#hotel barge cruising

[goingplacesfarandnear]

Savoring Wine is Key Feature of European Waterways’ Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises

Experiencing the innovative wine-making techniques of the Lissner Winery on European Waterways’ Panache canal cruise through the Alsace-Lorraine, France © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com “Wine and friends are a great blend,” Ernest Hemingway once said.  This philosophy is at the heart of European Waterways’ dedication to offering its guests exclusive, immersive wine experiences on their…

[lauthenticfrance]

Hotel Barge Renaissance | Canal de briare Cruises

Hotel Barge Renaissance – the ultimate luxury experience. This floating hotel is located on France’s oldest canal, canal de Briare cruises, and is the perfect place to relax.

visit our site : https://www.lauthenticfrance.com/renaissance/

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Sneaking Around

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~900

Warnings: fluff

Summary: You and Spencer are keeping a relationship a secret from your brother, Derek

Square Filled: "don't you touch her." (2022) for @spencerreidbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are appreciated <3

x

You don’t ever want to leave this bed. It feels too damn good to want to start your day. Spencer has been up for a while just watching you sleep. He likes to see your eyes flit back and forth underneath your eyelids as he wonders what you might be dreaming about. Where do you go when you fall asleep? Based on the smile on your face, your dream is about him.

“Darling. Wake up,” Spencer whispers and nudges his nose with yours.

You scrunch up your nose in the way he loves, the way that makes you look like a squirrel, and you open your eyes slightly. He waits until he sees your bright eyes before kissing the tip of your nose. There you go again with the cute nose scrunch.

“Why did you wake me? I was having a great dream,” you sigh happily.

“Was it about me?”

“When is it never about you?”

“Tell me what it was about.”

You yawn and move away to get a better look at him.

“Well, I was on this boat and it wasn’t a cruise ship-type boat but like a sailboat. You know, the one Rossi lets us use sometimes. We were in the middle of nowhere but we didn’t feel lost or felt scared. We felt content. I decided to go swimming so I jumped into the water, but then I grew a mermaid tail and you were so jealous because I swam faster than you. You jumped into the water to see if you could grow a tail but couldn’t. So, I decided to take you to my underwater world where we had fish children and ate kelp all the time.”

“Sounds adventurous,” Spencer laughs.

“It was weird,” you giggle.

“So, while you were snoring,” you push Spencer away playfully, “I was thinking maybe we can go up to your parents’ cabin this weekend.”

“That sounds ama—wait,” you sigh, “we can’t. Derek is having his friends over. He’s taking the weekend to do whatever it is they plan on doing. The last thing I need is to be caught by him.”

It’s not that Derek doesn’t approve of your relationship with Spencer, it’s just he’s so protective over you. You have nothing to do with the police or the FBI, and he doesn’t want you getting mixed up in that life. It’s bad enough he’s in it, he doesn’t want to add another person you could possibly lose. He’s only looking out for you, and you understand that, but you fell in love with Spencer the second he introduced you two.

You two have been seeing each other behind his back, and it’s been working out so far.

“Maybe we can rent a hotel room, then. I really want to go away with you for the weekend.”

“I’d like that,” you grin.

You lean over and kiss him, but the kiss is anything but short and sweet. It’s the kind of kiss that makes your head spin. The kind of kiss that makes you want to do very bad things with him. The kind of kiss that makes you fall in love with him all over again. The kiss gets heated very quickly and he pulls you onto his lap so you can feel how hard you’re making him.

Suddenly, the front door slams open and your brother can be heard laughing downstairs.

“Reid! You here?”

“Shit,” you gasp.

You scramble off Spencer and fall off the bed toward the window. Spencer laughs at your panic just as you crawl underneath his bed. Seconds later, Derek opens Spencer’s bedroom door, and you cover your mouth to keep quiet. Spencer doesn’t mind that Derek barges in whenever he wants. With him are Matt and Luke, and the latter smirks at the flushed look on Spencer’s face.

“Why is Y/N’s car here?”

“She dropped it off here,” Spencer thinks quickly. “She took an Uber to hang out with the girls. She didn’t want to drive, and it was cheaper to get one from here than her house.”

Luke looks around the room and sees your toes underneath the bed. He smirks but doesn’t comment on it.

“When she gets back, she can sleep in the guest room.”

“No problem,” Spencer shrugs.

“Don’t you touch her,” Derek points at him.

“I won’t. Why did you come here? Not that I don’t love your company.”

Spencer doesn’t want to get up because then they’ll see the boner he has.

