Caroline is one of two of Ellen’s daughters in the business, and it’s safe to say that barging is in her blood.
Inspired at a young age by dinner table conversations revolving around barging, European travel, and entrepreneurial pursuits, her fate was sealed to become a Barge Lady. In 2010, this became a reality, and Caroline brought with her nearly 10 years of sales and marketing experience gained with previous employers.
As Ellen’s protégé, Caroline was a natural at the art and science of matching guests to barges. Having visited the majority of the 50 barges in our portfolio, she is pleased to nurture the longstanding personal and professional relationships that the Barge Ladies enjoy with boat owners and crew members. Back at our headquarters in Chicago, Caroline’s steady leadership ensures that Barge Lady Cruises delivers all the conveniences and services today’s savvy travelers expect.
Caroline’s passion for being active has led to her to various fitness classes all over the world, in languages that she does not speak or understand! She has a goal to walk at least five miles per day while on vacation and occasionally relents to taking public transportation in foreign cities which she finds has the best and most authentic people watching. When not touring Europe’s inland waterways, Caroline loves to explore the culture and cuisine of Asia.
Caroline says, “As I travel to Paris often, I like to inspect different boutique hotels around the city. Interacting with the staff, enjoying the amenities, and exploring new arrondissements are the best way to make expert recommendations to our clients for the perfect lodging in the City of Lights. One of the hotels I most enjoy suggesting is the XO, a 58-room boutique hotel in the 17th. Tucked away on a quiet avenue, and close to local markets, charming shops, and lively cafes, it is the perfect option for those interested in exploring a residential area. Having stayed here myself, I am able to offer this kind of insight and service to my guests, which is one of the many professional pleasures of being a Barge Lady.”