Le Barge Tropical Cruises

Photo of Le Barge Tropical Cruises - Sarasota, FL, US.

Review Highlights

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“ We took the sightseeing/wildlife cruise but will go back for the sunset cruise when we're back in Sarasota next year. ” in 18 reviews

Sandra R.

“ Get onboard early to buy a drink, a snack and head upstairs for a great view! ” in 2 reviews

Colette G.

“ In addition to learning about dolphins & manatees, she provided great info about Sarasota Bay . ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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2 Marina Plz

Sarasota, FL 34236

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Come join us aboard LeBarge, a Sarasota landmark for 30 years. Our casual laid-back atmosphere is enhanced by our tropical décor and yes, the palm trees are real. Let the mermaids lead the way through the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay. We offer you a full menu of cruises, each totally different: the morning Dolphin & Manatee Watch Cruise, afternoon Sightseeing & Nature Cruise, and the world-renowned Tropical Sunset Cruise with live entertainment. All cruises feature a full bar and light food menu. In addition to our regular cruises, LeBarge offers Private Charters, the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, office parties, reunions and even the occasional burial at sea. No vacation in paradise is complete without time spent on Sarasota Bay aboard LeBarge, Sarasota's tropical cruise experience. …

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Photo of Nelma P.

Memorial Day Weekend at Sarasota visiting friends. They recommended we go on the Le Barge Tropical Boat Cruise, a 2 hr boat tour. At first I thought oh too hot, but was quite surprised that it was pleasant under the partial roof. The boat was really cool looking with live palm trees. As we went under the bridge it looked like we'd lose the palm trees. But we cleared it Yay! The boat route was so beautiful. So many mansions dotting the coastline. Also saw manatees, dolphins, bird island & many other wildlife. 2 hrs was just right, not too long, not boring. Beverages on board was reasonable. Water was $1 & my Margarita was $9. I recommend the tour to all at $38 per person. To nab the best seats, get there as early as possible & get in line. Best seats, top deck in the rear section, under a partial roof.

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See all photos from Nelma P. for Le Barge Tropical Cruises

Photo of Vivian O.

My friend and I had an absolute blast on this cruise during our mini vacay from only 1 1/2 hrs away in Palm Harbor. The DJ was so fun, great cocktails and what an amazing way to take in the beautiful views of Sarasota. Highly recommend this cruise!

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My husband and I did the Sightseeing and Nature cruise and it was the highlight of our vacation. No complaints at all. We didn't have any trouble with parking or following directions for check-in. The staff was friendly and very accommodating. Drinks were expensive, but that's to be expected. We learned a lot about the Sarasota area and saw dolphins, manatees, and lots of local birds. Be sure to take cash for tipping the bartender and narrator.

All aboard!

All aboard!

View from the top deck

View from the top deck

Photo of Stephanie W.

This is the worst sunset cruise ever. Music keeps cutting out. We are going 5 MPH for an hour. Not even on the ocean.

Photo of Dena H.

Fantastic cruise boat that you must book with! We did the tour from 2-4pm and it was $29 a person. The staff were extremely friendly and made it a fun ride. They even stopped anytime there were dolphins around to allow us to watch. This boat took us on a loop around all the nice houses on the docks. There was also food and drinks for purchase on board. We had a ton of fun and it was 100% worth the experience!

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Having been on this cruise several times over the years, it was just meh this last time. The staff were all great,". However, the live music was all over the place as far as genre. While he wasn't bad, it would have been better if he either sang yacht rock type of music or Le Barge had yacht rock playing. Most of the music was odd for being on a boat. The top half bar never opened, so it meant going downstairs anytime you wanted anything. For me, I think it may be time to say, " Bon voyage..." for a while, unless they change their style. My suggestion? Hire another bartender instead of live music or food on the bottom and drinks on the top. Also, talk the your passengers. Let them know in advance all drinks must be finished before stepping off. Thank them over the loudspeaker prior to port. Take a lesson from the fun airlines. ‍

