Guest Comments

Here is a sampling of comments from our Guest Book and Guest Referrals….

“We want to thank you for such a wonderful week. Our trip was just about perfect in every way, but the time on MARIA was the best. We both keep thinking about how great it was. The boat is truly beautiful.”

M. Y. & C. Y., California 

“In August of this year, my brother, his wife, my wife and I were privileged to be able to cruise the Burgundy Canal with Don and Patty Garni.  It was the finest vacation my wife and I have ever taken.  Patty and Don are the most gracious and affable of hosts. 

…….the most pleasant barging accommodations anyone could desire.  The very fine appointments on the Maria really turn barging into yachting with your best friends at 4 miles per hour.  We dined on board on gourmet lunches prepared by our hostess Patty (who is, by the way, a gourmet cook).  ……In the evening Don and Patty were equally well prepared with excellent choices for fine dining experiences ashore. 

We tried something different every night from dinner at a fine chateau on elegant grounds dining as a party of six in our own large dining room, to small country restaurants with exquisite menus, even a 14th century convent.  There was no end to what our hosts could show us, introduce us to, or explain to us.

My wife and I believe that we have made very good, lifetime friends and I am sure that others who choose to cruise on the Maria will have a very similar experience. 

……My recommendation to anyone who would like to be confident that they will have the barge tour that will be everything that they have ever dreamed of is, stop looking because they will have found it with Don and Patty on MARIA."

J. S., Virginia

“……Being on MARIA was certainly the highlight of the whole trip !!!!! You both are very special people and we really appreciate how thoughtful and considerate you were of us.”

B. T. & L. T., Florida

"I wanted to write to thank you for the wonderful vacation I enjoyed barging with you on the Maria.
The Maria is such a beautiful barge, providing all the comforts of home in exquisite cabins and salons. Stepping on the Maria takes you back to the time travel was elegant and travelers were truly pampered. And I absolutely felt pampered from the
time I arrived to my departure. Everything was special, the luxury of the cabin appointments, the fabulous gourmet meals served in a comfortable and gracious manner.

Barging was so much more than I had imagined. I felt I really had the opportunity to see the French countryside in all it beauty from the Maria. In our fast paced world, the luxury of traveling at several miles an hour along peaceful canals watching a countryside pass by dotted with castles and ancient ruins while at the same time watching French men, women, children and families go about their everyday lives is a unique experience……all the more fun to dock at various places along the way for shopping, dining or exploring the countryside.

I came home thoroughly rested with wonderful memories and images of France that I am sure I would never have experienced on a conventional vacation to Europe.

Thank you so very much!”

K.C., Nevada

“The boat is beautiful, both inside and out. Don and Patty take great pride in it. They know what they are doing. They also are very concerned with being kind to all the local French people they meet and to other bargers.

……The food was outstanding…..Patty is an excellent cook……

We feel like we have made new life-long friends.”

M. Y. & C. Y., Northern California

……… and more in our Guest Book on board MARIA.