a place for your answers
Please find below a series of frequently asked questions that I often get enquiries about in relation to travelling on the Barge Matilda.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email [email protected] or
+61 (0)425 235 645.
HOW AND WHERE DO I JOIN BARGE MATILDA?
The Barge Matilda will be ready to board from 4pm onwards on the commencement day of your barge experience.
The location of Matilda will be a short taxi ride from the nearest bus or railway station. The closest railway/bus station will be communicated to you when contact is made with you prior to your day of arrival. When possible, we will meet you at the railway/bus station and direct you to the Barge Matilda.
Please note, from time to time, changes may occur to your original cruise route if unforeseen circumstances arise. These changes will be communicated to you if changes occur and the Barge staff are always contactable via mobile phone.
Once your booking is confirmed, please make travel arrangements to get to the Barge Matilda. I am happy to help you where I can and advise which train/s will be most suitable, so please make contact if any support is desired/required.
WHAT IS THE BEST TRAIN TICKET WEBSITE?
European rail services are efficient and effective and delays are not common. Travelling by train is a great way to get to the Barge Matilda. European Train Times can be checked online on:
French Railways www.voyages.sncf.fr
ONCE I HAVE MY TRAIN TICKET, DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ELSE AT THE STATION?
You need to not only purchase but also validate your train ticket before boarding a train when travelling in France. It is a very quick and necessary process and will stop you getting fined! All you need to do is insert your ticket into the validating machine near the platform and keep it until you have finished your travel for any officers checking tickets on the train. (‘Compostez votre billet' is ‘Validate Your Ticket’ in French).
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY WE ARE DUE TO LEAVE BARGE MATILDA?
The Barge Matilda will already be at the departing destination the night prior to the last day of your adventure. It will be moored at a convenient location to a railway/bus station to support your next travel arrangements unless any unforeseen circumstances arise.
Breakfast will be available early giving plenty of time to leisurely disembark by 10am.
WHAT UNFORESSEN CIRCUMSTANCES MIGHT AFFECT MY CRUISE?
Cruise routes and plans generally go to plan except if external forces occur. Floods, weather and canal closures can impact our travel arrangements as well as illness, canal maintenance, bureaucracy, strikes, civil disturbance and the engine. Preferences of people on board can also change the cruise itinerary.
Unforeseen circumstances may cause necessary alterations to occur to cruise routes which, although not common, is the right of the Barge staff to do so when needed.
CLOTHING?
To match the laid back, relaxing atmosphere of the Barge, we suggest wearing comfortable casual clothes. Light weight and SunSmart options match the weather during the day and warmer garments/clothes may be needed for the evenings. Don’t also forgot to pack sun-screen/cream and a hat. We highly recommend a jacket of some sort, ideally wind and water-proof to cater for any type of weather.
Wear comfortable sneaker type shoes to walk around the Barge and for walking and cycling.
We do not recommend formal clothes and high heels as they are not suitable for Barge life.
LUGGAGE?
Please pack light and wisely. There is reasonable storage space in the cabins. For estimating purposes, we recommend packing per person:
- one small soft suitcase
- one carry-on luggage
- one small backpack and drink bottle for those day outings.
LAUNDRY?
Limited options for doing laundry exist on the Barge. Laundry in surrounding areas are a preference. Due to the restrictions, there is only the option to complete washing on board for guests staying longer than a week. Thank you for your understanding.
There is an ironing on board if needed.
WHAT SORT OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ONBOARD AND CAN I BRING APPLIANCES FROM HOME?
Matilda has separate voltage supply systems providing power for the different areas needed including recessed ceiling spot lights, VHF radio and generator start up. Matilda has 24 volt circuits to power the various water and bilge pumps on board as well as other internal and navigational lighting and extractor fans.
240 volt circuits are supplied by different methods based on Barge Matilda's location.
When Matilda is travelling, power for computers, hairdryers, charging electronics, fans, radios, TVs etc is all provided by the 240 volt supplies which is converted from our ‘inverter’ from stored battery energy. Please bring 240/110 volt converters or adapters that are suitable.