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I've been on little mini cruises similar to this one many times, mostly on the Great Lakes. This was my first Gulf "cruise". We were looking forward to going! We reserved our tickets online a couple days prior. On launch day, you need to get there at least an hour early as they board by order of arrival. You DEFINITELTY want to get seats on top of the boat as that's were all the action and alcohol is! They start boarding a half hour before departure. Once seated (we grabbed seats on top in the back are so we could watch the waves and such) it was obvious it was going to be tight as the crowd rushed up the stairs to be on top. But it was manageable. PRO TIP - if you have mobility issues with stairs or climbing, the upper deck probably isn't going to be for you. The access stairs are SUPER steep, nearly like climbing a ladder. We took off smoothly. The steel drum music started almost immediately. It was nice and mellow. Just loud enough. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. There was a table near us of about 8-10 older women who were having a GOOD time but they weren't obnoxious. They serve drinks and food on board. Drinks were well made but expensive, as was the food. Mostly snack type food: hot dogs, pretzels, spinach dip etc. This is a good trip if you've never been out on the near Gulf as you get to see a lot of Gulf side communities and mansions. We also had a couple dolphins jump through our wake. Trip last about 2 hours. Worth the price.

Dranks!

The boat...

Photo of Jennifer H.

Went out for a Private party so yes you can rent this boat out for special occasions and cater your own food!! We had a blast and the captain is a great driver lol! So fun and we all had a wonderful time!!! Shout out to the crew! Drinks were ON POINT!! I have been on the cruise regularly and ya gotta get there early to get the best seat and they have like snacky foods or small portions if you get hungry. Have fun! Bon voyage!!

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We did the sunset cruise. Having been to Sarasota countless times this is the first time we did the cruise. Highly recommend and I would do it again in the future.

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See all photos from Michael D. for Le Barge Tropical Cruises

Photo of Colette G.

Make a reservation in advance to guarantee your spot. You can do online. Read the sunset cruise & evening cruises are quite popular and more crowded. That's more of a floating party atmosphere, where the dolphin tour is very chill and family friendly. We knew it wasn't going to be a beach day (vacationing) so we took a chance on dolphin viewing cruise at 11am with our family. 2 hour cruise under $25 per person was a good deal. Very enjoyable! Crew is friendly, boat is clean & decorated colorfully & fun marine decor. There are plastic chairs & tables to sit at, like outdoor lawn chairs. Upper deck the palm trees are real! It was windy & overcast so we opted to stay on lower level which is indoor, until dolphin spotting began then walked outside. There are a couple bathrooms. Tiny but do the job. Full bars and both decks, featuring daiquiris which you can get without alcohol should you choose. (Not me..my kids. I had a beer. Lol!) Saw dolphins so that's a win. The marine life expert who narrates the cruise, Tina was very knowledgeable and fun. Circulating the entire boat for people's questions. In addition to learning about dolphins & manatees, she provided great info about Sarasota Bay. If you enjoy your marine expert, be sure to tip them on the way out in the dolphin jar on the bar. There's a bar on each deck with daiquiris with it without alcohol. Snacks and some hot food..more of snack types than a meal. Drinks are reasonable. Bring jackets, sweatshirt etc. The breeze can make quite chilly even on warm days. Next time we come I would love to do one of the evening excursions to enjoy the views with some cocktails and music. Whatever cruise you choose, you can't go wrong with LeBarge.

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LeBarge Tropical Cruises

  • Highway 41 at Marina Plaza (downtown) Sarasota, FL 34236
  • (941) 366-6116

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La Bella Vita

  • Category Charming
  • Capacity 20 Guests
  • Crew Members 8
  • Booking Type Charter & Cabin bookings
  • Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Venice

Cruising through the authentic villages and historic cities between Venice and the Po River Valley, La Bella Vita lives up to her name of “the beautiful life.”

Guests will tour magnificent palaces in Venice and Mantua, delight in Renaissance art masterpieces, and enjoy an onboard opera performance featuring arias by Puccini, Verdi and Rossini. Bespoke experiences ashore include a hosted dinner in a romantic 17th-century villa and winetasting at a private estate, both offering insight into the history and lifestyle of this delightful region.

Back onboard, ten cozy cabins ensure peace and privacy. Pampered passengers can also lounge on the spacious deck, admiring the tranquil islands and colorful villages as they float by. As the day winds down, guests gather in the inviting salon for cocktail hour, at which delicious hors d’oeuvres and a different mixed drink are served each evening. Seasonally inspired cuisine at lunch and dinner includes classic dishes and regional recipes, while wine pairings highlight Italian vineyards.

Brava to “the beautiful life” aboard La Bella Vita!

Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.

