Barge Lady Jr's Burgundy Adventure Part 1

Caroline Sack Klein, aka Barge Lady Junior was thrilled to join top industry colleagues for a three night cruise aboard Amaryllis in April. The last time we boarded this divine vessel was on its maiden voyage in 2002! Since then, Amaryllis has been acquired by Orient-Express who has maintained the barge and its operation to the highest “grand luxe” standards.

 “My trip started in Paris with a night at the San Regis, an elegant jewel-box of a hotel that began life as a mansion built in 1857. This is a very fine choice in Paris for Orient-Express guests. The next day, I was chauffeured to Amaryllis, moored in St. Leger. Joining me was Valerie Ottofaro, an old friend and our account executive in the U.S. and Rory and Caroline Macrae, industry veterans who manage the five Orient-Express barges in France.

I boarded to discover a vessel of supreme elegance. From antique furniture in the salon, to lamps and chandeliers created by Italian craftsmen to Villeroy and Bosch china on the dining room table: The public areas are a treasure trove of classic European design.

The elegant salon aboard Amaryllis

In the huge cabins, however, the accent is on voluptuous comfort. King size beds are piled high with elegant pillows and comforters. Each room has a different color scheme: crimson, bayberry-aqua, pale gold and royal blue. Closets are huge with wonderful lighting and full-length mirrors. The spacious and elegantly tiled baths have every amenity, including double sinks and heated towel bars. Also heated is the pool on deck - a fabulous and unexpected amenity!

A Suite onboard Amaryllis

Since Amaryllis looks like a five star hotel, it is only fitting that it is operated like one! The crew of five magically ensured that the vessel was spotless and that each guest was constantly being pampered. The more details I noticed, the more that seemed to appear - constant refilling of the shampoo and soap bottles, linens that were changed every time I left my cabin, new coasters with every cocktail hour, different candies everyday in the candy bowl, the list goes on and on. The best part is that it just "happened" by seemingly invisible fairy godmothers. Such synergy and magic occur to make it special for 8 lucky guests!

Another topic to address...the FOOD! The creative dishes were meticulously prepared with love and passion, which was evident in each bite I savored! Below are two of the meals I enjoyed on board - and of course pictures!

A memorable alfresco lunch on board Amaryllis

~ Lunch on Deck ~

Caesar Salad
* * *
Tomato Tart
with
Olive Tapenade
Basil Vinaigrette
* * *
Fresh Tuna
with a
Mango Salsa
* * *
Escargot
* * *
  Mixed Leaf Salad  
     

~ Dinner ~

Foie Gras 
with a
Vin Chaud Syrup

* * *
Scallops in Curried Polenta Crust
Orange Scented Broth
* * *
Fillet of Beef
Roasted Butternut Squash
with
Lobster,
Bernaise Saffron Sauce,
Tomato Concase
* * * 

Cheese Platter

 * * *
Mini Desserts of:
Passion Fruit Sorbet
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Chocolate Fondant
Rhoubarb and Bourbon Crumble
     Mint and Malibu Milkshake 

                                

Hotel Dieu in Beaune

A visit to Beaune, a cobble-stoned town of great charm, was the highlight of our sightseeing. We toured the Medieval hospital, Hotel Dieu, a stunning example of French fifteenth-century architecture.

There was also time to explore the town (and of course shop) before being treated to a special wine-tasting in the cellars of Maison Drouhin, one of the top winemakers based in Beaune! It was the perfect way to top off an interesting tour of this fascinating town.

Wine-tasting at Maison Drouhin

All too soon my time aboard Amaryllis came to an end and it was time to continue my travels (onwards and upwards as Barge Lady would say) in Burgundy.

The onboard luxury, delicious food and the warm welcome and outstanding service provided by our crew will not soon be forgotten.

Our guests rightfully love the Amaryllis – and now so do I!”