For Discount Cruises, click: no-frills
RiverBarge Excursions — offers a single occupancy
with a supplement of 50%. Excursions include: The Route of Jean Lafitte, First Explorers and Cajuns & Creoles.
P.S. Many people travel by themselves on the barge. The BargeMates are very friendly and can even join guests
for meals if invited. Most of the guests on board the barge truly enjoy making new friends and sharing stories
— RiverBarge encourages it!
C. Magnus Bares All About “Barging”!
Originally published in the November/December 1997 issue of SoloDining.com, the newsletter.
Widowed Cherie Magnus, a librarian based in Southern California, is one of many who have sojourned on a barge,
but she ranks among the elite. She boarded by herself!
She’s used to traveling alone — she “does” France on her own a couple of times a year — but admits that sometimes
it’s hard. “It can take a lot of effort,” she said.
So, the prospect of barging appealed to her as a terrific way to travel, see things, eat well and do it with
company. Last May, she joined 24 people on a large barge for a six night excursion over the Upper Loire by canal
— as the only unaccompanied person!
Describing herself as attractive and outgoing, she found tables set for four, a challenge. She began by seating
herself with a couple already seated, but discovered that some women were uncomfortable with her presence.
Then, to avoid the appearance of imposing herself upon other guests, she changed her tactic. She claimed a seat
only at vacant tables, allowing her fellow bargers, to decide whether to join her. She was then assured that anyone
joining her wished to do so.
By week’s end, many women warmed to her, realizing that she wasn't on a husband poaching mission. "I believe
that had the trip continued for another week, everyone would have become comfortable around me," she said.
Would she barge again? "Absolutely!” she declared. “For the excursions, the incredible food and the atmosphere
on board. I would again select a larger vessel even though smaller ones with their larger tables may make it easier
for a solo to blend in. Large numbers of people increase the possibility of finding compatible traveling companions.”
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