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Cruising the Po River Valley on Barge La Bella Vita

La bella vita – italy’s venetian lagoon, river po, and canal bianco.

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Itineraries

Gourmet dining, rates & dates.

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Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

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Accommodations

  • 147 ft long, with 6’11” ceiling height throughout
  • Two Junior Suites and eight Staterooms,  choice of  one queen or two twin beds
  • Upper Deck Junior Suites, 130 sq ft, 6’11” ceiling height
  • Lower Deck Staterooms, 105 sq ft, 6’11” ceiling height
  • Ensuite bathrooms with shower
  • Limited storage space in cabins
  • Salon and dining room
  • Large upper deck with canopy
  • Outdoor dining space and seating

Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing

Classic Itinerary with Daily Guided Sightseeing

Venice to Mantua on the River Po and the Bianco Canal through the Po Valley

Prosecco and a Palacesunday image

Prosecco and a Palace

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of La Bella Vita at the designated meeting point in Venice. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge. Enjoy a traditional Prosecco welcome and introduction to the crew. La Bella Vita then embarks on a cruise to the heart of Venice for a private tour of the Doges Palace. Representing the splendor of the Venetian Republic, its magnificent throne rooms and gorgeous gilded frescoes await. Return to the barge for cocktail hour and dinner.

Explore “Hidden Venice”monday image

Explore “Hidden Venice”

This morning, your Tour Guide introduces the city’s authentic streets, neighborhoods, and gardens. Local culture beckons at Palladio’s Church of San Pietro, as well as at the Naval Museum's collection of antique gondolas. An afternoon cruise to the tranquil island of Pellestrina floats past traditional islands in the Venetian lagoon and their ancient monasteries, fishing boats, and tiny churches. Once at Pellestrina, take a stroll or cycle to the 18th century seawall. Meanwhile, Chef is preparing another gourmet dinner – Mangia!

Dinner Ashore at a Private Villatuesday image

Dinner Ashore at a Private Villa

Cruise this morning to the fishing port of Chioggia. Visit the 18th century Church of San Domenico, then board a traditional boat for a tour of Chioggia’s canals. Back onboard La Bella Vita, the afternoon’s cruise glides through a nature reserve to tonight's mooring of Taglio di Po. Dinner this evening is hosted by the owners of the restored 17th century Villa Ca’Zen, a private stately home where Lord Byron stayed and there wrote some of his best poetry. Family heirlooms, literary history, and local lifestyles converge at Villa Ca’Zen.

Wine Cellars from the 17th Centurywednesday image

Wine Cellars from the 17th Century

This morning, the boat arrives at the Bianco Canal and moors at Adria, an ancient Etruscan town with an Archaeological Museum. This afternoon, your Tour Guide drives you to the Bagnoli Estate, complete with delightful Renaissance gardens. The Villa Widmann Borletti on the estate boasts wine cellars dating from the 17th century, and, from that time, it has been supplying wine to Venetian society. Enjoy a tasting of these estate-grown vintages. Afterwards, rejoin La Bella Vita now moored at Zelo. Drinks and dinner onboard.

The Fabulous Frescoes of Ferrarathursday image

The Fabulous Frescoes of Ferrara

The vibrant culture of the Italian Renaissance stars today in Ferarra at Palazzo Schifanoia, built as a pleasure palace by the Este family, and now renowned for twelve captivating frescoes in the Room of the Months. The 15th century images and colors seem as fresh today as when they were painted. Other period buildings in Ferrara include Estense Castle, as well as the magnificent cathedral with its façade of sculpted images described as an illustrated Bible. Return to the La Bella Vita for an afternoon cruise to Governolo and dinner onboard.

Historic and Undiscovered Mantuafriday image

Historic and Undiscovered Mantua

Our final cruise features a dramatic approach to Mantua in its captivating lakeside setting. Happily, Mantua's classic architecture and elegant ambiance remains undiscovered by tourist crowds. La Bella Vita guests will tour the 14th century Palazzo Ducale, the second largest residence in Italy after the Vatican. Most of its 500 rooms are closed, but 15 gardens, the Gallery of Mirrors, and a priceless collection of artworks can be seen. Then it's back to the barge, moored in the shadow of this fascinating destination, for the gala Captain’s Dinner.

A Sad Farewellsaturday image

A Sad Farewell

Bid “arrivederci” to La Bella Vita. After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point in Venice.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

dining image

Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!

