If you have any questions, please call your Travel Agent or one of our Excursion Consultants at 1-888-GO BARGE, ext. 1 (1-888-462-2743).

RIVERBARGE EXCURSION LINES SECURITY PLEDGE

To guarantee you full financial protection, RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. deposits all payments for excursions in a special escrow account at The Whitney National Bank. This escrow account is overseen and regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission. To protect you from default, these funds may not be withdrawn by RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. until after your excursion is completed. The R/B River Explorer and its licensed crewmembers are United States Coast Guard Certified for passenger service in all of the waterways where we operate and meet all federal and state requirements for this service.

BOOKING AND PAYMENTS

What’s included?

All excursions include accommodations aboard the R/B River Explorer, all meals, all soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea, snacks, all scheduled shore activities, onboard entertainment, port charges, taxes and gratuities. No tipping allowed! Only gift shop, alcohol and other incidental purchases are extra.

How do I make a reservation?

To make a reservation call your Travel Agent or a RiverBarge Excursion Consultant at 1-888-GO BARGE, ext. 1, (1-888-462-2743, ext. 1).

How much is the deposit?

A deposit of $500 per stateroom is required within 14 days of booking.

When is the final payment due?

The final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. This date is stated on your reservation contract.

PERSONAL CANCELLATION PROTECTION

What is Personal Cancellation Protection?

RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. recognizes that circumstances may cause you to cancel your excursion plans with us. Through our Personal Cancellation Protection (PCP), RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. offers you the opportunity to protect your vacation investment under any circumstances. Our PCP is the easiest and most clear cut method of cancellation protection available anywhere. Here’s how it works:
  • There is one set price per person for each excursion. Both guests in the same stateroom must purchase PCP.
  • You may purchase our PCP from initial booking up until your final payment is made.
  • The single supplement of 50% also applies for PCP.

What if I need to cancel my excursion?

If you have purchased PCP, you may cancel your excursion anytime after you’ve made your final payment and before 3 p.m. on the day of boarding. You have two options:
  • Reschedule to a future excursion
  • Surrender your excursion documents to RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. and receive a full refund less the cost of the Personal Cancellation Protection and a $50 per person administrative fee. NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing. You can call us to cancel your excursion, but you must follow up in writing.

What if I cancel because of a pre-existing condition?

At RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. we don’t worry about pre-existing conditions or any other reasons that may cause you to cancel your excursion. We do not require any doctor’s certificates, etc. We know that if you are not able to join us at the last minute and if you have purchased PCP, you deserve a refund. No refunds will be issued in the event of “no shows,” interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the excursion.

CANCELLATIONS

What is your cancellation policy if I haven’t purchased PCP?

All cancellations must be received in writing by RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. and are subject to a $50 per person administrative fee. If PCP is not purchased, cancellations received prior to 60 days before departure will receive a full refund minus the administrative fee; 59-30 days prior to departure will receive a refund of 75% of the gross fare minus the administrative fee; 29-15 days prior to departure will receive a refund of 50% of the gross fare minus the administrative fee; 14 days or less prior to departure no refund will be issued. No refunds will be issued in the event of “no shows,” interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the excursion.

AIRFARE AND TRANSFERS

Do you make airfare arrangements?

Yes. RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. can provide round trip airfare with airport transfers or one way air travel at special rates from most cities. Your Travel Agent or an Excursion Consultant can assist you with these arrangements. When air transportation is purchased from RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. all flights will be on carriers designated by RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. All seats are capacity controlled and contract fares may not be available for all locations or at all times. Flight schedules may be non-stop, direct or require a change of planes and the actual flight schedules will not be available until tickets are issued at 45 days prior to departure. Routing and airlines chosen are the best available at time of booking and are at the sole discretion of RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. Changes in air schedules may occur after ticketing and are at the discretion of the individual airlines. RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. will make every effort to advise you of any changes to your itinerary should this occur. Once ticketed, a $150 per ticket cancellation fee is charged if airfare is cancelled more than 48 hours prior to flight departure time. Any remaining monies paid for airline tickets will be refunded. If cancelled less than 48 hours prior to flight departure time, tickets become non-refundable. RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. Personal Cancellation Protection (PCP) does not offer coverage for airline tickets purchased by RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. or those purchased from other sources.

