They tend to be older boats that tend to have smaller cabins, maybe 80 to 100 square feet. They're generally twin-bedded. They're less spacious with fewer crew members, perhaps eight crew members to 20 to 24 passengers. But that's not to say that these trips are not fantastic. They all serve great food and have great guides.
Passengers eat luch and dinner in town.
This is less expensive, more flexible and more authentic because the passengers get out and meet the population and see more of the countryside. The barging season is April 1 through November 1, but the high season in barging is in May, June, September, and October. The lower season is April, July, August, and the beginning of November. As barges and river cruises often book up far in advance, do book early to avoid disappointment.