  • Charcuterie Platter
  • Quiche of Mushrooms, Asiago, and Swiss Chard
  • Pork Fillet with Mediterranean Herbs
  • Cheeses: Pecorino Toscano and Gorgonzola
  • A Selection of Coffees, Teas, and Biscuits
  • Puff Pastry Pouch with Mushrooms
  • Tortellini Stuffed with Taleggio Cheese
  • Pan Fried Duck Breast with Roasted New Potatoes
  • Cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano and Fontina d’Aosta
  • Hot Chocolate Mini Cake with Orange Sauce
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
  • 1 Dinner Ashore Inclusive of the Cruise Rate
  • Bosco di Fratta Magnum
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Lambrusco Otello
  • Recioto Valpolicella
  • Pinot Bianco
  • Greco di Tufo

Italic Dates = Value Season Gray Bold Dates = Regular Season

Additional Details

Included in the rate.

  • 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Venice
  • A dedicated onboard crew consisting of a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, and Hostess
  • All meals onboard and ashore from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wines served with lunches and dinners both onboard and ashore
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles and the hot tub

Not included in the rate

  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

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“We had an absolutely divine week on La Bella Vita. I’m not sure I can put into words how wonderful our cruise was. The staff were excellent, the food was fantastic, the boat was great, etc, etc…. I just can’t say it enough. Perfect!” – Heather A, La Bella Vita

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“I can’t say enough about this cruise and the crew. We were treated like royalty! They really gave us a look at the authentic Italy, and the food was fabulous. We especially enjoyed the exclusive tour of Venice on the last day. I want to tell the world about La Bella Vita!” – Mary W, La Bella Vita

Are you ready to enjoy the captivating culture of Italy?

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Welcome Aboard Boutique Hotel Barges Luxury French Canal and River Cruises

Canal du bourgogne, burgundy, loire, & champagne canal du midi, carcassonne, languedoc, & bordeaux.

– Offering Private Charter Cruises for 4-12 and Individual Cabin Bookings –

Specializing in luxury barge cruise vacations on the rivers and canals of France

Welcome to Boutique Hotel Barges

Boutique Hotel Barges maintains offices in both the U.S. and France. We are always available to help with sorting out your booking details, and working directly with barge owners to ensure you enjoy your cruise.

Have a barge in mind that's not on our website? We'll help you in booking any hotel barge outside our fleet.

2017 SPECIAL OFFER for BARGE TANGO!

15% Discount On Private Charter Cruises for 8 passengers 10% Discount on Private Charter Cruises for 6 passengers 5% Discount on Private Charter Cruises for 4 passengers and Individual Cabin Bookings (double occupancy) Cruises must be booked and deposit received by May 31, 2017 Contact us for details

About Barge Cruising

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About Barge Cruising

A barge cruise on the French waterways offers the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity experiencing the fascinating culture, rich history, and fabulous cuisine of France. You'll wish the week to never end!

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You'll never forget a week spent floating on the canals and rivers winding through the Burgundy countryside. You'll be captivated by vistas stretching out across vineyards and verdant pastures, with hillsides crowned by majestic chateaux.

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Cruising on the Canal du Midi

Canal du Midi Cruises

The Canal du Midi runs through the heart of southwestern France's Languedoc region. Whether you're inspired by great food and wine, sunflower fields, charming villages, or Medieval fortresses, a cruise here will not disappoint.

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Book Your Cruise!

Let Boutique Hotel Barges arrange a cruising vacation to exceed your every expectation. We'll help you select the perfect barge for your group of 2 to 12 passengers. Call as at +703-339-5254 (US ET), +33 688 811 605 (France)

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I Sailed on the Longest Luxury River Cruise in the World — Here's What It Was Like

A cultural ritual in Varanasi, 15 days in Bangladesh, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities were among the trip's highlights.

The Operator

The itinerary.

Courtesy of Exotic Heritage Group

The Ganges is to India what the Nile is to Egypt and what the Euphrates is to Mesopotamia: It's the beating heart of the destination's cultural and economic life. Flowing more than 1,500 miles from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, the Ganges nurtured the Hindu holy city of Varanasi for thousands of years. It was on these banks that the Buddha preached his first sermon in 528 BCE, and it was along these waters that the British built the first capital of the British Raj, Kolkata.

