European Waterways welcome the arrival of 2012 with ‘PANACHE’

European Waterways is delighted to announce a NEW addition to its fleet, the 12-passenger luxury vessel PANACHE – bringing its portfolio of luxury hotel barges on offer to 21.

The 128ft Dutch hotel barge will embark in April and May 2012 on 6-night round-trip ‘Tulip Cruises’, starting and finishing in Haarlem, visiting the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world, the world-famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda. There will also be an optional excursion to the amazing Floriade 2012, World Horticultural Expo in Venlo (5 April to 7 October).

Panache will then reposition via Belgium, Paris and Champagne to cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Mittersheim to Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine between June and October. This is a region with a unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture.

Panache is a beautifully-appointed hotel barge with spacious public areas and 6, air-conditioned double/twin en-suite cabins, each bathroom having twin hand-basins and oversize showers with massage jets. There are large panoramic windows in the saloon for viewing the passing countryside and the barge has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and hogany fittings. A large sundeck and heated spa pool complete the picture.

The on-board crew of six comprise the Captain, Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour Guide and Hostesses. Their extensive knowledge of the region, escorted private excursions, together with the availability of 12 bikes and even a tandem, combine to ensure passengers will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas in detail.

Guests can expect to enjoy regional dishes such as Sea Bass with Cucumber and Smoked Eel and Roasted Duck à l’Alsacienne, accompanied by fine wines such as Gewurztraminer Reboltz and Sylvaner Cuvée Réserve. The all-inclusive prices lead in at £2,790 per person in a twin/double suite and at £25,600 for a whole boat charter.

For more information/reservations: visit www.gobarging.com

8 berth River Cruising in Belgium.

Who are we? Maurits & Olga, owners and hosts from 1 barge, an old-timer  built in 1924 and converted in 1999 to pamper a maximum of 8 passengers.

 Where? On all the navigable inland waters of Belgium. In one day we  cover about 60 kilometres. This is a real distance for bike lovers! The  others have a lot of variation on one day. Not a single dull moment. And  Belgium has a lot to offer, even for the spoilt tourist.

 How long? Tours between weekends and 10 days, but most common is a week
 tour, 8days/7 nights. We started in 1999 and since then have had over 1,500 guests  from 12 different countries who have enjoyed our tours.

It might help that we are both experienced captains, from seagoing merchant marine ships!, speak 4 languages, love to cook and hospitality in general. A bit over  qualified, but we love our lives and let our guests join in.

For more information visit www.cruisebelgie.com