WJ Tested: Luxury Barge Magna Carta Review
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge Cruises the River Thames in England
WJ Tested: Luxury Barge Magna Carta Review
An introduction to barge cruising on the River Thames and luxury barge Magna Carta.
The River Thames flows 215 miles (346 km) in southern England from Thames Head in Gloucestershire to the Thames Estuary on the North Sea in Essex. It is the longest river in England and flows through the capital city of London.
As is often the case with waterways, the Thames, which once provided a critical route for trade and commerce, is now regarded as a supreme playground for boating, be it rowing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, punting, skiffing or as we enjoyed — barge cruising.
The luxury hotel barge, Magna Carta, has been offering the finest of river barge cruising on the River Thames since 2002. The idyllic scenery provided a most enchanting backdrop for a leisurely cruise along this world-famous river. We were regaled whilst on our 3 day/2 night journey from Henley-on-Thames to Windsor.
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge Cruises the River ThamesTowards Windsor
The Magna Carta, designed to allow for spacious accommodations, is 117 ft. by 16.5 ft. Four cabins, all averaging 200 sq. ft. with roomy en-suite bathrooms, make for sumptuous surroundings for a maximum of eight guests. The picture-windowed saloon offers sanctuary with a bar, library, leather sofas and a most comfortable dining area. The two-tiered sun deck is fully-outfitted with wood table, chairs, steamer chairs, umbrella and a sunken Jacuzzi.
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge Cruises – Salon
A week aboard Magna Carta is an all-inclusive voyage. Four crew members consisting of a Captain, Master Chef, hostess and deck hand tend to guests needs. Get ready to revel in an abundance of history on a restful cruise along the River Thames.
More Details: Cabins
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge – Cabins
The Magna Carta accommodates eight passengers in four cabins. Each of the cabins is approximately 200 sq. ft, with three of the four having the ability to be set up as either a king bed or twins. Natural light and ventilation is achieved through small porthole windows that open slightly and are fitted with blinds. The predominant colors throughout Magna Carta are blue and white along with various hardwoods.
These spacious cabins boast a TV with built-in DVD player – a decent selection of DVDs are available for passengers to pick from.
Heated wooden floors are a welcome addition on chilly English mornings and on the rare chance of hitting a heat-wave, Magna Carta has air conditioning units in each cabin.
Plenty of cupboard and drawer space make it easy for passengers to unpack at the beginning of their cruise and not bother with their luggage again for the rest of the week.
Magna Carta Luxury Canal Barge – Cabin Bathroom
Large private en-suite bathrooms feature full-size tile showers, flush (not marine pump) toilets, a mirrored bathroom medicine cabinet over the pedestal sink containing complimentary Floris of London toiletries (including shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, bar soap, sewing kit, ear buds, packets of tissue and a nail file) and a heated towel rack. Bathrobes and hair dryers are also provided in each cabin.
Daily cabin service typically occurs when guests are having their continental breakfast, during which time towels and washcloths were replaced, trash removed, beds made, bathroom cleaned and bottled water replenished.
Excellent Food and Wine While Cruising The River Thames on Magna Carta
Read More:
– 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.
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