To win a fabulous cruise for two on the luxury barge Actief, cruising the Royal river Thames, all you had to do was..

Watch a short presentation which gives a real insight into cruising the Upper Thames. Answer a few simple questions and then describe what you thought made an Actief cruise so special.

We received a lot of replies on this one, and it was very obvious that you all spent a lot of time thinking about your replies...

We hope you liked the presentation and that it did give you a feel for Actief and cruising the Upper Thames..

Now the part your have been waiting for.....Who is the winner of the 6 night luxury cruise aboard Actief...??

We were so impressed by the quality of entries, so it was difficult to choose, and the different approaches were very interesting and entertaining.

Here are a sample of the entries, including the winner - whom we'll contact to arrange their cruise date...

Mark Kelly, Baton Rouge, Louisiana wrote;

There is no more special cruise than one aboard the lovely Actief, with it''s perfect route on the Queen''s Highway - the "Upper" Thames. The serenity and beauty of nature awaits one at every turn in the river, and allows the cares of the real world to float away. Let towns such as Windsor and Oxford steal you away to another time, as you explore their architecture from charming thatched roof pubs to grand castles of royalty.

While onboard Actief, guests are pampered by our superbly trained staff who present some of the world''s best cuisine on fabulous china and crystal. Relax with a cocktail before dinner in our stylish lounge, and spend an evening in the luxury of your cozy and comfortable guest room beautifully decorated in an English Country House style. Making Actief your floating home for a week will give you a new perspective on life, and you will long to return.


Nancy Morrill of Washington Crossing, PA, USA wrote;



Don''t wait! Find your soul in awakened feelings!

* * * * ACTIEF - the finest hotel barge experience on one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.

If you yearn to unwind and find special camaraderie; to luxuriate with the finest cuisine, wines and accommodations; to drink in unparalleled scenes of natural life in a timeless setting; to explore the historical, cultural and artistic heritage of a truly special part of England....then, a week's cruise aboard ACTIEF will fulfill your dreams of an elegant, private, indeed royal vacation.

Put yourself in the loving, skilled care of European Waterways/Go Barging. Whatever is around the next bend can be yours to enjoy on the epitome of cruising barges, ACTIEF.

Catering to your interests.....fishing, hot air ballooning, sketching, bird watching, exploring castles, photography, sunning on the deck, partying, solitude, discovering new vistas, steering a barge (under the tutelage of the Captain!), anticipating dinner, being gently rocked to sleep...... all - and more - are part of the ACTIEF commitment to its guests.

Join the fortunate few in this world who will always recall their ACTIEF journey with unfeigned and worthy pleasure.

Marlene Andrew of South Crest Alberton, South Africa wrote;

After the African heat, with little rain and few rough rivers, a first trip to a wonderful tranquil, green land. Gliding on the magical flowing Thames, being treated to decorously, decadent, gracious indulgences on the Actief, the senses absorbing the variegated scenes of England. What bliss and joy.

Harold Keating of Redondo Beach, California, USA has been there before, so maybe the competition was a little easier for Harold..he wrote;

We savoured our week on the Actief in August of 2002 because it exceeded in every way every cruise we've ever taken.

We felt pampered beyond belief as the crew anticipated our tastes in food, in shore excursions and in just lazing on deck, watching England go by. We were made to feel as though the crew's entire reason for being there was to ensure our incredible vacation. We have since recommended it to others and,indeed, would enjoy taking the Actief on a reverse course, just to see the other side of the river.

Liz Brown of Ringwood, Hants, United Kingdom wrote;

L= Lazy days, to savour every mile
U = Unique, individual cabins with style
X= X factor,where an Xtra special crew are found
U = Upper Thames,where heritage & wildlife abound
R = Royal, both river and food
Y = You, return refreshed and renewed.

and Finally, Alan Luke of Ontario, Canada wrote;

Mile after mile will make you smile,
As you travel the "Queen's Highway" in style
Superb service, cuisine and decor the Actief does deliver,
While you cruise along the clean and idyllic river
With new places and faces it is never dull,
Well, one can even enjoy mussels from the hull
English hospitality is reknown and large,
Please let me experience this wonderful barge!

Thanks folks, these were great and thanks to everyone who entered..
Congratulations to Nancy, a great effort...

Why not have a go at our new competition - win a Luxury cruise in Burgundy
aboard La Belle Epoque