Shannon Princess Canal Barge in France

SHANNON PRINCESS FACT SHEETS
Cruising the River Shannon in Ireland

THE BARGE HERSELF
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2003
DIMENSIONS: Length 105 ' (32m), width 20" (6.0m)
GENERATORS: 2 x 220 volt generators
MAIN ENGINE: 2 engines each 200hp gives 400 hp + a bow thrusters with 150 hp
MAXIMUM SPEED: 12 knots
WATER AND FUEL CAPACITY: 5 tons of water and 3 tons of fuel

PERSONNEL
CREW: 5. Captain, Tour Guide, Chef, x 3 Host/Hostesses
Our crew are Irish and speak English.

ACCOMMODATION
CAPACITY FOR ACCOMMODATION: Up to 10 passengers
NUMBER AND TYPES OF CABINS: 5 Suites each with an en-suite bathroom
All Suites have a choice of twin or double bedding. They also have a closet, private bathroom, individually controlled central heating, bottled water and chocolates. The cabins are all well above waterline with large panoramic windows allowing passengers a full, uninhibited view and have ample storage space.

SIZES OF THE CABINS
They are all about the same size 9ft 10” x 12ft 9” (3mx4m) and about 131sq ft (12.1m sq)
Scarriff Bay (Bow end)
Benjamimes
Meelick Waters
The Callows
Inner Lakes (Stern end)
The measurements are approximate.

CEILING HEIGHTS:
The height of the cabins is 6ft 9” (2.1m).

SIZE OF THE BEDS:
As single beds they measure 3ft (0.9m) wide x 6ft 9ins (2.1m) in length
As a double bed they measure 6ft (1.8m) wide x 6ft 9ins (2.1m) in length

BATHROOMS:
All bathrooms have showers, wash hand basin, a W.C., tiled floors and walls and white and stainless steel fittings.
Each is supplied with washing gel, hand soap, shampoo, shower cap, towels and robes.

CLOSET SPACE: Yes
HAIRDRYERS: Yes

CLIMATE CONTROL & ELECTRICITY
AIR CONDITIONING: Not required for Irish weather
CENTRAL HEATING: Yes, individually controlled
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: The Shannon Princess is wired to supply 220 volts/50 hertz. We suggest you bring an adapter for your particular appliance, which corresponds to the standard British Isles 3 pin plug. If you wish to use an electrical appliance on board, please ask one of the crew when you arrive on board to ensure that it is suitable to the barge’s electrical system. European Waterways cannot be held responsible for unforeseen voltage fluctuations which sometimes occur when swapping from one voltage system to another.

PUBLIC ROOMS
SALOON/DINING ROOM DIMENSIONS & DESCRIPTION:
Room size 20' (6m) x 35’ (10.6m)
Height from floor to ceiling is 6ft 9” (2.1m).
There are two large sofas , 3/4 armchairs and 2 coffee tables.
Dining table with seating for 10 passengers
Fully stocked bar
Carpeted throughout
Large observational windows running the length on 3 sides.
SUNDECK: Very large sundeck area measuring 1800 sq feet (548.64m). There are 2 steamer chairs, 8 reclining chairs and assorted deck furniture with a large matching table and parasol for al fresco dining.

GASTRONOMY
There is no assigned seating for meals and the dining room on board ‘Shannon Princess’ accommodates all guests at a single sitting. International and modern British cuisine is featured.

BREAKFAST: Full Irish or continental available with fruit juices and a choice of decaffeinated or regular tea or coffee.
LUNCH: Usually luncheon consists of a light buffet with salads, pates and fish dishes. Occasionally you can enjoy a picnic out and sometimes a 3 course sit-down lunch.
DINNER: Always a gastronomic adventure by our talented chef. A taste of very special cuisine by candlelight, harmonizing food and good wines, followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs.
CAPTAIN’S DINNER: Captain’s dinner on the last night. Dress slightly formal.

SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS: Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered for if requested in advance. Please advise at least 3 weeks prior to departure.

DRINKS WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE: The well-stocked bar is open 24 hours a day serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a Champagne welcome is also included. Non-alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole or low fat milk, are offered with all meals.

DRINKS WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE: Champagne (other than at the welcome) and some special vintage wines will not be included although we can arrange to purchase them for you at cost price.

TAP WATER
Tap water in Ireland and on board ‘Shannon Princess’ is potable and bottled water is also available on board.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
ON BOARD
Hi-fi system and compact discs. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite compact discs from home
Board games (including Scrabble, Monopoly, Chess, Draughts and Backgammon)
A small library of books
Binoculars for watching the bird life
Bicycles are available on request only (at no extra charge)
Internet access: There is wifi facility on board for passengers to connect to the internet if they bring their own laptop or phones. Guests can also have access to the internet at libraries and cyber cafes whilst visiting towns and villages during their cruise. Please let our reservations department know prior to your cruise and the Captain will be informed and he will speak to you about possibilities once you are on board.