“We’re going to a baseball game. Want to come?”

“No, thank you. I have a bunch of books to get through.”

“I can wait ten minutes,” Derek laughs.

“Maybe next time.”

“Alright. Let me know when she gets home safe.”

“Sure thing.”

The three men leave the room and Spencer busts out laughing at the situation.

“Shut up,” you glare and hit the underside of his bed. You crawl out from underneath it when you know it’s safe to do so. You kneel on the bed and kiss him lovingly. “Derek may be my brother, but he’s not the boss of me. I love you with all my heart, but I better go before he sees me.”

“We gotta tell him soon.”

“I know but sneaking around with you is so much fun,” you wink.

Instead of leaving through the bedroom door like a normal person, you sneak out of the window where there is a tree that slopes down, giving you the perfect escape route. Spencer watches you go with a chuckle, glad that someone like you is in his life.

x

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary​​​​​​ where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

[scotianostra]

*23rd of October 1822 saw the Caledonian Canal linking Inverness to Fort William open to traffic.

Another one with conflicting dates, some say 30th of the month, another the 24th.

Started in 1803, the Caledonian Canal project was budgeted at £474,531 plus £15,000 for land purchases. A year later they were asked to estimate the cost of making the canal big enough to accommodate the 32-gun and 44-gun frigates of the Royal Navy. With £20,000 allocated for preparatory works and £50,000 a year after that, the canal project was programmed to take 10 years.

The section of canal from Inverness to Loch Ness was opened in the summer of 1818. This allowed the progress of the canal to move quicker as building materials could be brought up from Inverness to Fort Augustus more easily and cheaply.

Finally completed in 1822, the canal has more recently become a popular attraction for visitors and recreation users however is still run and used as a working waterway by Scottish Canals. The total cost of building the canal was £910,000

The canal runs some 60 miles (100 kilometres) from northeast to southwest and reaches 106 feet (32 metres) above sea level. Only one third of the entire length is man-made, the rest being formed by Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. These lochs are located in the Great Glen, on a geological fault in the Earth's crust.

There are 29 locks, including eight at Neptune's Staircase, Banavi, four aqueducts and 10 bridges in the course of the canal.

The canal is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.There are many ways for tourists to enjoy the canal, such as taking part in the Great Glen Rally, cycling along the tow-paths, or cruising on Hotel Barges.

I hiked part of it in 2020 camping at the canal side, there are wild camping sites that include fire pits, toilets and showers along the way. To use the facilities you “hire” a key from Scottish Canals for just £10 and use it for the duration of your journey. The key can be picked up from Corpach Sea Lock, or you can get it posted out to you.

[listen-to-the-inner-walrus]

what is it about cruise ships that you find ugly? like are there any specific ones you hate or is it just all of them?

okay so ive been puzzling over to how to answer this for A While™ because:

theres so many ugly cruise ships i would love to roast, and theres a part of me that wants to make a sideblog about it a la @mcmansionhell but for cruise ships

i am autistic and this is my special interest and i also want to infodump about ship design conventions

theres also really pretty oceanliners like the ss france that got converted into cruise ships where the magical girl transformation sequence malfunctioned badly.

its not always just like the exterior thats badly designed, theres both Awful design inside the ship like the disney wish, and Awful business plans and conduct like the epirotiki lines

...but, thats a lot.

so instead, ive settled on four exterior design issues that i think you can see in a lot of cruise ships even if you dont know shit about ships.

this is by no means an exhaustive list but just some common observations that you will see in 97% of cruise ships.

im also gonna include an example ship for each and also further examples when needed.

so without further ado:

1. your ship looks like a bus and a ferry had an unholy love affair that ended with a baby neither wanted.

as an example of this anchor-christ, may i introduce you to the celebrity edge

something about the stern (back) just reminds me of diamond busses here in the uk while the bow (front) has a distinctly ferry-like look.

the super-structure that you see peaking above the spaceship-bridge on the bow is giving me double-decker bus energy.

the orange viewing box elevator thingy gives construction site energy, but also gives me public transport vibes? like i can just see something similar being added on buses with no explanation and we'd all just be like i guess buses are getting the budget silicon valley treatment.

further, celebrity edge has relatively sharp angles at the stern and bow. if you look at a lot of ocean liners, youll see shallower sweeping angles curving down, while a lot of cruise ships will have these sharper angles (though by angles, i mean curves still) or just will stop at the stern:

[Image ID: collage with five ships. In the top left corner, there are two images with the profiles of the SS France and the SS Andrea Doria. In the top right, there is the stern of the MSC Meraviglia. Bottom left: the stern of the Costa Deliziosa. Bottom right: stern of the Norwegian Epic]

though not pictured above, the rms queen mary actually earned her title at the miss pacific ocean competition where a cruise ship will never win because theyre just too ugly.

but my point is that the abrupt ending of superstructure and ship at the stern looks like a bus. it just does.

there is also like "this is just a block of flats" energy with the costa deliziosa, but thats getting into the next point:

-

2. oh no gang, billy bear misplaced his msc seaside hotel and now its floating out to sea on a barge! can you help him?

yes this is a butlins reference, what are you gonna do about it? call a red coat on me?

the msc seaside is one of many cruise ships where it looks like someone put a hotel on a barge... which is what a cruise ship actually is.

like, they are barely ships. anyone who says theyre going on a cruise to explore the ocean is trying to buff out their tinder bio. while cruise ships technically can sail across oceans, they dont. their journeys are incredibly short they sail very close to land, avoid any rough weather and its mandatory for all of their captains to have a north american blue grouse fursona.

and thats all because a cruise ship is hotel complex on a barge. its purpose is not to sail far because its just a hotel. there are multiple swimming pools and restaurants and night clubs and fucking rollercoasters on some of them. you can buy souvenirs, you can go do yoga, you can get a massage and as long as your surname doesnt end with a double n, you can put your kid into the available childcare.

forget sending the british army to pontins during covid, lets send them to pontoons!

hotels on barges are the most common version youll see, but there are other variations which include:

chopping mall 2: carnivore cruises

the 2006 remake of the anchor-christ: abargements/if youre renting in a block of flats on a barge, do you pay rent to a waterlord or is your landlord firmly stood on ground?

the happiest place on earth: disneywater!

the entire shenanigans going on with the freedom ship which i do not have time or energy to get into right now, so lets all just calm and down and take a breath and...

-

...3. close your eyes, imagine, feel it. youre on a cruise ship, the ovation of the seas; its an early august night and petrichor deluges the air. the skies above you glisten, a whirlpool of colour illuminated by hundreds of tiny flecks of light. youre alone on the deck, standing at the stern with your arms precariously balanced on the barrier as you turn your attention to the ocean below. its dark, the gentle waves nearly imperceptible yet bar the bone-white crests against the hull. you watch, captivated, listening to the ocean sing its terrible song. yet then somewhere behind you, the mellow thud of hoofs on the wooden deck weaves between the waves and the melody. you look up, lock eyes, feel a hurricane surround you as he stares back, do you remember to count his fingers?

so, you might have noticed that a lot of modern cruise ships, especially the bigger ones, look like some check-mark tech-bro on the bird app used an ai to steal the work of naval architects, photographers, artists, etc. to generate "their own design" for a cruise ship.

the example i chose for this was the ovation of the seas:

the super-structure has copy and paste vibes. the ship also looks like its lurching forward to attack me but thats beside the point.

one of the issues the designers for these ships - i would say naval architects but cruise lines sometimes choose someone for head of design who is not a naval architect and has never been on a ship before for shits, giggles and profits- run into is that its really difficult to make a long blank wall look good.

if youve ever made a house in the sims, youve probably ran into this yourself. youre happily building your house and it looks really good at the front and the back, but the side of it is just a wall and adding windows is giving copy and paste vibes.

my trick for this is either fake chimney, add an extra small popout, vines everywhere or hide it with trees, but these are not viable options for a cruise ship.

trust me, i checked:

hence, we end up with very long ships where its just ctrl c ctrl v for 300+ metres.

so how do you fix this?

well, idk maybe you could take notes from any of the longer ocean liners built in recent history.

you know, like the ss united states or the rms queen mary 2 or the ss michelangelo or the ss normandie or the mv kungsholm or the ss principe perfeito:

now im not saying all of these liners are the most beautiful boats ever; theyre not. as much as i adore her, queen mary 2 is a little ugly. most of them even have an element of copy and paste.

but none of them feel ai-generated. and a lot of them look really really pretty. you can tell that they were designed by human beings.

because the naval architects and naval designers who knew what they were doing. weve got clever use of colours, gorgeous use of curves and sweeping lines that balance out all the design elements. the sameness is broken up when possible, and the ship has focal points designed within to catch your eye.

and all of them have beautiful bows. most ocean liners had/have noticeable bows due to functionality; they needed sharp bows to cut through waves because they were crossing the ocean every week. and so extra care would be taken to both make the bow work for its function and also, look really fucking cool.