Do you offer transfers?

Yes. Your air tickets purchased through RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. also include a transfer voucher from the airport to the R/B River Explorer. The transfer voucher will be included in your documents. You may purchase a voucher at your own expense if you are not making your air arrangements through RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc.

When should I schedule my flight?

When making travel arrangements for your RiverBarge Excursion, we suggest that you arrive to your Boarding Landing no later than 5 p.m. on boarding day. For your return home, we suggest you schedule flight departures for 1 p.m. or later. On departure day we provide a limited city tour of your Destination Landing which conveniently takes you to the airport in time for afternoon flights. This complimentary transfer from the R/B River Explorer to the airport is provided only for those guests who take the city tour. If you need to make other arrangements you may do so at your own expense with the Purser onboard.

LAGNIAPPE “A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA”

Do you offer single occupancy?

Yes. RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. offers a single occupancy with a supplement of 50%. Select trips offer a 25% single occupancy supplement. Call for details.

Do you offer group discounts?

Yes. We offer group discounts with a minimum of 10 guests. Please contact our Group Department at 1-888-898-0492 for more details.

What if I have special needs?

Inform your Travel Agent or an Excursion Consultant at the time of booking. Special needs requests must be received in writing. If you have special dietary needs that require specific or special food purchases, RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. may add a surcharge to your reservation. The R/B River Explorer has three wheelchair accessible staterooms on the Royal Deck. Two of these staterooms have connecting staterooms. All public areas on the R/B River Explorer are wheelchair accessible. There are two elevators onboard the R/B River Explorer.

Are staterooms pre-assigned?

No. Staterooms are not pre-assigned. Staterooms are assigned by the Purser onboard. Rest assured, each of our comfortable staterooms offer the same floor plan, same amenities and same amount of space. The only difference is that Platinum Deck staterooms have a small balcony. Consideration will be given to guests who have special needs. There are three wheelchair accessible rooms on the Royal Deck, two with adjoining staterooms.

What is the difference between a Stateroom on the Royal and Platinum Decks?

The only difference between the Royal and Platinum Decks is that the Platinum Deck Staterooms have a small balcony. Both rooms are the same in size and layout. The Platinum and Royal Deck Staterooms offer large picture windows that open.

When will my Stateroom be assigned?

Staterooms are assigned by the Purser the morning of boarding the R/B River Explorer. They are based on special request and the date your reservation was made.

What are the staterooms like?

You have a choice of one super queen or two twin beds. Each stateroom is 200 square feet of pure comfort and features individually controlled AC/Heat, select satellite TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, binoculars, full-size tub with shower, hair dryer and a large picture window that opens. Platinum Deck staterooms have a small balcony.

Can I choose which stateroom I want?

No. Staterooms are not pre-assigned. Each stateroom offers the same amount of space, the same amenities and the same floor plan. However, if you have a request, please mention your need to your RiverBarge Excursion Consultant and we will try our best to meet your needs.

Is the R/B River Explorer wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The public areas have been designed to accommodate wheelchair accessibility.

Are there any wheelchair accessible rooms?

Yes. The Royal Deck has three wheelchair accessible staterooms that are near the elevator. Two of these staterooms have connecting staterooms.

What time should I make my airline reservations?

Boarding onboard the R/B River Explorer begins at noon. Your stateroom is available at 3 p.m. If you must schedule a later flight contact your RiverBarge Excursion Consultant so arrangements can be made. Upon disembarkation, if you plan on taking the included city tour with a transfer to the airport, please make air reservations after 1 p.m.

How will I get from the airport to the R/B River Explorer?

RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. offers transfers from the airport to the R/B River Explorer. Contact your RiverBarge Excursion Consultant once your air reservations have been made. You may also purchase a voucher at your own expense if you are not making your air arrangements through RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc.

Where can I park?

If you are taking a round trip, RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. suggests that you park at the airport of your Boarding Landing. By doing so you can purchase a transfer from the airport to the R/B River Explorer. Upon disembarkation, a city tour will be provided with a transfer back to the airport. If you are taking an excursion where your boarding and destination are different, we still suggest that you park at the airport of your Boarding Landing, since that will be the location to your flight back.

