RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. is opening sales for the first first-class hotel barge to sail US waters in this century. The 200-passenger R/V River Explorer begins year-round itineraries through America's heartland and along the Gulf of Mexico Intracoastal Waterway on July 4, 1998.
The 4- to 10-day excursions concentrate on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri Rivers, waterways that play as vital a role in the history and development of North America as the Rhine River in Europe or the Yangtze River in China. Cruises are timed to take best advantage of local festivals, including Mardis Gras in New Orleans as well as jazz celebrations in Memphis and other regional musical centres.
Meals on board reflect regional specialties from Cajun and Creole cuisine in Louisiana to fried catfish and iced tea along the lower Mississippi, barbecue and Mint Juleps along the Ohio and thick steaks in the heart of the continent. Shore excursions concentrate on local history and culture, including stops at small river towns that even few Americans have ever seen.
List prices for the inaugural season start at $185 per person, double occupancy, including all meals, port charges, taxes, tips, transfers and shore excursions. The only extras not included are air fares, gift purchases and alcoholic beverages. For information and bookings, contact RiverBarge Excursion Lines, fax (504) 362-6531 or email rel@riverbarge.com.