Merganser is a traditional conversion of a Dutch luxemotor barge originally built in 1931. After sailing her from her home in Holland to England in 1990 the present owners created a classic interior of mahogany, ash and other fine woods reminiscent of vessels of bygone days. They achieved this without sacrificing comfort. Her compact cabins each have en-suite facilities of shower and WC, 220/240-volt power points and ample storage capacity. Her saloon and deck capacity is generous, this latter complemented by a canopy sufficiently large to enable al fresco dining for much of the year. As barges go, Merganser is a medium sized vessel with a modest sea going capacity. She can, therefore, negotiate with comfort the large canals and rivers of France and Belgium as well as the smaller and less busy canals within France. She operates with a complement of three or four experienced crew dedicated to the comfort of each passenger on board. The cuisine is first class.

In 2008 Merganser will cruise the canals and rivers of France. Cruises will take in Paris, the Canal des Vosges, the canals of the Loire valley, the canals through the Champagne and Sancerre vineyards, the Burgundy region, the historic cities of Reims and Nevers, and the rivers Seine, Marne, Oise, Aisne and Saône. High quality tours and cuisine are features of the fully inclusive cruises. She has a well-appointed saloon with a varied library and passengers are also welcome in the wheelhouse, which doubles as a comfortable observation location. Bicycles are also freely available. Many of the routes are designed with towpath walking or cycling in mind and, whenever the route takes in an important or interesting city or town, time is available for exploration.

Merganser is fully centrally heated, with WC and shower facilities in all cabins. She is owner operated and has inclusive bar and tours. Cruise duration is six nights, Saturday to Friday, with transfers from Paris, Brussels or Lille Eurostar or hotels/airports serving these cities depending on the cruise route. Eurostar tickets may be booked on behalf of passengers as an optional extra.