Where the river flows through land, it shelters some of the most endangered aquatic fauna in the world, and where it meets the sea, it spawns one of the largest mangrove forests on Earth. And yet, never has a luxury river cruise sailed the Ganges — at least not one that compared to world-class river itineraries in other parts of the world.

This changed last year, when India's Antara Luxury River Cruises launched an epic itinerary down the Ganges and its sister river, the Brahmaputra. Covering nearly 2,000 miles in 51 days, it is the longest river cruise in the world.

Here's what it's like.

Kolkata-based Antara Luxury River Cruises operates the tour, a subsidiary of the Exotic Heritage Group , which has been involved in luxury travel in India for the last 30 years.

Raj Singh, an Indian wildlife expert and luxury travel pioneer, is among the trip promoters of this journey, as is Andrea Massari , a Singapore-based cruise expert who has previously managed luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar with Ayravata Cruises and the Mekong River in Vietnam with Pandaw Cruises. An architect by training, Massari oversees the technology of the cruise ships. A third director is Annapurna Garimella , an art historian, designer, author, and doctor of philosophy from Columbia University, who oversees the design elements of the cruise.

The group owns four luxury cruise vessels deployed on shorter luxury cruises until now.

The cruise begins at the holy city of Varanasi in central India. While here, guests witness Ganga Aarti, an awe-inspiring ritual performed at sundown each day on the banks of the Ganges. In this tradition, a cohort of priests offer ritual prayers in honor of the river, which is worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. 

With flickering flames of multi-tiered brass lamps dancing against the night sky, the deep, harmonic thrum of conch shells piercing the air, and the chant of soul-stirring mantras floating over the water, the Ganga Aarti is a spellbinding performance of a living tradition that has continued unbroken for thousands of years. Once departed from Varanasi, the cruise journeys downstream and to more than 50 remarkable destinations, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural parks, and historical metropolises. Kaziranga National Park is among these special places, home to more than two-thirds of the surviving population of the endangered one-horned rhino, as well as Majuli — the largest river island in the world.  

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Other major stops along the route include Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment and one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Buddhists all over the world; Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, once the capital of the British Raj in India and home of Nobel laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. Kolkata is also the epicenter of the global jute industry, accounting for the bulk of its production and export.

Murshidabad and Sualkuchi — two cities famous worldwide for their mulberry silk textiles — are also significant itinerary stops. Guests get to see the art of sericulture (silk production) up close and the craft of weaving some of the finest silk textiles on earth.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a bustling city of crafts, culture, and beautiful Islamic architecture. The cruise spends 15 days in Bangladesh before reentering India. 

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In the Sundarbans — the largest mangrove forests on earth and home of the endangered Bengal tiger — guests are privy to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mangroves, comprised of trees that grow in saline water, typically where rivers meet the sea, are biodiversity hotspots and act as huge carbon sinks, helping combat climate change. It is an ecological wonder to behold firsthand.

The cruise ends at Dibrugarh, a city in the northeastern Assam region of India known for its eponymous Assam tea. Famous for its sprawling tea estates, Dibrugarh produces so much high-quality tea that it is known as the Tea City of India.

All this is in addition to the remarkable views guests can expect while onboard the boat, with the geography and the landscape changing as you sail. Animal spotting is undoubtedly likely, as the Ganges is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Gangetic dolphin, otters, at least 15 species of freshwater turtles, and three varieties of crocodile, including the critically endangered gharial , found only in the Ganges.

The MS Ganga Vilas is a luxury vessel done in Art Deco style. At more than 200 feet long and nearly 40 feet wide, it is a vessel made for small, intimate journeys rather than big, boisterous tours.

There are 18 luxury suites here, and they spread across three decks with a capacity to host 36 guests in total. Each suite has floor-to-ceiling French windows for optimal views. For an even more expansive perspective, guests can head to the sundeck to sunbathe, participate in a yoga session, or just relax.  You might spot river dolphins leaping out of the water if you're lucky. 

The restaurant onboard seats up to 40 guests and serves Indian and Continental fare. There’s also a spa and a gym available. The vessel is also home to a reverse-osmosis water plant, which provides fresh and safe drinking water. Its hospital-grade silencers ensure a noise-free cruise experience for guests and the river’s fragile fauna. 