the ss normandie specifically has a unique bow shape and structure designed by vladimir yourkevitch, a russian naval architect who had emigrated to france after the russian revolution.

the bow is slanted and looks almost clipper-like. theres this clear bulbous bulb (thats the wrong term but the bit at the bottom) beneath the waterline. this design is matched with a slim hull designed to be hydrodynamic, which made her a very fast ship.

she and the rms queen mary fought over the blue ribband for several years before ww2 broke out. [x][x]

its a little wibbly-wobbly-looking but it gives her a very distinct profile and she just looks really cool. you dont notice the repeating pattern of windows on the super structure because of how striking her entire design is.

and well, there has been attempts to capture this with cruise ships.

they run into problems with it though because their bows are not designed the way ocean liners' bows were because a cruise ship does not need to cut through waves. itd be really weird if you were in a fancy restaurant and you were giving a steak knife for your caesar salad.

so what else can you do to make your bow look so beautiful her kissing booth would be sold out all weekend?

-

4. your bow art is ugly. it is ugly. it is really ugly. please stop putting art on your bow. it is all ugly.

yeah.

take a moment .

.

its okay.

i promise

,

.

shes not real.

.

you can breathe.

take another breath.

.

.

youre okay.

.

.

.

are you scrolled far down enough that you cant see her anymore?

yeah so that was the aidanova. probably the worst bow art i have ever encountered but im yet to encounter any bow art that isnt awful.

pride of america is terrible; caribbean princess' is just completely out of place; norwegian prima is the epitome of "what the fuck?"; majestic princess' makes the ship look naked somehow.

now i will concede that a lot of bow art is probably aimed at children because family cruises are a thing, but i wont concede that it changes anything.

the bow art is still ugly and i struggle to see how it would be appealing to a child. like engaging children is more than just throwing some bright colours and patterns on a canvas? children are smarter than that and even in my joking post making fun of cruise ships, im not gonna stand for the way we invalidate the personhood of children. theyre not things to be distracted with simple solutions.

weirdly the aidanovas is the one id be less harsh about in terms of engaging children because there is more to dig into like a boat version of thomas the tank engine or like how do boat body work? the art isnt surface level.

but its still just ugly. the shape of the bow does not compliment the face and the change in colour in the eyes is very distracting.

tbh, if youre gonna do bow art, youve got two options that arent awful:

actually aim it at kids in a way thats not just surface level look at bright colour braxter. have focus groups with kids, gets their feedback, have kids contribute. respect the intelligence and personhood of kids.

just go all out. balls to the fucking wall, just break every damn rule in the book and apply every technique your art teacher hated. the ship is gonna be ugly anyway, make it fun ugly. camp is in. pantomime it up in this bitch!

-

and anyway, that concludes my "brief" answer to this question 👍

btw if you would follow a blog that just trashes cruise ships because of how ugly they are, please tell me because like, if enough people would enjoy it to make the effort worth it, i Will do it.

[trade-wind]

Dochgarroch to Inverness

Sunday 21st July 2024

And here we are... safely in Inverness and time to start planning the cruise south!

We were up early to travel with a large hotel barge past two swing bridges, where we had to hover in gusty winds waiting for the second bridge to open, then down through the Muirton flight of 4 locks. Short wait there whilst a beautiful tall ship came up but then we headed into Seaport marina to catch up on laundry and chores.

We did leave the chores to spend a happy evening at a restaurant by the river called The Kitchen! Delicious food and much to be recommended.

[your-resident-boat-person]

