About the GoBarging crews - our prize asset

The crew...

We employ over 30 crew throughout our fleet, and the majority of our crew have been with us for some years

Captains, Pilots, Cruise Directors, Chefs, Housekeepers and Deck hands are the job titles. Most are English, some hail from the Colonies and we also employ French, Scottish and Irish staff, all english speaking

There is tremendous camaraderie amongst our crews and every role is vital to the efficient functioning of the Hotel Barge. Time and time again, our passengers praise and thank every member of their crew for ensuring that their holiday was completed to the highest possible standards

Our Captains are all qualified barge pilots with a minimum of 2 years “second in command” experience before undergoing a challenging test of their abilities. In France our licensed Captains have all completed an examination which qualifies them to carry passengers aboard inland waterway vessels. Barge handling, Piloting, Safety, Mechanics and First Aid all form part of the examination which is supervised over three stages before a pass and completion certificate is issued

Incidentally, our Company Chairman, Derek Banks, holds a French Barge Captain’s Licence and is also a keen salt-water sailor and Ocean Yacht Master

Our Pilots carry the same qualifications as the Captain on board and are responsible for the safety aspects on board, the correct maintenance of the barge equipment and engines as well as lending a hand with excursions and hospitality. It is by no means unusual for a pilot to serve wine during a meal and he will often be a useful source of local information about all manner of things

Our Chefs are highly motivated, creative individuals who take delight in meeting the challenge of satisfying the varied palates of our most discerning clientele. Our cuisine is frequently compared to the finest international restaurants

Our Housekeepers not only keep the inside of the barge shipshape, but share their knowledge of local cheeses and wines with passengers at every meal. Most are bilingual and have learnt much about local history, markets and the way of life locally

Our Tour guides have all been chosen for their ability to communicate, their local knowledge and understanding of the local culture and architecture. They generally drive the air conditioned vans which accompany the barge and during the week aboard, daily forays into the surrounding countryside are made in the company of the Tour guide

Our Deck hands have the task of making sure the exterior of the vessel is always clean and the windows sparkling. It is usually the deck hand who will prepare a bicycle for those with the urge to do a bit of extra exploring. Sometimes the deck hand may appear at dinner serving wine or the meal itself. Most are multi-taskers, young enthusiastic folk who are working their way up to taking the exams to be a Barge Captain..all are committed to making your vacation a truly memorable experience

Please read what our customers say.....L'Art de Vivre, a customer's view

Please visit the following links if you would like to know more about our Barge design and building;

Why not experience the magic for yourself, contact us today to find out
more about our European luxury barge cruise vacations
on the European Waterways....

Toll Free 1 800 394 8630