Ready, Set, Drift!
March 2010
In This Issue
March Madness
When to Go
Re-Vamped Hotel Ratings
Save $1,000
Additional Value
Stretch Your Dollar
Largest Price Cut
Couples Benefit
Method to the Madness
Barge owners' desire to pre-book their seasons is your gain
 
At the start of each barging season, vessel owners are under pressure to begin booking their entire season in advance; so much so, that they unveil most of the season's unbeatable offers around this time.  Call it an act of desparation; we call it the best time of the year to book.
 
Best Times to Visit France
Know yourself, know when to go
 
Determing when to visit any destination depends largely on personal preference.  Make an informed decision before booking your flight.
 
The Times, They Are A-changin'
France re-structures star rating for hotels
 
How deluxe were the accommodations you stayed in last year?  Chances are, their ratings have changed, lest the hotel has undergone major renovations to stay current.
 
$1,000 Saved is $1,000 Earned
 
Deposit before March 31, 2010, and save $1,000 off per cabin booked on the following barges:
 
Spend Less, Receive More
 
Enjoy a free one-night stay at the luxurious Hotel Meurice in Paris when you book and deposit a cruise aboard any of the following vessels before March 31, 2010:
 
For a complete listing of all France Cruises specials, click here
Greetings!

The end of March marks the beginning of France's 2010 barge cruising season.  From Brittany to Lyon, Champagne to Provence, barges will begin skimming the tranquil surfaces of France's famed canals on relaxing floats through unspoiled countrysides.
 
In preparation for the season's inaugural departures, many barges are offering reduced rates for individuals and whole boat charters, and even tacking on additional value by offering free overnight hotel stays and guided city tours.
 
As the end of March draws nearer, the opportunity to take advantage of these discounts grows smaller, so browse the cruise deals below and find one more reason to discover French barge cruising this year.
 
Sincerely, 
     
 
Jean-Francois Dabrowski
Founder
France Cruises
 
Ana P. Valente
Founder
France Cruises
Dollar Goes Further Aboard Maria
 
The U.S. dollar improves against the Euro
Maria
 
As the U.S. dollar gains strength, barge owner Phill Spurge provides extra economic relief by reducing all his rates for the 2010 season aboard Maria
 
"The barging community is usually a little slow to offer a discount when the exchange rates are in our favor," says Phill, "but we would like to share in the good fortune of U.S. tourists by reducing our rates."
 
This special promotion aboard Maria in the Upper Loire region expires March 31, 2010.  Be sure to book and deposit your cruise before it's too late.  For a complete listing of newly reduced rates aboard Maria, click here.
Biggest Savings!
 
Renaissance extends the largest per-cabin discount for select departures
Renaissance
 
Luxury barge Renaissance is a stylish, spacious vessel with an 8 passenger capacity and is one of the largest ships that can safely and comfortably navigate the French canal locks.
 
Her interior is beautifully appointed and her 4 over-sized staterooms boast an average of 265 sq. ft. of guest space.
 
For all April and May departures, Renaissance will reduce its rates by $1,250 per cabin if booked and deposited by March 31, 2010. 
 
To learn more about barge Renaissance, click here.
 
Show a Companion You Care
 
Cruise companions pay half price on cabins booked for two
 
Barge cruising is already an intimate experience, but some barges are increasing the intimacy by offering an enticing couples discount.
 
Book and deposit a cruise aboard any of these three vessels before March 31, 2010, and your companion will pay half of the per-person price.

HirondelleHirondelle - from $4,900 per person

Estello - from $2,500 per person

Napoleon - from $5,500 per person  

France Cruises
 
As always, we thank you for your continued patronage.  We pride ourselves in offering you the most unique barge vacation packages and insider information regarding hotel-barge cruises and France in general; without your unwavering support, this wouldn't be possible.France Cruises
 
Thank you.
 
For more information, contact us at:
 
1.866.498.3920