WALKING & CYCLING
There are NO bicycles kept on board but can they can be hired on request at no extra charge. Please inform a member of the reservations team at least 8 weeks in advance if you require these. Please talk to the Captain on the first evening and ask him to inform you when the daily opportunities arise for walking and cycling. The Captain will let you know the barge meeting points and places of interest to visit nearby.

GOLFING
Shannon Princess can offer golf “a la carte style” whilst cruising. During your cruise your Captain will be pleased to offer golf days and will reserve tee times for you and a taxi to and from the golf clubs. The golf tee times rate and taxi costs should be paid by you to the golf club or taxi company on the day. An example of pricing is as follows:

Glasson Golf Course fee approx. €75 return taxi fare €30
Athlone Golf Course fee approx. €60 return taxi fare €20
Portumna Golf Court fee approx. €50 return taxi fare €30
Limerick Golf Club fee approx €75 return taxi fare €50

If you would like to golf during your cruise please advise our Reservations Department at least 3 weeks prior to your cruise. Golf tee times are subject to availability.
Passengers who wish to play golf will need to be in possession of official handicap cards and/or letters of introduction from their golf clubs at home. (Either or both of these must be presented at some courses prior to play.). Equipment can be provided at a supplemental cost. Powered golf carts are not available on all courses.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES – not available on Shannon Princess II

EXCURSIONS BY MINIBUS
12-seater (excluding driver) - air-conditioned.

EXCURSIONS FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If the excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise our office in advance and the Captain can be informed.

FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO ATTEND EXCURSIONS
You are welcome to stay behind on the barge and take advantage of the on-board facilities.

THEMED CRUISES
Shannon Princess II offers themed cruises on a variety of subjects, such as golfing, fishing, horse-trekking, watersports, antiques and crafts, spa treatments. Please contact our Reservations Department for more details.

PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
Shannon Princess is all on one level with no steps from the saloon to the cabins. There are 11 steps from the saloon to the outside upper deck and a handrail. If you feel 11 steps would be too much then there is another outside deck with no steps. Ninety-five percent of the daily excursions are on level ground, so no worries with climbing steps; also the minibus transfers you to the sites – so not much walking if you prefer not to. The only excursion that may be a little difficult would be Cragganown as this does have a challenging walk for those who are less mobile and some steps are also involved. You would be very welcome to relax on deck if you prefer not to participate on that excursion.
We can arrange the hire of a wheelchair for the week for approximately 45Euros - payment would be made directly to the Captain once onboard. Please advise us at least 10 weeks before cruising if this is required.

MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINES
The crew are unable to administer medicines to you during the cruise but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase necessary medicines. Due to our cruises being in rural locations we highly recommend that you bring the necessary medication with you. Doctors are usually not far away for an urgent consultation and we can also call the Emergency services.

CLOTHES & LUGGAGE
Practical comfort and relaxed is the norm aboard the ‘Shannon Princess’ and for most shore excursions. Dress codes for dinner are relaxed and informal; however, for the Captain's Dinner, gentlemen may opt to wear a jacket and ladies a dress or coordinated outfit. Passengers may choose their own standard of evening dress on chartered departures.
Suggested items to pack: A sweater or lightweight jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors. During spring and autumn cruises, medium-weight clothing made of wool (or similar fabric) will be necessary. And a lightweight (preferably non-plastic) raincoat or poncho; and an umbrella. We also suggest comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels and textured non-slip soles. In the summer a sun hat can be useful.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
The Captain can arrange for laundry to be done ashore mid week and there is a small charge of about €6 per person.

LUGGAGE
Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase per person. Soft bags are preferable

SMOKING
Our barges have a strict non-smoking policy. We ask smokers not to smoke inside the barge as this may create an offence to your shipmates. We categorically do not permit smoking in the cabins for safety reasons. If you would like to smoke we request that you smoke outside on deck away from fellow passengers.

COMPUTER & TELEPHONE FACILITIES
There are no passenger telephones aboard ‘Shannon Princess.’
There is wifi facility onboard for passengers to connect to the internet if they bring their own laptop or phones.

WE WOULD LIKE A TRAVEL COMPANY TO TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR FLIGHTS, TRAINS, HOTELS, TRANSFERS ETC.
As owners & operators of the hotel barges we cannot package your tour, but we can recommend a number of partner travel companies with a deep understanding of our cruise business and who can help you with your individual requirements for booking flights, trains, ferries, hotels, car hire and even chauffeured limousines. We can also advise regarding your choice of travel, accommodation and timings. Please ask our experienced reservations staff for further details of our travel partners or refer to our Pre & Post Cruise Sheet.

