RiverBarge Excursions (http://www.riverbarge.com), a cruise operator that conducted scenic cruises along U.S. rivers on its River Explorer vessel, has ceased operations according to an announcement posted on the company’s web site and reported in Travel Trade Magazine on Jan. 2, 2009. Effective with the Jan. 2 announcement, Travel Insured no longer sells insurance for RiverBarge Excursions.

Eddie Conrad, CEO of RiverBarge Excursions, announced that his company “has been forced to curtail all operations for 2009 due to economic conditions. Rising costs and very soft bookings have forced this decision.” Conrad added that refunds will be processed through RiverBarge’s escrow account at Whitney National Bank, based in New Orleans. The account is overseen and regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission, according to Conrad.

Passengers holding bookings for cancelled RiverBarge Excursions are advised by the operator to call 888-GO-BARGE (1- 888-462-2743) for further information on the obtaining of their cruise refunds from RiverBarge.