please tell me a few fun facts about ocean liners or like general information⁉️

I guess I'll start with the basics. Some of the most famous ocean liners of all time are the Titanic, Lusitania, and Queen Mary. Many mistake these vessels for cruise ships, but this is not the case. Ocean Liners are a nearly extinct breed of ship, with only one still remaining in service. The primary difference between the two is purpose. Ocean liners are meant to take you to a destination. Cruise ships kinda ARE the destination. You go on a cruise ship for fun. Before planes, the only way to cross the ocean was via an ocean liner. Think about it like this: you wouldn't get on a plane and take a 14-hour flight for fun. The same applies to ocean liners. Meanwhile, you DO board a cruise ship for fun. In terms of construction, ocean liners are built to be extremely durable to be able to plow through the rough conditions of the oceans no matter what to keep to their strict schedule. In stark contrast, cruise ships are built pretty weak by comparison. They very rarely need to do trans-Atlantic crossings, so they don't need to be built to whether through those kinds of conditions. If there's bad weather, they simply reschedule. That's not an option for ocean liners. Also, cruise ships are built like a hotel on a barge, and are typically extremely top-heavy and ugly. This is because passengers rarely see the outside of the ship, so companies dont want to invest money in something that they think won't bring in customers. Ocean liners were much prettier, with sleeker lines, aerodynamic superstructures, and hydrodynamic hulls. This was to achieve the maximum speed by reducing the effects of air and water resistance. Ocean liners were also built to be pretty because they were often symbols of their nation. Many countries wanted the strongest, fastest, safest liner at sea. In stark contrast, cruise ships are a monument to corporate greed and represent nothing but unrestrained consumerism. Even the Queen Mary 2 (the last ocean liner in service and built in 2004), while resembling a cruise ship more than an ocean liner, is still leaps and bounds ahead of most cruise ships. Ocean liners like QM2 are also typically more stable, being overall less top-heavy and having deeper drafts. Also, the overall stronger construction helps as well. I'm going to stop talking before I go on forever. Thanks for the question!

[ourxcountryadventure]

“Attenzione, borseggiatrici! Attenzione, pickpocket!”

July 31, 2023

"If you read a lot, nothing is as great as you’ve imagined. Venice is — Venice is better." 

– Fran Lebowitz

Our day started with a wonderful breakfast in the World Cafe. Viking’s included tour was sold out, and so knowing we wanted to spend time in Venice, we arranged a water taxi to pick us up at the ship and transport us across the lagoon to San Marco (St Mark’s Square). Alas, we needed to be flexible when we were informed that he was not able to dock in Chioggia and instead we taxied to Piazzale Roma and we’re given a tour in our water limo of the Grand Canal before being deposited at San Marco.

We arrived at Piazzale Roma and were taken to the dock to meet our boat - OUR MOTOSCAFFI VENEZIA. It was a thing of beauty. We truly felt like VIPs cruising down the Grand Canal though not nearly as subtle as we enjoyed every second by standing and looking around at the scenery and generally enjoying ourselves to the fullest. We were also enjoying the vision of the most handsome motoscaffi driver in all of Venezia - Davide!

Once at San Marco, we took in the beauty along with thousands of other tourists and walked over to Cafe Florian where Mom, Dad and Julien took a seat and enjoyed light snacks while the rest of us wandered our way to the Rialto Bridge to experience a little bit of Venice by foot. What did anyone do before Google maps? The streets are beautiful and winding and everything except linear. We stopped and window shopped and enjoyed the ambiance and finally made our way back to San Marco to meet our family. They had just spent 70 euros on gelato, a coffee, a coke and a cornetto. Dad’s mouth was still hanging open when we arrived. My oh my! Still, the show must go in and lunch was in the cards and we found a beautiful restaurant tucked away behind the Piazza at the Baglioni Hotel Luna. As luck would have it there was a gondola kiosk adjacent and so we were able to enjoy our lunch knowing it wouldn’t be a big walk for mom and dad for our gondola ride.

The servers at the restaurant made the entire lunch a wonderful experience. They were attentive and kind, formal but approachable. They served us their signature Bellini cocktail along with scrumptious salads and sandwiches. We topped it off with Crème Brûlée and Tiramisu.

During our lunch, the gondoliers were also having a break and so by the time we were finished and lining up there was only one couple (from Montreal) ahead of us. They had told the couple they’d be back in 1/2 an hour but it turned into an hour and a half. Italian time.

We had to take two gondolas and so we loaded and off we went into the Grand Canal. The water was choppy and the gondola tippy but all together wonderful. We saw barges collecting garbage, barges delivering cement (with four cement trucks on board!), vaparettos, motoscaffi, yachts…all kinds of wonderful buildings and sites. We turned into a smaller canal and remarked how deftly the gondolier was able to manoeuvre the long boat. The ride was approximately 30 minutes long and a definite highlight of our visit so far.

Following the gondola ride we did some souvenir shopping along the sea wall and then Davide came back to pick us up and take us on our journey back to the ship. We went a different route which was also nice and got to see some different things including the Venice Fire Boat Station.

We were hoping to see Monica the anti-pick-picket vigilante but we did not. However at Piazzale Roma there was a sign hanging that was thanking her for her movement. 😀

Back to the Viking Sea and a swim before dinner in The Restaurant. Annie had a nap and ordered room service as she had an online exam - 1am-4am Italian Time. Back to the World Cafe for Julien’s pizza and Julie’s after-dinner-dinner. 🤣 A walk around the ship and watching our first sail away from the port rounded out out our evening. Another magical day.