To further ensure that the vessel causes the least stress on the river’s ecosystem, the operator uses sea vessel-grade oil-water separators to ensure that the oil is separated from the water in the vessel’s discharge. Premium sewage treatment plants ensure that no contamination of the river water occurs from the waste generated on the ship. No plastic is used on board; water is served in aluminum water bottles, which guests can take as souvenirs. 

Tickets for the 51-day cruise start at $16,500 and can be booked here .

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  • June 27, 2024
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Fincantieri signs agreement to build two new Crystal Cruises ships

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In another sign that the cruise industry is bouncing back, Fincantieri and Crystal Cruises have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) covering the construction of two new 690-passenger cruise ships with an option for a third. Fincantieri says that it considers the value of the agreement to build the new Crystal Cruises ships, which is subject to financing and other terms, as “important” (worth between EUR 1 billion and EUR 2 billion).

With a gross tonnage of 61,800 tons, the ships will feature all-suite accommodations, with private verandas including a single occupancy category designed for single travelers.

The delivery of the first of the new Crystal Cruises ships is scheduled for spring 2028, while further details regarding the second ship to be disclosed later

“This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea and now is flourishing again with Crystal,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. “Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication.”

A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand in 2022 in the wake of the Genting Hong Kong bankruptcy.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing drector of Fincantieri, commented: “This order not only highlights the robust recovery of the cruise sector, in line with our Industrial Plan, but also reaffirms Fincantieri’s leadership, thanks to the operational excellence of our shipyards and the execution quality of our world-class supply chain. We are thrilled to partner with Crystal in our pursuit of innovation and excellence, under the guidance of a shipowner who has always been close to our Group, like Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.”

Crystal says that the two new ships that will “redefine high-end travel on the seas,” with one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail. Dining options will showcase a variety of world-class cuisines including Umi Uma, the only Nobu at ser. Additionally, Crystal will continue its legacy of offering exclusive entertainment along with a sophisticated casino that includes an array of gaming options in an elegant setting.

The ships, says Crystal, ”will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs, ensuring unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests.”

The design efforts will be led by Studio Ibsen and Studio Gem , along with a third international design firm yet to be appointed.

A standout feature of the new Crystal Cruises ships will be a promenade extending through the whole ships’ perimeter, similar to those on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

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Port of Los Angeles Solicits Proposals to Develop and Operate Cruise Terminals

  • June 27, 2024

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In another significant step in the enhancement of the LA Waterfront, the Port of Los Angeles has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction and operation of a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, and redevelopment and operation of the existing World Cruise Center, according to a press release.

Proposals are due by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

“We have seen increased demand for cruises out of the LA Waterfront over the last several years, with a record 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2023,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “With more growth forecast, these projects will allow us to greatly expand our cruise business capacity while providing the best possible experience and convenience for cruise travelers.”

The port said that in the last two years, more than 200 cruise ships called in L.A.  Over the next five years, additional growth in cruise passengers and local economic impact is expected with larger ships of 4,000-plus passenger capacity continually calling at the Port.

The proposed new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal site – a cornerstone project in the recently approved San Pedro Waterfront Connectivity Plan – is located at 3011 Dave Arian Way in San Pedro and includes Berths 46 to 50.

The site consists of 13 acres of backland, two existing wharves, and 20 acres of associated potential off-site parking with an estimated 2,300 spaces. For this new proposed terminal, the Port is seeking a flexible design to accommodate a variety of additional non-cruise revenue-producing uses in the off-season, such as filming, conferences and events.

The existing World Cruise Center to be redeveloped is located at 100 Swinford Street in San Pedro. The terminal site consists of 22 acres, including parking, two cruise berths (Berths 90-93), two terminal buildings and a baggage handling structure.

“Over the past 20 years, our Port has invested over $1 billion in enhancing, operating and programming LA Waterfront infrastructure,” said Mike Galvin, the Port’s Director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Development. “These two proposed cruise terminal projects represent the next stage of that investment, and the continued transformation of the waterfront into a dynamic and multi-use visitor destination.”

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Port, the LA Waterfront consists of more than 400 acres and eight miles of prime waterfront property, connecting visitors and local harbor communities to the waterfront with active and vibrant recreational and commercial attractions.

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    LeBarge Tropical Cruises is currently operating with a temporary menu. Depending on the date of the cruise, some items may be different. Ready to Book? View Cruises Contact Us (941) 366-6116 [email protected] 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236 Quick Links. Home; Cruises; Private Charters; Events; Contact Us ...