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The Shannon-Erne Waterway, that
our "Finding Brighid In Bréifne" cruises travels along, is unique
as it is the only Irish Waterway that permits both barges and cruisers
through its entire length. I would like to explain the differences and
why I prefer barges, and feel you would too.
Many of our visitors are from North
America and they are naturally more familiar with cruisers than barges.
North Americans are usually very experienced at handling cruisers due to
their vast choice of beautiful lakes and wide waterways throughout the
USA and Canada.
Cruisers have a modern style design
and they do travel faster than barges. You can certainly travel further
along the waterways in a week on a cruiser than you can on a barge. However,
as well known waterways and environment author Dick Warner says "If I want
to get somewhere quickly I have a car". I prefer to promote a waterways
cruise vacation as a mobile retreat rather than a means to quickly get
from A to B.
Barges are much more spacious and comfortable
than most cruisers. A cruiser with as much space and night time privacy
as a barge usually costs 3 or 4 times more to hire.
I still have to find an inland waterways
cruiser that is more comfortable than a barge.
Being within a barge, I feel, is much
more aesthetically relaxing than a cruiser could ever be. Heating, welcome
during off season, is more pleasant because barges have wood/turf burning
stoves and gas central heating. Cruisers are usually heated with hot air.
For me being in a heated cruiser is like being surrounded by a large hair
dryer.
Overall, I feel barges are best for
relaxing retreats while cruisers are better for active vacations where
craic and party are desired. A barge cruise is also perfect for vacationers
on a tight budget..
Despite my obvious preference for barges,
if you prefer to cruise with a cruiser instead of a barge
please check out our cruiser hire
pages, especially for Shannon cruises
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