[mayooramcruises]

Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey: A Serene Escape on Kerala's Backwaters

Alleppey (Alappuzha), often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is famous for its vast network of tranquil backwaters, picturesque lagoons, and vibrant village life. A houseboat cruise in Alleppey offers a unique way to experience Kerala’s natural beauty, traditional culture, and authentic cuisine, all while floating serenely through the waterways. Here’s a detailed description of what to expect on an Alleppey houseboat cruise.

1. The Charm of Houseboats (Kettuvallams)

Houseboats, known locally as Kettuvallams, are traditional rice barges transformed into luxurious floating homes. Crafted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and coir, these boats offer an authentic and sustainable way to explore the backwaters. Modern houseboats come equipped with comfortable bedrooms, living areas, open decks, and even gourmet kitchens.

2. Exploring the Enchanting Backwaters

A cruise through Alleppey's backwaters allows you to glide past emerald green paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, and quaint fishing villages. The backwaters are a labyrinth of interconnected lakes, canals, and rivers, offering a glimpse of rural life that thrives on these waterways. You’ll often see locals fishing, transporting goods, and going about their daily routines.

3. Experiencing Local Culture and Village Life

The backwater villages of Alleppey are a window into Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. A stopover at one of these villages gives you the chance to interact with locals, explore ancient temples and churches, and witness traditional practices like coir weaving and toddy tapping. These experiences make the cruise more immersive and meaningful.

4. Gourmet Kerala Cuisine on Board

One of the highlights of a houseboat cruise is the opportunity to savor authentic Kerala cuisine. Meals are often prepared on board by a dedicated chef, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include Kerala’s signature seafood, like fish curry and prawn fry, as well as vegetarian fare, all accompanied by rice, chapati, and tropical fruits.

5. Spectacular Sunsets Over the Backwaters

As the day winds down, the setting sun paints the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. Sunset on the backwaters is a magical experience, with the reflections on the water creating a tranquil, almost surreal ambiance. Guests can relax on the open deck and watch the peaceful surroundings bathed in golden light.

6. Overnight Stay on a Floating Oasis

Many houseboat cruises offer overnight stays, providing the unique experience of sleeping amidst the stillness of the backwaters. The boat anchors in a quiet spot for the night, and the gentle sounds of water and nature create a calming environment, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep.

7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel

Most houseboat operators in Alleppey emphasize eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the fragile backwater ecosystem. Waste management systems, solar panels, and bio-toilets are often used to make the experience as sustainable as possible, aligning with Kerala's commitment to responsible tourism.

8. Tailored Experiences for Every Traveler

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a group retreat, houseboat cruises in Alleppey cater to all preferences. Options range from budget-friendly houseboats to luxurious, fully equipped floating villas, making it easy to find a package that suits your needs.

[scentedconnoisseurduck]

Exploring Singapore's Heritage: A Journey on the Singapore River Cruise

The Singapore River Cruise is a unique way to experience the vibrant history and modern marvels of Singapore. This leisurely journey along the river offers a blend of picturesque views, historical landmarks, and a glimpse into the city-state's cultural heritage. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Singapore River Cruise is a must-do activity that provides a different perspective of this bustling metropolis.

A Glimpse into Singapore’s Past

The Singapore River has played a crucial role in the city's development. It was the lifeblood of trade and commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with bustling quays and warehouses lining its banks. Today, while the river has been transformed into a scenic attraction, it retains much of its historical charm.

Starting your Singapore River Cruise, you'll immediately be struck by the juxtaposition of old and new. Traditional shophouses and colonial-era buildings stand proudly alongside gleaming skyscrapers and modern architectural wonders. This blend of past and present is a testament to Singapore's journey from a humble fishing village to a global financial hub.

Highlights Along the Singapore River Cruise

Clarke Quay

Your journey will likely begin at Clarke Quay, a vibrant riverside quay known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Clarke Quay was once a commercial hub for boats carrying goods upstream, and today it’s a bustling entertainment district. As your boat departs, you’ll see the colorful, refurbished warehouses that now house trendy eateries and clubs, reflecting the area’s transformation over the years.

Boat Quay

Moving along to Boat Quay, you'll notice how this stretch of the riverbank has retained its historic charm. In the past, Boat Quay was the center of commerce, where barges would unload their cargoes. The restored shophouses here now host a variety of dining and entertainment options, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past while enjoying modern amenities.

