Provence & Rhone Valley Gay Cruise
Aboard Luxury Belmond Napoleon Barge

7 days Glorious Provence Gay Cruise Aboard The Luxury 12-Guest Belmond Napoleon from Tain l'Hermitage to Arles, France

September 4 – 10, 2016
Belmond Napoleon

7 days/6 nights aboard the exclusive 12-guest luxury barge Napoléon Belmond. Cruise through the unique canals of France's Provence. See the beauty of the Rhône Valley, follow in Van Gogh's footsteps and enjoy pétanque.

Tain to Arles: Plying the majestic Rhône, take in the charms of Provence on grand Belmond Napoleon. Discover one of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to explore France cruising its beautiful canals and rivers in style aboard a Belmond Afloat in France barge.

The 12-Guest Luxury Barge Belmond Napoleon

Plying the majestic Rhône, take in the charms of Provence on grand Belmond Napoléon.

Napoleon is one of five barges now wholly owned by Belmond (formerly known as Orient Express), operator of luxury travel experiences worldwide. The vessel is exquisitely decorated and maintained.

Belmond Napoléon is perfect for convivial parties of up to 12 passengers. Six decadent cabins each boast en-suite bathrooms.

Feast on dinners in the stately lounge. Unwind in the outdoor Jacuzzi and watch the scenery unfold. Or enjoy candlelit alfresco dinners.

On-shore, visit some of France's most iconic wine châteaux.

Belmond Napoléon is both an intimate barge operated to the highest standards of the canal barge industry which nonetheless covers the kind of lengthy route (125 miles) associated with much larger and more impersonal cruise ships. The resulting experience is unique not just for the level of on-board pampering provided by top crew, pictured below, but also for the broad exposure to the personalities and sights in fabulous Provence between Tain l'Hermitage and Arles on the River Rhone.

The vessel is especially spacious. The third level sun deck alone provides 800 feet of recreational space. Recline on your deck chair - soak in the hot tub - enjoy an al fresco luncheon - with vistas of the Rhone River Valley spread out before you! This is relaxation in the highest style! Exquisite French-style furnishings and accent pieces define the supremely comfortable salon, while in the dining room is perhaps the most interesting decor in all of barging: colorful murals depicting the life of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as personalities associated with Provence. Deluxe amenities abound in the modern cabins (which are completely sound proof) and large immaculately tiled baths with full size shower.

Amenities
• Sun deck with Jacuzzi, sun loungers, exercise equipment and canopied dining area
• Lounge with piano keyboard
• Bose iPod docking station
• Computer with internet access
• Selection of books, games, DVDs and CDs

FAQs

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.

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 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 let us know your requirements.

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 On Board?
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.

What Is The Local Currency?
The local currency in France is the Euro. Goods and services purchased locally or on board are priced in Euros. We regret we cannot accept credit cards or debit cards on board or provide a foreign exchange service. However, credit cards and direct debit cards are widely accepted off the boat.

When Are Meals Served?
Breakfast is generally served from 8:00 am to 10:00am, Lunch is served between 12:00 pm and 2:00pm (on the sundeck, weather permitting) and Dinner is served around 8:00 pm in the dining room. Meal times may vary to fit in with side-trips.

Will I Need Insurance For My Trip?
We strongly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance. Should you decide not to take out travel insurance, we will not be held responsible for any losses incurred as a result.

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.