Unique Features Include “Longer Waterway Journeys” in France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany
European Waterways has announced the release of its comprehensive brochure for the 2013 cruise season. The brochure highlights the company’s one-of-a-kind “Longer Waterway Journeys” on cruises through France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. It also offers an in-depth look at the company’s diverse fleet of luxury hotel barges, which operate on the inland waterways of these five countries, as well as those of Italy, Luxembourg, England, Scotland, and Ireland.
“Along with presenting information on our many themed cruises, onboard amenities, and the overall ‘luxury barging experience,’ the 2013 brochure lays out our cruise offerings by region, complete with colorful pictures, detailed information, maps, and itineraries,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “This makes it a great resource to help customers in picking the hotel barge, cruise and region that best fits their requirements.”
Discover Europe on “Longer Waterway Journeys”
A new highlight in the brochure is European Waterways’ “Longer Waterway Journeys,” which are truly special voyages that traverse multiple regions of Europe, including Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxemburg. They are typically longer in duration—averaging 11 to 13 nights—and cover more land than the traditional European Waterways’ cruise, which are one week.
“But don’t be fooled by the fact that these cruises cover more territory than our standard, one-week offerings,” said Banks. “You can hardly call it ‘fast paced’ when your fastest speed is five miles per hour! Our guests still enjoy the scenery and participate in local excursions that ensure they fully experience the cultural and scenic wonders of the various regions and their cities.”
Banks continued: “These longer journeys offer more of an adventure, providing guests with a rare opportunity to truly explore the character of different canals, while witnessing a wide array of charming villages, cultural attractions and landscapes along the way.”
Among European Waterways’ longer journeys are 11 or 13-night cruises from Belgium to Paris on the barges PANACHE, SAVOIR FAIRE, and La NOUVELLE ETOILE. Starting in the medieval Flemish city of Bruges, nicknamed “Venice of the North” for its picturesque canals and cobblestone market squares, the cruises will wind through Picardy before reaching Europe’s most romantic city. Another especially fascinating cruise in late Fall is a 6-week/1,000 mile cruise from Provence, France to Holland that takes guests on a once-in-a-lifetime “adventure” through several countries and on historic rivers, such as the Rhone, Seine, Moselle and Rhine.
Alsace-Lorraine and Champagne Itineraries
The 2013 brochure will also feature a new section on the cruises in Alsace-Lorraine offered on PANACHE, which joined European Waterways’ fleet last year. After a season of rave reviews from travel writers and guests, Panache will again cruise the Canal de la Marne au Rhin in the Summer and Autumn months of 2013, between Strasbourg and Xouaxange, near the city of Nancy. Along the way, it will pass the quaint villages of Saverne and Lutzelbourg. Guests will take in the regions’ rolling vineyards and forests, famous white wines, and the blend of French and German traditions evident in the diverse cuisine and architecture.
Also new this year is a section on European Waterways’ offerings in the Champagne region of France aboard PANACHE, SAVOIR FAIRE, and La NOUVELLE ETOILE. Traveling from Paris to the wine village of Cumières near the cathedral city of Reims, passengers will enjoy the River Marne and its rolling countryside in all its splendor. Rich in modern and ancient history, it is famous for its excellent cheeses and, of course, the world-famous “bubbly”, “Champagne.” Itinerary highlights include cruising past the famous Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in Paris and private champagne tastings at the vast cellars of Moët et Chandon.
Whichever Cruise They Choose… Luxury Awaits
European Waterways’ traditional 6-night cruises, operating from March until October, all offer a unique, all-inclusive luxury experience. This includes gourmet meals prepared by an on-board master chef, an open bar stocked with fine wines and spirits, guided culturally enriching excursions, and use of bicycles. Passengers also enjoy all outdoor amenities, such as on-deck spa pools, and much more.
Banks summed up: “Our intimate barging experiences are in stark contrast to the large-vessel cruises where you can easily get lost in the crowd. Whether our guests choose the sun-drenched Canal du Midi or the expansive, fairytale landscape of the Scottish Highlands, they are assured an incredible journey of discovery that includes local cuisines, cultural treasures, and picturesque landscapes of some of the most cherished regions in Europe.”
Bookings are now being accepted for all of European Waterways’ 2013 cruises. For a copy of the new brochure and for more details on all of European Waterways prices, specials, and itineraries, log on to www.gobarging.com.