Marina Bay

As the cruise continues towards Marina Bay, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. The Marina Bay Sands complex, with its striking three towers topped by a sky park, is an architectural marvel that dominates the skyline. Nearby, the futuristic structures of Gardens by the Bay, including the Supertree Grove, create a captivating scene, especially when illuminated at night.

Iconic Bridges

Along the Singapore River Cruise, you’ll pass under several historic bridges, each with its own story.

Anderson Bridge

Completed in 1910, Anderson Bridge is an elegant structure that links the financial district with the Civic District. The bridge’s ornate design and historical significance make it a notable sight along the river.

Cavenagh Bridge

Cavenagh Bridge, built in 1869, is one of the oldest bridges in Singapore. Its suspension bridge design and proximity to the Fullerton Hotel make it a favorite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Fullerton Heritage Precinct

Another highlight of the Singapore River Cruise is the Fullerton Heritage Precinct. The iconic Fullerton Hotel, once the General Post Office, stands as a symbol of Singapore’s colonial heritage. The hotel’s grand neoclassical architecture and strategic location at the mouth of the river make it a significant landmark. Nearby, you can also see the Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, which is one of Singapore’s most recognizable symbols.

The Cruise Experience

Aboard the Singapore River Cruise, you'll enjoy a comfortable and informative journey. The traditional bumboats, once used to transport goods along the river, have been refurbished to provide a pleasant cruising experience. With open-air decks and cozy seating, these boats offer an unobstructed view of the surrounding sights.

Most river cruises include an audio guide that narrates the history and significance of the various landmarks along the route. This informative commentary enriches the experience, providing context and stories that bring the river’s history to life. Whether you're cruising during the day to capture the hustle and bustle of the city or taking an evening cruise to witness the dazzling lights of Marina Bay, the Singapore River Cruise offers a memorable way to explore the city.

Practical Information

Tickets and Timing

Tickets for the Singapore River Cruise can be purchased at various points along the river, including Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. It’s also possible to book tickets online in advance. Cruises typically operate from morning until late evening, offering flexibility to fit into your travel itinerary.

Duration

The standard cruise duration is about 40-45 minutes, making it a perfect activity to fit into a busy day of sightseeing. There are also themed cruises and private charters available for those looking for a more tailored experience.

Conclusion

The Singapore River Cruise is more than just a boat ride; it's a journey through the heart of Singapore’s history, culture, and modern development. As you glide along the river, you'll see the city’s evolution from a colonial trading post to a modern metropolis. The cruise offers a unique vantage point to appreciate Singapore’s architectural diversity and historical landmarks, making it an essential experience for anyone visiting this dynamic city. Whether you're captivated by history, architecture, or simply enjoy scenic views, the Singapore River Cruise provides a delightful and insightful perspective of Singapore.

[lauthenticfrance]

Hotel Barge Renaissance | Canal de briare Cruises  Hotel Barge Renaissance – the ultimate luxury experience. This floating hotel is located on France’s oldest canal, canal de Briare cruises, and is the perfect place to relax.

[cruises-trips-news]

European Waterways Announces Black Friday Special of 25% Off On Select Hotel Barge Charters in France for Spring 2024

European Waterways announced that it is offering a Black Friday Special of 25% off on whole boat charters on two of its popular hotel barge cruises in France. The specials are good for the April 7, 2024 departure of the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque in Burgundy and the March 31, 2024 departure of the eight-passenger […] The post European Waterways Announces Black Friday Special of 25% Off On Select Hotel Barge Charters in France for Spring 2024 appeared first on BOAT CRUISES TRIPS NEWS. https://boat-cruises-trips.news-6.com/european-waterways-announces-black-friday-special-of-25-off-on-select-hotel-barge-charters-in-france-for-spring-2024/

[mudricky]

Housing children in hotels violates their human rights and is “dangerous, exacerbates trauma, and can damage health”, says Children’s Commissioner

Housing children in hotels violates their human rights and is “dangerous, exacerbates trauma, and can damage health”, says Children’s Commissioner

Children in Scotland who are homeless or seeking asylum must not be housed in unsuitable accommodation such as hotels, hostels, B&Bs, cruise ships or barges because their human rights may be violated, according to a new report by the Children’s Commissioner. Continue reading Untitled

[keywestchadthomas]

Reason To Hire a Party Barge In Key West, FL

Celebrating an event with friends can increase happiness substantially. However, trying to spruce up one's home and decorating it involves a lot of work. Renting a hotel room can be too expensive for comfort. One of the best ways to host a party without incurring too much expense is to opt for a pontoon rental in Key West, FL. ​ Indeed, spending a few hours indulging in enjoyable activities can be a wonderful experience. One may cruise through the spectacular blue water of the Key West, admiring the beautiful locale in all its glory. There may be drinks and dancing on board, too. Celebrating a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or a bachelorette party on board a pontoon boat can prove to be a unique experience with no equals.

