This river barge was converted from a dry-freight barge to an 11-passenger floating hotel in 1977. She measures 100 ft in length and 16.5 ft abeam, and is one of two Abercrombie & Kent vessels on the River Thames. A British crew of four, plus the owners, are attentive to all passenger needs.
A&K has been associated with barge travel on the rivers and canals of Britain and northern Europe for about 40 years, and they currently market about 30 cruises, with the great majority in France.
The well-to-do, mostly American passengers get chummy quickly, and the crew of five wears many hats. Rates include all drinks and wine with meals, sightseeing and entrance fees. Tips are extra and guidelines are provided with documentation.
The Actief sails the Upper Thames between Windsor and Oxford on tranquil 6-day cruises (Sunday to Saturday) through tight locks and past storybook villages, glamorous estates, university towns and waterfowl galore. Stops include Henley's River and Rowing Museum, Windsor Castle and Eton College. A bicycle and pedestrian path parallels the river for independent activities.
Departures are from Windsor or Oxford's Shillingford Bridge, with pickup on Sunday from the excellent Goring Hotel in London and a return on Saturday. The route reverses each week, and the season runs from early April to late October.
Meals are fun, with better-than-average food at informal luncheons and four-course dinners served on Royal Crown Derby china. Dinner can get dressy, especially at the captain's farewell night, which is a classic period banquet. The upper deck has a dining area, a saloon with open bar, and a library with books about the Thames Valley. Plastic lounge chairs, flowery umbrellas and potted plants and flowers give the open deck a homey feel.
At night, the barge sometimes docks alongside peaceful fields, on a small island with a drawbridge, or at village piers. Evenings at local pubs are popular, and, when not on excursions to castles, churches, colleges and boatyards, guests can stroll, run or hop onto bicycles. Only ballooning and golfing exact supplementary charges. Theme cruises focus on golf, walking, antiques and gardens.
The lower deck consists of three suites with sitting areas and twin or double beds (182 sq ft), two twin cabins with beds at right angles and one single cabin (61 sq ft), all outsides with basins, showers and toilets. Stowage is adequate with cabins providing wardrobes or hanging space. Children younger than 14 are welcome only on family charters.
Vacationers seeking a relaxing saunter up or down river in good company, with a flexible, culturally oriented itinerary, are likely to enjoy this pricey barge. A&K also markets the slightly larger and air-conditioned Magna Carta whose four larger cabins measure 200 sq ft. This barge's season extends from early January to late December, and the boat, including the captain's cabin, is available for charter.