Using electronics which require high voltage e.g. microwave, clothes dryer, iron and heaters, are limited to when we are connected to land electricity or running the generator. The generator is often run for a couple hours a day when travelling on the water, the less we have to run it, the better.
WHAT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY, CAMERAS AND FILM?
We highly advise you bring spare memory cards as there will be limited opportunities to purchase more memory cards if needed.
You will have ample opportunities to take photos of the magnificent scenery we will encounter. We want to make sure you have all the space on your cameras and phones to do so.
The barge has Australian electronics adapters. Please bring other adapters required.
Film, what is that?
CHILDREN AND ANIMALS?
The barge experience is for adults and younger people alike, although young children must be supervised at all times and responsibility is with parents/guardians.
Animals are permitted on board the barge and for similar safety issues and other logistical issues it is entirely at the owners risk.
DISABILITIES?
Matilda was designed and built in 1909 with narrow walkways, bollards and steep staircases. This is a consideration for anyone wishing to experience Barge life that they are able to endure all elements of ship life. Although investigated, Matilda unfortunately lacks the ability to be adapted to enable disabled access.
Another consideration to be aware of, is that occasionally Barge Matilda moors in unvisited locations against grassy banks, walls, jetties etc.
DO I NEED MEDICAL, TRAVEL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE?
Please ensure you have insurances that cover you for any situation. This includes personal liability, travel cancellation and medical insurance in case any unforeseen eventualities occur in your own travel arrangements.
We cannot accept any liability for injury, death or disablement from whatever cause whilst you are traveling with us and as European healthcare can be expensive, we strongly advise you cover yourself.
Trip cancellation insurance which is available through your insurance company, airline or travel agent, is highly recommended to prevent any difficulty and recover charges in case any unexpected cancellations occur.
WILL EVERYONE I MEET SPEAK ENGLISH?
You will find that many people speak English in the bigger European towns and cities especially airports, railway stations and eating venues. English is not as common in the smaller towns and cities however you can still find ways of communicating. Attempting to speak French will go a long way with locals, it’s all part of the experience!
FOOD AND RESTRICTED DIETS?
Breakfast supplies are provided each day as required.
You will need to discuss any intolerance or allergy with Barge Matilda prior to your arrival to allow time to find other options such as gluten free products as these may be difficult to find in smaller villages.
Evenings provide every opportunity to enjoy local delicacies and French culture at cafes and restaurants for about 20-30 Euro per person (depending on your tastes).
If the barge is remote, or you don’t want to eat out, Matilda’s kitchen is open for you to prepare your own meal.
WHAT TYPE OF CURRENCY OR CREDIT CARDS SHOULD I BRING?
Euro is the local currently used in France. Accessing cash throughout the Barge experiences is easily done through ATMs which are open all day and are found in larger cities and towns (but not always the very small ones.)
Ensure your credit/debit card is Cirrus/Amex/Mastercard or Visa has a chip or pin that you know (credit card is not always available). Check with your bank to ensure your card will work in Europe and that they are aware you will be using it if travelling overseas. Alternatively, you can use a wise account which gives much better exchange rates.
HOW DO I FIND OUT AVAILABILITY AND SECURE A BOOKING?
Email is the best way to reserve dates for your barge experience. You can telephone Bruce between November and April whilst in Australia or May to October whilst on the barge a French phone number will be supplied to you once you have made a booking.
- Check which section of the waterway you would like to cruise via our cruising programme or check available dates with intended locations at that time of year.
- Email your preferred dates, number in your party and contact information (name, email, phone number).
- Await to hear from us regarding availability and dates.
- Confirm reservation via email by confirming dates agreed and acceptance of Barge Matilda’s terms of booking.
- Await confirmation , payment and reservation details by email.
- Pay the deposit. Your booking is then secured.
https://airbnb.com/h/matildamoissac
or
https://www.getyourguide.com/auxerre-l132108/from-auxerre-dutch-barge-full-day-cruise-with-wine-tasting-t437995/
Matilda
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