Connecting with the right company or boat owner is essential before deciding in its favor. It helps to learn a bit more about the types of water vessels on offer as a party venue. Well, a pontoon boat is a flat vessel that floats with the aid of toons. These are hollow metallic cylinders that are light enough to float on water. The surfaces of such boats are usually large and perfect for relaxing when cruising over an expanse of water. There is no set design for a pontoon, however. Instead, one may find beautifully designed boats that are customized for hosting parties on board.

Sure, many other types of boats are available for partying on the Key West and other coastal areas, but the pontoon is the most favored boat for the following reasons:

· Space- There is enough space on a pontoon. Hosting a sizable party can be done easily on a pontoon that provides the required space. Accumulating a large crowd of friends and family members from different generations becomes a breeze once the pontoon becomes the venue. It is gratifying to note that several activities may be tried simultaneously on the pontoon without discomfort.

· Flexibility- A pontoon boat can accentuate the enjoyment of cruising on water amidst a spectacular location. That is not all, though! One may also use the boat as a diving platform or a spot for snorkeling into the ocean's depths. Trying one's hand at various water sports is easy when the pontoon serves as the beginning point. One may enjoy swimming on relatively shallow waters and return to the pontoon for lunch. The options are unlimited on a pontoon. The fantastic flexibility makes the pontoon popular for vacationers and water sports enthusiasts.

· Slides- There are some pontoons available with double decks, too. The slides powered by water can make the simple activity of sliding into the water most invigorating and exciting. It is not unknown for children and young people to root for such an experience.

People hoping to organize a surprise party may opt to hire a party barge in Key West, FL, too. The simple and functional barge can be spruced up and decorated to resemble a party venue with refreshments and dancing on board. 

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] In June, Rishi Sunak announced the government acquired two more vessels, alongside the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset, as part of continued efforts to cut down on hotel bills of £6m a day for those coming to the UK via small boat Channel crossings. Plans for one of the cruise ships to house asylum seekers on the Wirral near Liverpool were scrapped after being declined by the port operator, and it is understood one of the boats was also planning to dock near Edinburgh, a senior source told Sky News. It is not clear how much the government paid for the boats before returning them to the owner. Who put Chris Grayling in charge of asylum seeker cruise ship duty?"Cruise ships set to house asylum seekers in Liverpool and Edinburgh sent back to owners after finding nowhere to dock" — Marina Purkiss (@MarinaPurkiss) July 18, 2023 How did the Government react to this? Asked if Mr Sunak was disappointed with the news, the PM's official spokesman told Sky News: "We continue discussions about providing additional accommodation facilities and sites. "Stockholm arrived today and will be taking people aboard this month." But Labour's shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, said it showed the "incompetence of this Conservative government knows no limits". The Home Office said it could not comment on commercial arrangements, but said the government had been looking at a "range of accommodation options which offer better value for the British taxpayer than expensive hotels". A spokesperson added: "This is why we will be using alternative accommodation options, such as barges, which are more manageable for communities, as our European neighbours are doing". However, Mr Kinnock added: "Having already overseen the asylum backlog grow nine-fold on their watch, and the cost rocket to £3.6bn, they are now shifting to yet another plan that hasn't been thought through - spending money on boats that have nowhere to dock. "Government reportedly hands back two vessels after ports in the Wirral, London and Scotland deny permission to dock"From ferryless Brexit ferry companies to portless asylum seeker barges, the Tories are shredding money when it comes to ships. Maddening! — Edwin Hayward (@edwinhayward) July 19, 2023 "We need this shower of a government to get out of the way so that Labour can deliver our five-point plan to end the dangerous Channel crossings, end hotel use and fix an asylum system which has been utterly broken by the Conservatives." Last month, Mr Sunak said Channel crossings were down by a fifth compared to last year and his plan to "stop the boats" was "starting to work". Speaking from Kent, he said housing asylum seekers on ships could "reduce pressures on local communities", adding that the Bibby Stockholm barge would "arrive in Portland in the next fortnight and we've secured another two today". The government would not confirm the names of the two other vessels or the company they were acquired from. The Bibby Stockholm, which has arrived in Dorset a month behind schedule, is due to start housing asylum seekers in the coming weeks. [ad_2]