Magna Carta Barge — READER REVIEW of a Thames River Cruise

Magna Carta Barge Review

Reviewer

Deb Driscoll from the US.

Cruise Line

Magna Carta. (Sold through European Waterways and Barge Lady Cruises)

Ship

The 8-passenger Magna Carta.

Destination

Thames River, England.

# of Nights

6.

Departure Port

London, England.

Date of Cruise

May, 2025.

Ratings

(5=excellent, 4=very good, 3=good, 2=poor, 1=terrible)

-Overall Experience Rating: 4

-Food Rating: 5

-Service/Crew Rating: 4

-Cabin Rating: 4

-Itinerary Rating: 4

 

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Magna Carta Barge Review

Embarking on a journey aboard the Magna Carta offered a unique perspective on England's waterways. And while it may not have been the floating equivalent of a five-star hotel, it delivered an experience rich in charm, culinary delights, and unexpected adventures. This review offers a candid, yet appreciative, look at a cruise that proved to be anything but ordinary.

The Vessel: From Cargo to Cozy Haven

The Magna Carta, an ex-sand cargo barge dating back to 1936, has undergone a remarkable transformation at the hands of her dedicated Captain, Dom, and his partner. The onboard photo book detailing this painstaking renovation is a testament to true passion.

While I may have harbored expectations of a “naval Orient Express,” stepping into the lounge quickly disabused such notions. Instead, guests are greeted by a delightfully homey ambiance, complete with comfy blue leather couches, well-stocked bookcases, and an abundance of potted greenery.

The outside deck has a pleasant seating area, including a hot tub! — perfect for observing the passing scenery.

Accommodations: The Henry VII Suite

Our abode, the Henry VII suite at the stern, was surprisingly generous in size. Ample storage allowed for complete unpacking, with suitcases discreetly stowed beneath the beds. The en-suite bathroom proved equally accommodating, boasting a generously sized, heated towel bar, a comfortably sized stand-up shower, and excellent lighting. A consistent supply of hot water and robust water pressure for both showers and facilities throughout the cruise were notable comforts.

Echoing the lounge's aesthetic, the room's decor leaned towards the informal, with artwork befitting its namesake and his matrimonial history. The staff's meticulous attention ensured the room and bathroom remained impeccably clean.

VIDEO: Below is look around Deb's Henry VIII cabin aboard Magna Carta.

https://youtube.com/shorts/HFX3EmMwpNw?si=Z9IcK9I4hQS0eJfv

 

Culinary Canvas: Chef Tom's Masterpieces

Chef Tom’s artistry in the galley is undeniable; each dish presented was a visual feast, matched only by its exquisite flavor. All meals were served onboard, starting with breakfasts featuring an freshly baked breads and pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and eggs prepared to order. The sole minor quibble was the pod coffee machine; for those of us requiring a minimum of two cups to achieve full sentience, a character-building delay was frequently necessitated. I strongly encourage Dom and KT to consider installing a large self-serve coffee pot!

Lunches and dinners were consistently original and beautifully presented, and accompanied by complimentary red and white wine pairings. The dining atmosphere was notably convivial, with both guests and staff engaging in lively exchanges of personal anecdotes and jests, fostering a wonderfully laid-back onboard camaraderie.

The Journey: Sunshine & Unexpected Twists

The celestial arbiters of weather smiled upon our voyage, granting us an entire week devoid of rain — a truly rare blessing in England.

Here's a day-by-day look at our week:

Day 1: London Rendezvous

The cruise started with a meet-up at London's Stafford Hotel. Following a lovely English tea, our guide SJ (Sarah Jayne) chauffeured us to the barge in a large van. After settling in, we gathered in the lounge, where we were introduced to the affable staff – Lisa and Denisa – and the culinary maestro, Chef Tom. He graciously engaged with the guests, noting preferences and even accommodating requests for dishes like Dover sole and baked Alaska, while outlining the week's gastronomic journey. Captain Dom and his wife KT along with Stuart, the Captain-in-training (more on him later!), completed our welcoming committee.

