing scenery. There was also a hot tub for soaking and bicycles if we wanted to explore the countryside on our own after we moored each evening.
The Magna Carta cruising experience
For 6 days, we were taken care of by the exceptional crew. Owner Dominic was on board every day, expertly steering the barge. Captain Hugo managed the boat and crew 24/7 and acted as our on-board guide. Hostesses Denissa and Rowan took care of all our needs and wants and made sure our glasses were never empty. And of course, Chef Thomas kept our tummies full and our taste buds content.
Life on board quickly developed into a pleasant rhythm. The day started with a made-to-order breakfast with plenty of coffee and tea. The mornings and afternoons alternated between excursions and slow cruising down the river. In between, we had delicious lunches always served with a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white wine. The day ended with more outstanding meals and more wine. Yes, I could easily get used to this life every day.
River Thames sights and excursions
Our itinerary began in Oxford and ended near Hampton Court, but the reverse is also possible. This part of England is rich with hundreds of years of history, and during our week, we touched on some of the highlights. Each day, Sarah Jane, the sixth member of the crew, drove us to a new location and took care of tickets, audio guides, or provided her own in-depth tour.
In Oxford, we toured Christ Church College, established by King Henry VIII in 1546. Another day, we explored the stately gardens of Cliveden House, once the grand home of the Astor family. Not far from there, we had a private tour of Dorney Court, a 450-year-old, fully preserved manor house that has been used as a setting in many well-known films and TV shows.
At Windsor Castle, we toured the formal state apartments, now fully restored in all their glory after the devastating fire in 1992. Cruising further down the Thames, we passed by Runnymede, the historic location where King John signed the Magna Carta, setting the stage for democratic rule in future generations. Our final stop was a tour of the Tudor side of Hampton Court Palace, a beautifully preserved example of one of Henry VIII’s many residences.
Magna Carta cuisine
I can honestly say that the biggest highlight of this cruise was the food. I have come to expect excellent cuisine on a European Waterways cruise, but Chef Thomas set a new standard.
From the Sunday classic roast and two veg to our special international themed dinner, he imbued each dish with creative flavor combinations. His experience is quite diverse, extending to everything from working in a food truck to cooking in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was clear that culinary creativity was his passion, and he did it with flair.
At every meal, Thomas presented us with homemade bread and rolls that were still warm out of the oven, accompanied by flavored butters. In the mornings, hot breakfasts were made to order – his eggs Benedict were divine.
Lunch was hearty and more than I usually eat, but I didn’t turn down anything he offered. I especially loved the cheese boards and chutney. Dinners were luxurious, and the entrees included a variety of fish, lamb, and beef. At each lunch and dinner, we were served different white and red wine pairings sourced from across the globe.
After six days of this luxurious life, I really didn’t want to leave, especially because all the staff were so lovely. They created a fun and jovial atmosphere and happily waited on us without being stuffy.
This truly was a very memorable celebration, and even though I have now taken 4 barge cruises with European Waterways, I look forward to doing more.
Rose Palmer believes that life is a patchwork of experiences. Traveling the world is one of her deepest passions which continues to add to her ever-growing quilt of life experiences. She likes to focus her traveling lens on art, architecture, history, nature, and soft adventure with a touch of luxury. Rose shares her award-winning stories and photos on her blog www.Quiltripping.com
