Private “Cruise 4 Two” in Belgium On An Absolute 39 Express

If you have never enjoyed a cruise on northern Europe’s river and canal system, then we have another suggestion for your “bucket list.” (In case you didn’t see the movie, that’s the list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket.) And the best way to travel in a foreign country is to do so with a local guide that can take you to all of the neat spots that normal tourists will never find. And – what better way to do all of that than on a boat, with your personal captain and Jeeves all rolled into one? While doing all of that, you can also spend eight days on an Absolute 39 (which is the express version of its new 40 Hardtop) and see how you like this European brand of express cruiser.

Figaro is an Absolute 39 which is available (from April till November) in Belgium for a crewed charter by its owner, Capt. Bart, in a “Cruise 4 Two.”

Capt. Bart offers an eight day cruise to some of the most historical and exciting places in Belgium by water, including Bruges and Ghent.

Capt. Bart’s “Cruise 4 Two” makes a great second honeymoon as well as a great way to become acquainted with the Absolute brand of boats.

Recently a BoatTEST.com member submitted a photograph to us for our “Picture of the Week” section and we were so intrigued by it that we struck up a conversation and discovered that the owner of the boat – Bart Ghillemyn – has a business called “Cruise 4 Two.” We visited Bart’s website and were immediately struck by the romantic, historical and artistic possibilities of the cruise that offers. In fact we have traveled to most of the spots that “Cruise 4 Two” visits -- but wish we’d done with Bart on his Absolute 39 instead of in a cramped Opel Kadet with a Michelin Guide.

Bart is at once the owner of the two-stateroom boat, each with en suite heads, as well as its licensed captain, cook and tour guide. The two guests have the VIP suite in the forward cabin and each morning you start the day with breakfast for two on the Absolute 39. His website doesn’t explain if he serves Mimosas along with it, but our guess is that you can have pretty much whatever you want. Dinner is ashore and Bart knows all of the cozy, romantic bistros and hideaways where you can treat your honey to a second honeymoon. (Chances are it might be time for one.)

So, if you are tired of lining up for every activity or the hordes of people on a cruise ship or a land tour, this is the way to travel in style. And at the same time, you can get to know the Absolute 39.

Following is a brief description of what you will be seeing as you cruise along the rivers and canals of Belgium —

Day 1: The cruise starts in western Belgium near the French boarder in the region of Ypres. The countryside here is idyllic and peaceful and it is hard to believe that it was here that some of the most horrific and significant battles of World War I occurred here. History buffs might want to visit the war museum Flandersfield in Ypres.

Day 2: Follow the river Yser to Newport at the English Channel. Under way we stop in Diksmuide to visit the Ysertower. This was the battlefield during the Great War (1914-1918). In Newport you will see the lock that has been used to float the entire area and forced the Germans to surrender. Now it’s beautiful and quiet, cruising in this nature with scars of history.

Day 3: Follow the coastline through the canal of Plassendaele to end up at the historical city of Bruges. The centre of Bruges is an UNESCO World Heritage and a city you have to be seen once in your life!

Day 4: Visiting Bruges, you will immediately notice that this city has always carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past. What makes Bruges so unique, is the way it deals with the past. One strength of Bruges' museum collections is its great diversity, from the Flemish primitives to contemporary art, from the classic 'fine arts' to archaeological excavations, furniture, silverware, folklore and so on. Enjoy the canals that wind their way through the old city.

Day 5: From Bruges cruise to one of the most beautiful areas in Flanders, Sint-Martens-Latem. The Old-Leie is a twisting small river with luxurious houses along the riverside. End up at Auberge-du-Pêcheur, a famous hotel/restaurant where you can have an exclusive dinner.

Day 6: Continue to Ghent. Follow the Old-Leie to the centre of Ghent. In the afternoon you have time to visit the capital of East-Flanders. Visit the Castle of the Counts in the centre of the city and in the evening Bart has a little surprise for you.

Day 7: Leave Ghent in the morning for Antwerp on the river Scheldt. Antwerp, home of the Flemish Baroque master Rubens, not only has a wealth of outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and beautiful architecture, but is also laced with refreshing greenery and urban haunts. Its culture, history, vibrant nightlife and world class shopping are within easy reach. Antwerp is a pocketsize metropolis.

Your captain/host, Bart Ghillemyn.

Day 8: Visit the city or stay on board and relax. You now are near Holland which has it own special delights to offer. Then there is Paris, just a short train ride from Brussels. All-in-all, it should be a cruise to remember.

What does it all cost? $11,800 U.S., or $8,800 Euros. Transfers from the Brussels airport, breakfasts and non-alcoholic drinks are included. We suggest you visit Bart’s website of “Cruise 4 Two” to find out more about this sensational private cruise opportunity.

Visit the “Cruise 4 Two” website...

Bart GHILLEMYN Mobile +32 475 49 63 38