TIPPING
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion. For guidance only, our passengers normally tip between 5 and 10% of the cruise price if they are fully satisfied with the level of service.

CURRENCY
The local currency in Ireland is the Euro. We regret we cannot accept credit cards or debit cards on board or provide a foreign exchange service. However, credit cards and direct debit cards are widely accepted off the boat.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
Once on board your Captain will talk you through the Cruise Safety Procedures.
Below are our Safety Instructions and you will find a copy of these in your cabin for you to refer to once on board.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CAPTAIN AND CREW AT ALL TIMES.
• REMEMBER THAT DECKS CAN BE SLIPPERY. PLEASE WEAR NON SLIP SHOES AND DO NOT RUN OR JUMP WHILST ON BOARD. DO NOT WALK ON THE SIDE DECKS.
• DO NOT EMBARK OR DISEMBARK THE BARGE UNLESS THE GANGPLANK AND HANDRAIL ARE IN PLACE OR THE CREW HAVE ADVISED THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. NEVER DO SO WHEN THE BARGE IS MOVING.
• KEEP CLEAR OF ANY OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS AND REMAIN SEATED IF ON DECK WHILST THE BARGE PASSES UNDER BRIDGES WITH RESTRICTED HEADROOM.
• DO NOT TRY TO TOUCH THE SIDES OF THE LOCK OR BRIDGE.
• LIFE JACKET PRESERVERS ARE LOCATED IN DESIGNATED LOCKERS IN YOUR CABIN OR IN DESIGNATED DECK LOCKERS. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY THEIR LOCATION AND READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.
• FOR FIRE SAFETY REASONS, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE BARGE.
• IF YOU DISCOVER FIRE ON BOARD, SOUND THE FIRE ALARM AND NOTIFY A MEMBER OF CREW IMMEDIATELY. IF POSSIBLE, CLOSE DOORS BEHIND YOU TO CONFINE THE FIRE. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF FIRE ALARMS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
• IF THE ALARM SOUNDS OR YOU HEAR REPEATED CONTINUOUS BLASTS ON THE BARGE HORN, YOU MUST IF POSSIBLE ASSEMBLE ON THE SUNDECK FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. IF YOU ARE IN YOUR CABIN AND THE WAY TO THE SUNDECK IS OBSTRUCTED, FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO THE ALTERNATIVE FIRE EXIT. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO IDENTIFY ALL FIRE EXITS.
• DO NOT OPEN LOWER DECK PORTHOLES WHILST BARGE IS MOVING.
• BE CAREFUL WHEN THE VESSEL IS BEING MOORED UP WITH THE BARGE ROPES. IN PARTICULAR DO NOT STEP INTO A LOOP IN THE ROPE OR TRY TO RELEASE THE MOORING ROPE FROM A BOLLARD.
• THE BARGE’S EQUIPMENT SUCH AS THE HOT TUB AND BICYCLES MUST ONLY BE USED FOLLOWING PREPARATION BY THE CREW. USE OF THE BICYCLES IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
• PLEASE ASK A MEMBER OF THE CREW IF YOU NEED FURTHER SAFETY ADVICE.

PRE & POST CRUISE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
CRUISING BETWEEN KILLALOE and ATHLONE
CRUISE PASSENGER MEETING POINT
THE ABERDEEN LODGE HOTEL, DUBLIN AT 15:00 HRS

JOINING AND LEAVING THE CRUISE

BEGINNING OF THE CRUISE
Your crew will pick you up at the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin at 15:00hrs on the first day of your cruise and transfer you by minibus to the Shannon Princess moored in either Athlone or Kilaloe (depending on the cruise direction). Logistically it is too difficult to meet individual clients at different hotels in Dublin and this would also delay the transfer for all passengers considerably, so the facility to change the pick-up point is available only to groups chartering the whole vessel.
IMPORTANT: Please notify us if you will not be at the pre-cruise meeting hotel.

ADDRESS OF THE ABERDEEN LODGE HOTEL IN DUBLIN
ABERDEEN LODGE HOTEL
53-55Park Avenue
off Ailesbury Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Tel: (00353-1) 283 8155
Fax: (00353-1) 283 7877
Email: aberdeen@iol.ie.
Website: www.halpinsprivatehotels.com.

HOTEL LOCATION
The Aberdeen Lodge Hotel Ballsbridge is located in the heart of the exclusive Embassy District of Ballsbridge just 2 kilometres from the centre of Dublin. The hotel is just 250 metres from the nearest train station which is 3 stops from the centre of Dublin. It is a 20 minute drive from Dublin Airport, through the tunnel to the hotel. We can highly recommend our pickup hotel, The Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin.

