European Waterways new, 12 passenger, 128ft Dutch hotel barge Panache

In its first Summer season of operation, European Waterways’ new, 12 passenger, 128ft Dutch hotel barge Panache will embark from June to October 2012 on 6-night, all-inclusive voyages along the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin, between Strasbourg and Mittersheim in Alsace-Lorraine.

Alsace-Lorraine is a unique corner of Eastern France - a land of storybook castles, rolling vineyards, as well as Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. For centuries, the great empires of Europe confronted one another at this strategic and military crossroads. The area’s blend of French and German influences are strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines, architecture and language.

Exploring this area of the world is a truly magical and varied experience and the voyage can begin in the city of Strasbourg – so easily accessible by air from the UK – with its renowned 12^th century, Gothic, pink sandstone cathedral. Cruising to its final destination in Mittersheim, highlights of the week will include:

* visiting picturesque Saverne and the majestic 11th century Chateau du Haut Barr

* a scenic drive through the Vosges Hills along the Route des Grands Crus, with a private tasting of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines

* aboard Panache, an effortless, mountain-side ascent on the unique Arzviller boat elevator – thus avoiding 17 traditional locks

* a candlelit lunch aboard as the barge passes through the two Arzvillers tunnels

* at Wingen-sur-Moder, visiting the outstanding René Lalique museum collection of jewellery and glassware - also the battleground where American infantry confronted some of Germany’s most seasoned veterans

* a final day visit to Nancy, the ancient capital of Lorraine, with its Baroque Place Stanislas, one of the grandest in France

Guests can enjoy chauffeur-driven private excursions in an air-conditioned minibus, as well as explore for themselves on one of the 12 bikes on board.

Panache guests can expect to enjoy regional dishes prepared by the onboard chef such as Sea Bass with Cucumber and Smoked Eel, Roasted Duck à l’Alsacienne and Brie de Meaux or Tomme Fermier d’Alsace cheeses, accompanied by fine wines such as Gewurztraminer Reboltz and ,Sylvaner Cuvée Réserve.

The prices lead in at £2,790 per person in a twin/double junior suite and include: local transfers to and from the barge; a champagne welcome, accommodation in air-conditioned, en-suite cabins, all gourmet meals aboard and ashore, fine wines, an all day open bar, use of bicycles and spa pool, all excursions and admittance fees and the services of the experienced crew.

Alternatively for a whole boat charter the cost is from £25,600.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

On selected departures from June to October 2012, there is £500 off per cabin; 10% off whole-boat charters from July to October 2012. Bookings to be made by 31st May 2012.

For more information/reservations: visit www.gobarging.com or contact European Waterways:

Tel: +44(0) 1753 598555 Email: sales@gobarging.com

New 'Artisan' Theme Cruise For Luxury Hotel Barge In Ireland

European Waterways  has created a new 'Artisan' theme cruise in Ireland which will particularly appeal to people interested in the crafting of handmade food products. During this 6-night, all-inclusive cruise aboard the fully-crewed, 10-passenger hotel barge 'Shannon Princess', guests will enjoy tours to see the finest craftsmen at work. People such as Ralph Haslam, the owner of Mossfield Organic Cheeses, or the owners of award-winning Meadowsweet Apiaries & Farm Shop, renowned for their delicious honey. Guests will also enjoy a trip to the world famous Clarindbridge oyster beds on the shores of Galway Bay, as well as a tour of Portumna Castle's kitchen garden, full of beautiful herbs and berries used by the barge's chef. Two visits to the "Wilde Irish Chocolate Makers" and to McGeoughs Craft Butchers & Smokehouse, an award-winning charcuterie producing among other delights, smoked Connemara lamb, complete the itinerary. Shannon Princess will be cruising between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon and across Lough Derg. Passengers will see Ireland at its finest, with rolling green landscapes, castles and an abundance of wildlife along the way, as the hotel barge explores the very soul of Ireland. Throughout the cruise, guests will be pampered by the attentive crew of five and enjoy wonderful gourmet meals prepared by onboard chef Olivia Gibbons, accompanied by fine wines and delicious local cheeses. On this fascinating voyage of discovery, each artisan our guests meet will have a story to tell. The Irish people in this region are convinced that fine locally produced products are fundamental to their quality of life and after their cruise, Shannon Princess's guests will hopefully think so too. Prices for a 6 night cruise aboard hotel barge Shannon Princess are from £2,540pp in a twin/double cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat are charters also available. Website: www.gobarging.com

European Waterways Announce a New Hotel Barge For 2012

European Waterways are delighted to announce that the stylish 12 passenger Panache is joining the fleet in 2012. She will cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Nancy to Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine with its unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, storybook hamlets and wonderful white wines. Excursions on this cruise route will feature hilltop villages and chateaux, private wine tastings and negotiating the world’s largest ‘barge lift’ at Arzviller.

As with all European Waterways hotel barge cruises, a 6 night cruise aboard hotel barge Panache, includes accommodation in an ensuite twin/double cabin all meals, fine wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Prices for a 6 night cruise aboard from £2,790pp in a twin/double cabin. Full boat charters are also available.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

NEW Luxury Hotel Barge Joins European Waterways' fleet

Leading, luxury hotel barge operator, British-owned European Waterways has launched to the UK marketplace its 2012 Brochure – and accompanying price insert – featuring cruises along the magical canals, rivers and lagoons of nine European countries, aboard a fleet of 20 hotel barges, ranging in size from 4 – 20 guests.
Traditionally 6-night departures, these relaxing holidays in France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, England, Scotland and Ireland, include: all meals on board, selected chateau and domaine wines, open bar, daily escorted shore excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

With the fully-crewed luxury vessels accommodating between 4 and 20 guests, clients can choose to either charter a whole boat with family and friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers and includes Captain, Chef, Tour Guide and Hostesses, ensuring a very high level of service.

Prices for 6-nights in 2012 lead in at: £2,090 per person aboard hotel barge Scottish Highlander in the Scottish Highlands, based on double occupancy per cabin; or £13,400 for 6 passengers aboard Nymphea, Loire Valley, on a whole boat charter basis.

Since printing the new 2012 Brochure, European Waterways is delighted to announce a NEW addition to the fleet, the 12-passenger luxury vessel PANACHE – bringing the portfolio of luxury barges on offer to 21. The 128ft hotel barge will embark in April and May 2012 on round-trip ‘Tulip Cruises’, starting and finishing in Haarlem, visiting the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom, the world-famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda. She will then reposition via Paris to cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin in Alsace Lorraine.

For more information/reservations visit River Cruise specialists The Cruise Line.