Traveller Tips

Are all my meals included?

Table d’hôte meals on board are included in your fare. Continental breakfast is available in your own cabin, while lunch and dinner are enjoyed in the sumptuous surroundings of the dining rooms.

Passports and Visas

We recommend the following for all travel requiring passports:

1. You should ensure you have at least 6 months’ validity left on your passport from your date of arrival. This applies to both adult and child passports.
2. If you renewed a passport before it expired, extra months may have been added to your new passport’s expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months that should be remaining for travel to most countries in Europe.

Passport holders should check with their national government agency for up-to-date information.

Are children welcome on board?

Children are welcome when the river cruise is booked on a private hire basis. We are able to provide high-chairs, cots and children's bicycles with helmets. The minimum age for passengers booked on a per cabin basis is 12.

Are drinks included in the price?

A champagne reception welcomes you on board. To accompany meals a range of wines representative of the main wine regions of France is offered. Tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day.

Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board?

Polo shirts, embroidered with our logo are available onboard. Should you wish to purchase embroidered Guernsey sweaters, V-neck pullovers or cardigans an order can be placed with our supplier, who will happily arrange for postage. Please note that payment of these items needs to be in cash.

Can I smoke on board?

Smoking is only permitted on deck.

Can the crew book restaurants for me?

Yes, if there is a particular restaurant you would like to book whilst off the barge, a member of the crew will be happy to make a reservation for you. Please note this meal will be at your own cost.

Can you arrange my accommodation if I want to stay in Paris?

Yes, please discuss your requirements with our sales office.

Can you cater for special meal requirements?

We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, etc., provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chef will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. The chef will always consult guests about the following day’s menus to cater for diets and special preferences.

Is there a luggage allowance onboard?

When you plan your packing, please bear in mind that all luggage must be stored in your cabin. In each cabin there is a wardrobe with hangers. Regretfully, there are limited facilities available for storage of luggage not required during your cruise.

If you are travelling by air at any time during your vacation, please check with the airline regarding their luggage allowances. We recommend that your baggage be labelled with a contact address and your destination. Hand luggage: your passport, travel documents, jewellery, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be hand carried and not checked in.

What are the electricity specifications onboard?

The barge operates on 220 volts AC throughout and two pin plugs are standard. Plug adapters and converters are available.

What do I need to wear on board?

Clothing should be comfortable and casual. We recommend you bring rubber soled shoes and/or tennis shoes, sweaters and a light jacket for cool weather, sunbathing accessories for hot weather, and rain gear which we hope will stay in your closet! Ample storage space is available.

Will I need to tip the staff?

Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion. Gratuities are distributed equally among crew members. The cruise director or housekeeper can deal with this on your behalf. (It is appreciated if gratuities are paid in cash in notes smaller than US$100, as it is difficult for staff to process American cheques and traveller’s cheques.)

Contact the Luxury Riverboat Club

Please get in touch to discuss Belmond Afloat in France Barges FAQs, or to book.