ABOUT THE HOTEL
The perfect balance of luxury, privacy and location the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel is one of Dublin's hidden gems. Beautiful large well-kept landscaped gardens surround the grand mansions giving an air of refined exclusivity. The rooms and suites, have elegant period furnishings and views of the attractive gardens. The award winning breakfast is served in the period style dining room and afternoon teas and fine wines are served in the main drawing rooms and library where guests can relax.

ALTERNATIVE HOTEL
If the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel is fully booked an alternative hotel we can recommend is the Bewleys Ballsbridge Hotel 4* http://www.bewleyshotels.com/ballsbridge_hotel_dublin.asp which is very close to the Aberdeen Lodge

BEWLEY’S BALLSBRIDGE HOTEL
Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Tel: (00353-1) 6681111

CHARTER GROUP MEETING AND DROP OFF POINTS
Those chartering the barge have a greater choice regarding pickup and drop off
If you are a charter group, although we highly recommend the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Dublin we would be happy to meet your whole group at your choice of location in Dublin. We can also transfer you back to this location at the end of the cruise. Please contact our Reservations team at Sales@GoBarging.com to discuss your pick-up requirements if you are not able to meet the crew at the standard pick-up point.

BARGE MOORING
WHEN THE BOAT IS MOORED IN ATHLONE,
The mooring is at Quigley Marina, Glasson, Athlone. Guests arriving independently of the minibus should not arrive there until after 15:00hrs and should advise our Reservations Department prior to departure that they will not require the regular pickup from Dublin.
WHEN THE BOAT IS MOORED IN KILLALOE
The boat is moored at a private marina called Derg Marina in Kilaloe. Guests arriving independently of the minibus should not arrive until after 15:00hrs and should advise our Reservations department prior to departure that they will not require the regular pickup from Dublin.

DRIVE & PARK
PARKING IN DUBLIN
For those clients who wish to drive to Ireland and leave their car parked in Dublin for the duration of the cruise, we recommend the following car park facilities.
The Aberdeen Lodge Hotel Car Park
Has free car parking for residents. Clients who have stayed at the hotel before their cruise may leave their car in the hotel car park for 10 Euros per day.
Royal College of Surgeons Car Park
Glovers Avenue
St Stephens Green
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel: +353 14780330
This is a secure, short or long stay car park in Dublin city with cctv. Access is manned 24hrs a day and the cost is 30 Euros per day. You do not need to pre book.
Dublin Airport Car Park
There is a Long Stay car park at Dublin Airport along the east perimeter road. It is open 24hrs and has a 24hr courtesy buses to and from the airport terminals. The cost is 9.5 Euros per day and no booking is necessary but if you wish to prebook it may be less. To locate these car parks see the link below.
http://www.dublinairport.com/to-and-from/car-parking/car-park-map.html The distance from Dublin Airport to the Aberdeen Lodge Hotel in Ballsbridge is 20 mins by taxi through the tunnel.
For more car park information Tel. +353 18144828

PARKING IN ATHLONE
For those clients who wish to drive to Ireland and leave their car parked in Athlone for the duration of the cruise, we recommend the following car park facilities.
Athlone Town Centre Car Park
Gleeson Street (adjacent to the Sheraton Athlone Hotel)
Athlone
This has a specialy designed long term parking area on Level B. Parkers in this zone pay a 3 Euro daily rate + 8 Euros for 24hrs

GETTING TO DUBLIN.

The airport (www.dublin airport.com) is located seven miles outside of Dublin city centre and is well served by public transport.
A metered taxi ride from the airport to the city centre will cost around €30 (£25).
The Airlink service (www.dublinbus.ie), which runs every 20 mins takes 30-60 minutes to reach the centre (€6/£5.15 single, €10/£8.60 return).
Aircoach - Provides a 24-hour service between the airport and the city with departures every 15 minutes. Timetables can be viewed online at www.aircoach.ie and tickets can be bought from the driver when boarding. The cost is €7 one-way and €12 return.

END OF CRUISE
The crew transfer you by minibus to Dublin Airport or Aberdeen Lodge Hotel between 11.30hrs and 12.30hrs .
If you need to be transferred to Dublin Airport at the end of the cruise, please contact our reservations team on sales@GoBarging.com.

TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANY RECOMMENDATION
Travel insurance is strongly recommended in the event of a cancelation due to illness or other unpredictable events.
We recommend the following companies:

If you live in the USA or Canada
CSA Travel Protection
PO Box 939057, San Diego, CA 92123-9057, USA
Telephone (888) 470 9120 or (800) 711-1197
Email: leeh@csatravelprotection.comor csa@csatravelprotection.com
Please quote “European Waterways” when booking.

EMERGENCIES BEFORE THE CRUISE
Your Cruise Voucher bears the emergency telephone number of the Captain and Operations Manager for any emergencies on day 1 of the cruise. Your cruise voucher is sent about 6 weeks prior to cruise departure. These numbers are for emergencies only and should not be used to discuss any other requirements for your cruise.