Day 2: Oxford's Scholarly Charms

Post-breakfast, SJ whisked us away for a self-guided audio tour of Oxford, which was wonderful. After a return to the barge for lunch, the afternoon unfolded with a leisurely cruise. Despite the chilly, grey skies, the absence of rain encouraged many to remain on deck, wrapped in the delightful windproof blankets thoughtfully provided by the ever-attentive staff. Moored in Hurley for the day and overnight, there was time for Captain Dom to personally escort us to a historic local pub for a convivial round of beers, followed by a fascinating tour of a nearby boatyard specializing in classic wooden boat restoration.

Day 3: Downton Abbey & Departures

Breakfast was followed by a pilgrimage to Highclere Castle, the iconic setting for “Downton Abbey.” The tour of the house and grounds (and, inevitably, the gift shop) was a highlight. Returning for lunch, we then cruised to Cookham to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery. The gallery proved somewhat underwhelming and our time in the charming town was regrettably brief before SJ gathered us for the return to the barge. We moored at the edge of the magnificent and wooded Cliveden estate.

It was here that we observed our assistant Captain, Stuart, departing with his holdall over his shoulder. Waving him off with cheerful farewells, we later learned that his rather abrupt departure was due to his being, shall we say, ‘released from duty' under less-than-happy circumstances. This unexpected turn necessitated a scramble by Dom and KT to secure a former colleague to “babysit” us passengers overnight, as they had prior commitments off the boat. It was honestly a little weird, and left us with many questions that we were all unfortunately too polite to ask.

Day 4: Biking Ambitions & New Responsibilities

The morning tour of Cliveden was thoroughly enjoyable. My traveling companion and I, seizing an opportunity for active exploration, decided to cycle to our next destination, Windsor. While bikes are advertised as available, their use is, shall we say, not enthusiastically encouraged. One gleaned the distinct impression that their deployment was an inconvenience for the staff, with vague allusions to towpath accessibility issues serving as gentle dissuasion. Prospective cyclists, be forewarned: firm resolve and prior planning are essential. Our ride, however, was pleasant, and we successfully rendezvoused with the barge in Windsor.

That evening, and for the remainder of the cruise, Chef Tom valiantly stepped into the role of overnight “babysitter,” allowing Dom and KT to attend to childcare and other professional obligations off the boat. While understandable, Dom and KT's candid discussions of their outside commitments occasionally left guests with the slight impression of being a charming, albeit logistical, inconvenience in their busy lives.

Day 5: Windsor's Crowds & Pub Solace

Windsor Castle, alas, proved to be absolutely overrun with tourists, diminishing the enjoyment of the experience. SJ efficiently provided headphones and cassettes for the self-guided tour, after which we dispersed into the throngs. The audio tour, unlike Oxford's, was less compelling, and the sheer volume of people prompted my friend and I to abandon the interior for a stroll through the grounds, culminating in a restorative pint at a delightful historic pub in town.

Day 6: Hampton Court & Farewell Adjustments

The morning was spent cruising through picturesque countryside to the barge's final mooring near Hampton Court Palace. A minor hiccup with SJ's van, which necessitated a trip to the repair shop, was replaced with Ubers to transport us to the palace. SJ's guided tour of Hampton Court was exceptional, particularly her focus on its history through the fascinating lens of Henry VIII's wives.

Adding to the subtle sense of being a delightful, yet perhaps challenging, addition to their lives, the Captain's Farewell Dinner had to be regrettably cancelled due to  (surprise surprise) childcare conflicts. However, at least Captain Dom had joined us for lunch earlier in the week, a most enjoyable and pleasant opportunity to chat and ask him questions.

Day 7: Smooth Departures

With SJ's van still undergoing repairs, the staff efficiently arranged Uber transportation for all guests to their various onward destinations after breakfast.

Final Impressions: A Truly Unique Voyage

As I've shared in my Magna Carta barge review, while perhaps not conforming to traditional notions of luxury, offers a uniquely intimate and genuinely charming experience. The “homey” decor contributes to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Chef Tom's culinary prowess is a standout, and the dedicated, adaptable staff (even when faced with unexpected personnel changes) ensured a comfortable and memorable journey. For those seeking an authentic, less formal, and highly personalized river cruise, the Magna Carta is a delightful discovery.

How many small-ship cruises under 300 pax have you been on?

4.

Hope you enjoyed this Magna Carta barge cruise review!

For another and more in-depth review, check out Heidi's full accounting of a Magna Carta barge cruise.

 

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