What is Home Free?

FREE Private Motorcoach Transportation available on most excursions from your Destination Landing back to the airport of your Boarding Landing at the conclusion of your excursion. Combinable with other Added Value Programs. Combinable with group rates for a minimal charge of $50 per person.

What type of meal service is there?

Meals onboard the R/B River Explorer consist of regional dishes that will vary along your river excursion. Breakfast is buffet service with egg/omelet station, fresh fruits, cereals and breads. Lunch is also a buffet with the Chef’s Specialty Station. Supper is individually plated a la carte. Plus, there is always the 24 hour “Raid the ‘fridge” and the never empty Perpetual Cookie Jar to satisfy your sweet tooth!

What is the seating arrangement in the Galley?

There is no assigned seating for meals. The R/B River Explorer’s open seating policy allows our guests to sit where they choose, therefore allowing you a chance to meet a variety of interesting people.

Is there any type of gambling onboard?

No. The R/B River Explorer does not have gambling onboard, but we do offer other onboard activities such as shuffleboard, a game room that includes bumper pool tables that can be converted into card tables; puzzles, books and other activities that the BargeMasters have arranged for you. However, if you would like to try your hand at a casino, there are many stops the R/B River Explorer makes along its routes that do offer gambling.

Where are the lifeboats - Safety Issue?

The R/B River Explorer can act as a lifeboat itself. Therefore, there are no lifeboats. For example, if one of the barges, say the LaSalle is in danger, guests would be instructed to go to the Sky Deck of the other barge, the DeSoto. Once everyone is safely on deck, and in their life jackets, the LaSalle would be separated from the DeSoto and guests would be brought to safety. There is a safety meeting onboard the R/B River Explorer during the first day of barging to explain this procedure.

Can I apply my Barge Bucks toward the price of the trip?

No. Barge Bucks can be used for alcohol and gift shop purchases only. All other features onboard the R/B River Explorer are included in your excursion price.

Is there any entertainment onboard?

Yes. Enjoy special performances by regional musicians, storytellers and other local entertainers.

What kind of recreation is there onboard?

The R/B River Explorer has an exercise room, jogging/walking track, shuffleboard, whirlpool tubs, puzzles, games, book library, bumper pool and card tables for the enjoyment of our guests.

Will I get seasick from the current on the river?

No. The R/B River Explorer offers a smooth, brisk ride. Sometimes you even have to look out of the window in order to know that you are actually moving.

Are there any telephones onboard?

Yes. Room to room calls can be made at no charge by dialing the room number you wish to reach. Personal cellular telephones can be used onboard throughout much of your excursion.

What is the “dress code?”

Dress on the R/B River Explorer is casual. Just be prepared to sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the casual atmosphere.

What may I see while onboard?

The “insiders” aspect of our experience is very important to a RiverBarge Excursion because our unique trips are created with a lot of help and advice from old friends along our routes. The BargeMasters, with many years of experience on the rivers, will help you explore the soul of America, experience its culture and history through visits, song and story. Our focus is always the river, how it shaped America, how it fostered commerce and settlement, and how it helped our cities grow. You’ll visit big cities and small towns. Some of the places may even be off the beaten path.

Do you have a doctor or nurse onboard?

No. The BargeMasters are trained to handle an emergency situation and to get a person in need to a facility nearby. However, there is no doctor or nurse onboard.

What is the address of the boarding location?

If you are coming in on a flight an air transfer will be available to take you to your boarding destination. If you are driving, call your RiverBarge Excursion Consultant for instructions.

How long are we in each host landing?

Time in each host landing varies. You will be provided with an itinerary that includes this information.

Can I bring an oxygen machine onboard?

Yes. Arrangements can be made through your RiverBarge Excursion Consultant.

Is there a gift shop onboard?

Yes. The R/B River Explorer has a gift shop onboard where guests have many items to choose from.

Responsibility/Limited Liability?

RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. has certain limitations of liability regarding delays, damage, loss, injury or death while on a RiverBarge Excursion. Details will be provided to all guests with confirmation documents prior to your final payments, or on request. Passage aboard the R/B River Explorer is governed by the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading.

RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Inc. accepts all major credit cards.