European Waterways is tapping into the immersive travel trend by introducing a new range of Active Experience Cruises that deliver an expanded range of activities to guests aboard its barges.

Luxury barge operator European Waterways will acquire Ireland’s only luxury hotel barge the Shannon Princess with the deal representing a significant expansion of its fleet.

Ernest Hemingway once said, “Wine and friends are a great blend.” This philosophy is at the heart of European Waterways’ dedication to offering its guests some of the most unique and exclusive wine excursions in the industry. Cruising with like-minded travellers, guests learn about the history and winemaking traditions, as well as the process, from grape growing to bottling. Excursions can feature tastings at family-owned vineyards and private tours of historic chateaux. Cruises also include gastronomic meals paired with the finest regional wines, sometimes from the very vineyard visited, where on board hosts explain the significance of each vintage and guide guests on how to best enjoy them.

European Waterways is expanding its Family Cruises to ensure guests of all ages enjoy the ultimate family holiday aboard its “private floating villa”.

European Waterways’ New and Exclusive ‘Venetian Lagoon’ Island-Hopping Cruise

Luxury hotel barge cruising specialist European Waterways says it is among companies in France set to benefit from an anticipated influx of 15 million visitors in mid-2024 to the country, fuelled by interest in the Paris Olympics from 26 July to 11 August.

European Waterways has launched new Christmas market cruises for 2023 in the Alsace and Lorraine region of France, where the old-world traditions of Europe’s colourful Christmas markets can be found in full swing during the holiday seasons.

This year, with France celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Rosa Bonheur, one of the most celebrated female artists of the 19th century, European Waterways has unveiled enhancements to its tour of the artist’s meticulously preserved studio.

European Waterways is offering a new all-inclusive Garden Cruises program available on charters of the 20-passenger La Bella Vita in Italy and the 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland on the Caledonian Canal.

European Waterways has expanded its Ultra Deluxe barge category by adding two double-decker hotel vessels to its fleet, with a capacity of up to eight passengers and a crew of five.

European Waterways is bringing back its popular Opera Cruise in Venice, available to groups who charter the company’s La Bella Vita luxury hotel barge during July and August 2022.

European Waterways is responding to an increase in solo travel demand, launching an exclusive ‘Solo Cruise’ on its largest luxury hotel barge, the 20-passenger La Bella Vita.