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

Gota Canal Cruises with ewaterways

The Göta Canal is one of the most remarkable waterways in the world and one of the communication links between Sweden's two largest cities, Gothenburg and Stockholm. There are 3 vessels which ply this Canal.

The Juno, originally launched in 1874, is now the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. Travelling down Sweden’s canals on this boat is like stepping into another world. Renovated in 2003, the 29 cabins are nostalgically luxurious and tastefully fitted with brass details and handsome textiles. The bridge deck boasts a covered aft deck offering a perfect view in both sun and rain.

Departure dates: 6, 15, and 24 June; 2, 10, 26 July; and 3, 11, 20 and 29 August. Starting price £1,058 per person including all taxes – flights not included.

For more information visit http://www.ewaterways.com or river cruise specilialists The Cruise Line.

eWaterways Reveal Croatia Cruises in the Buff!!!

eWaterways the niche and river cruise specialists have just revealed the launch of four naturist cruises taking place in Croatia in 2012 on a small fleet of delightful motor sailing ships. Croatia as a holiday destination is hot, hot, hot right now with a booming tourist trade and a reputation for being a good value Mediterranean holiday. Island hopping cruises along the stunning Adriatic coastline remain the most popular way to experience Croatia’s diverse landscape but for travellers keen to add an exciting twist to their holiday, this is just the ticket!

There are two different itineraries for the naturist cruises, both of which offer plenty of opportunities for guests to be as nature intended while on-board with clothes only required when in port and during meal times.

The Kvarner Bay Island Hopping Naturist Cruise offers a round trip from Opatija where liberal holidaymakers can enjoy day trips to tranquil islands and secluded beaches for snorkelling, swimming or sunbathing – perfect for working on that line free tan! In the evenings, guests can join the crowd and explore inland dining options and enjoy tours of the picturesque towns and villages.

The nude cruise includes a stopover at Krk, the Adriatic’s largest island and visits to other picturesque islands such as Rab ‘the island of love’, Zadar and Losinj. An ideal choice for the free-spirited and adventurous, this holiday promises to invigorate the senses, relax the mind and release those inhibitions!

The 8-day cruise departs on the 16th June and 25th August 2012 with prices starting at £465 per person on a half-board basis (including taxes). Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways.

The Dalmatian Island Hopping Naturist Cruise starts and ends in Split offering a true ‘back to nature’ experience for cruisers in the calm clear Adriatic waters off Croatia’s stunning coastline. This cruise can be as action-packed or as laid back as desired with skinny dipping on the daily agenda and the option of snorkelling, cave exploring, hiking or even white water rafting on the Cetina River available – all of which can of course be enjoyed in one’s birthday suit!

Departing from Dalmatia’s capital Split, the cruise ship travels to at least two islands per day including the beautiful islands of Korcula, Lastovo, Komiza and Starigrad. In contrast to the majority of multi-destination holidays this is one trip for which packing lightly couldn’t be any easier!

The cruise lasts for 8 days and departs on the 9 June 2012 and 18 August 2012 with prices starting at £389 per person on a half-board basis (including taxes). Flights, transfers and optional tours are not included but can be arranged by eWaterways. For more information visit www.ewaterways.com or specialist cruise experts The Cruise Line.

Experience Imperial Russia with eWaterways and Luxury River Cruiser Volga Dream

eWaterways the niche and river cruise experts, continue to provide the most unique travel experiences available on water with a new itinerary for 2012 on Europe’s largest and longest river - the Volga. The exceptional 11-day Russian Cruise and Stay package takes place on the Volga Dream, a luxurious ship which journeys along this emblematic river and other important waterways to Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ cities. Starting in Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’ St Petersburg and ending in the medieval yet modern capital Moscow, this cruise promises a real exploration of this vast country’s vistas, history and culture.

The all-inclusive Volga Discovery Holiday is crammed with excursions, informative tours and the best of Russian cuisine. The impressive programme includes visits to the remarkable Palace Square and a tour of the Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg; a tour of the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 ‘onion’ domes on the island of Kizhi Island; a trip to the Cyrilo-Belozersky Monastery in Goritsy and the 16th-century Monastery of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl as well as a city tour of the beautiful 10th century town Uglich - all before a visit to the renowned Kremlin, the Flea Market and the Dmitry Blood Church in Moscow.

The elegant Volga Dream accommodates just 109 passengers in 56 well-appointed, spacious cabins, each of which feature a window, individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite flat screen televisions, mini-bars and a welcome fruit basket. With a crew of 60, including an expert tour guide, the standard of service is impeccable. One of the highlights of the cruise is the onboard dining experience. With the à la carte evening dinner taking a different theme everyday, the Chef brings fine dining to each guest night after night. From the fresh steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivre, tiger prawns and authentic Russian Borsch, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence of the kitchen. The onboard facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with meals, a chic lounge and bar, fitness centre, spa treatments and library with internet access.

The 11-day Volga Discovery Cruise will run from May through to September 2012. Prices start at £2,059 per person (including taxes) which includes 5-star hotel stays in Moscow (2 nights) and St Petersburg (2 nights), a 6-night deluxe cruise aboard the Volga Dream (full board basis), all transfers, tours and excursions, house wine and soft drinks with meals onboard and lunches and dinners in local restaurants. Flights and visas are not included.

For more information visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or The Cruise Line