RiverBarge Excursions shuts down

[mercedes]

RiverBarge Excursion Lines has ceased operations, citing "economic conditions" as the reason.

On its website, a statement says "Rising costs and very soft bookings have forced this decision."

The New Orleans-based line was the only company offering hotel barge trips on American rivers, specifically the Mississippi and its tributaries. RiverBarge launched its 98-passenger R/B River Explorer 10 years ago. The barge was actually two 295-foot flat-bottom vessels attached together.

The company was founded by New Orleans barge expert Eddie Conrad, Jr.

This is the second American river ship company to cease operations this year. Earlier, Majestic America Line announced as of 2009 it was no longer going to offer cruises on the Mississippi and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, nor in Alaska.

On its website, RiverBarge assured booked guests that all deposits were being held in an escrow account at the New Orleans-based Whitney National Bank, with the account overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.

"As soon as these funds are made available to us, guest refunds will be processed," the statement said.

"RiverBarge Excursions would like to express our gratitude to all guests who have traveled with us in the last 10 years and thank you for your support and for being part of the RiverBarge Family," the statement concluded.

RiverBarge's phones were still being answered at 888-GO-BARGE.