Magna Carta
- capacity
- 8
- year built
- 1936
- remodeled
- 2001/2002
- crew members
- 5
- length
- 117 feet
- beam
- 16 feet
- cruising speed
- 10 knots (max)
The 8-guest Magna Carta barge cruises England’s River Thames at a meandering pace that ensures her guests don’t miss the royal palaces, quaint riverside towns and astounding countryside. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a classy and spacious floating country hotel boasting a combination of traditional and modern features and an inviting onboard ambiance.
Magna Carta Barge Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Magna Carta review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Magna Carta barge review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Magna Carta River Thames barge with other small cruise ships and yachts offering small ship cruises in Northern Europe.
Choose the Magna Carta canal boat in England if you are seeking a stylish and refined England barge with a small guest count, doting crew and gastronomic delights. This hotel barge cruises some of the prettiest stretches of the Royal River Thames, accessing small art galleries, stately homes and beautiful gardens which larger riverboats can’t reach. Along the way, Magna Carta’s guests may enjoy walking and biking along an ever-present recreational path. This canal boat in England is also an ideal ship for private charter cruises, with theme options such as golf, theater, tennis and family cruises, or customize your own itinerary.
Common Areas Aboard Magna Carta
This England barge’s fine mahogany, teak and oak woods create a charming old-world atmosphere, which is complemented by modern amenities such as under-floor heating. Her large saloon and dining area invite guests to relax among stylish sofas and coffee tables (evocative of period furniture) that sit beside picture windows. Outside, two forward sun decks—an upper and a lower—feature a hot tub and lounge chairs for relaxing, as well as a table ready to set the entire passenger complement for an al fresco meal.
Dining Aboard Magna Carta
The full passenger complement of eight are welcome to indulge at the single dining table, with open seating. Mealtimes are casual, complemented by food and wine pairings from the master chef that offer epicurean delights not soon forgotten. Cuisine is focused on traditional British fare, with international favorites as well. Many allergies and special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and no fish may be accommodated with advanced notice.
Most meals offer a set menu. Breakfast may feature a full English cooked meal or continental-style options such as fresh breads, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, tea and coffee. Lunch usually consists of a light 2-course meal with colorful salads, pasta dishes and cold meats, accompanied by hot soup or an entree and dessert. Dinner is always a gastronomic adventure with a taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, complemented by fine wines and followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs.
Non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and milk are included with all meals, as is a well-stocked bar open 24 hours. The bar offers wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks. All house wines are provided with meals and guests may enjoy a champagne welcome on arrival.
Activities Aboard Magna Carta
The Magna Carta barge meets its on-land minibus for transfers and excursions that aren’t within walking distance of her mooring. The ship welcomes guests to remain on board during excursions as desired, or guests may choose to walk or ride a bike both during excursions or while the England barge cruises. This River Thames barge carries four mountain bikes on board. Additional bicycles, including children’s bikes, can be arranged with advanced notice and at additional cost. Bicycles are available almost anytime, to cycle the towpath alongside the Magna Carta barge while it leisurely cruises the River Thames, or while the England barge is stationary. Onboard entertainment options include a small library of books and maps, a collection of board games, binoculars for birding, a stereo system with CDs and guest iPod connectivity and WiFi access via personal devices (WiFi is subject to availability in remote locations). The open bridge welcomes guests to chat with the captain about the ship and the River Thames.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Magna Carta
The Magna Carta barge offers accommodation for eight guests in four suites, each individually temperature controlled with air conditioning and under-floor central heating plus en suite facilities. Choose between two twin beds or one double bed in the Henry VIII, Shakespeare and Winston Churchill suites, or select the double-bed-only Christopher Wren suite. Each suite’s fully tiled bathroom offers a shower, sink, toilet, heated towel rack, 110v shaver socket, towels, toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes and an air extractor fan. Each suite also offers four opening windows, a safe, writing desk and chair, bedside table with reading lamps and 2 USB charging ports, and a television with built-in DVD and CD player, all wrapped in hardwood walls and wainscoting. Aside from ensuite bathrooms, this canal boat in England is wired for 240 volts with standard UK 3-pin plugs.
