WJ Tested: Luxury Barge Magna Carta Review – Food and Wine
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge Cruise – Food and Wine
WJ Tested: Luxury Barge Magna Carta Review – Food and Wine
Food and Wine
Magna Carta cruises are all-inclusive – all onboard meals (breakfast, two-course lunch, four-course dinner with British cheese board) served with both a British and European flair, Champagne, fine wines from around the world, beer, spirits, liquors, tea, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks.
Magna Carta Luxury Barge – Fine Wines
Lunch and dinner are served with wine that has been chosen to enhance the flavors the Chef wants to highlight in his masterfully concocted and beautifully prepared creations. Coffee and tea was available throughout the day by simply making a request to the stewardess.
Lunch and dinner were set menus, therefore if a passenger has a particular dislike or food allergy it is imperative they disclose it on their booking form and then reconfirm with the Chef upon arrival.
On the first afternoon, passengers were met at 3 PM by the stewardess, for English Cream Tea at the Stafford Hotel in London.
Afterwards we were transferred by taxi to the Magna Carta, moored in Henley-on-Thames. Once we were shown our suites we were served a wonderful Petit Chablis on deck, during which time Captain Dominic gave us a 40-minute cruise as the sun was about to set. A perfect start to this fabulous cruise.
Magna Carta Luxury Barge – Fish and Chips with Champagne
Once we were again securely moored for the evening, Captain Dominic joined us on deck for a Champagne toast accompanied by miniature fish and chips served on newspaper (very British way to eat fish and chips).
Magna Carta Luxury Barge – Breakfast is Served
Breakfast is Served
In the morning a simple breakfast is available for guests between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 AM including: French press coffee or tea; orange and cranberry juice; cold cereal – cornflakes and muesli; toast with butter, marmalade and jam; assorted sliced fruit; yogurt.
Magna Carta Luxury Barge – Lunch is Served
Lunch is Served
Lunch was served daily at approximately 1:00 p.m. at the dining table in the saloon or if the weather allowed it could be enjoyed on deck.
We enjoyed eating lunch on deck when the weather cooperated. Menu selections included: pork Wellington; poached smoked haddock; celeriac soup with bacon; tagiatelli pasta with asparagus, black olives, chicken, pesto and shaved parmesean cheese.
Wines were a lovely Sancerre Domaine Michel Thomas 2008 and a wonderful Trinfo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 from Chile. Laura gave a description of the wine that accompanied lunches, and Chef Steve gave a brief description of the lunch menu.
Magna Carta Luxury Barge – Dinner is Served
Dinner is Served
Dinner each evening was a four-course affair served in a single-seating at approximately 7:00 p.m. The stewardess started off by describing the white and red wines that would accompany the meal.
As the courses arrived, Chef Steve gave a quick explanation and description of what he had created for passengers each evening. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors delightful. So much so that we all wished the portions were a little larger.
Captain Dominic joined passengers for the cheese course and a glass of wine at the end of the meal and spent some time joining in the conversation with guests and giving us a run-down of what the next day would bring.
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge – English Cheese Selection
– Magna Carta Location and Shore Excursions
– Magna Carta Bottom Line and Value
Note: Viv and Jill cruised the river Thames aboard luxury canal barge Magna Carta during a September 2009 visit to England.
