New Barge, New Itineraries and Special Savings on Select Cruises Spur 2012 Season Bookings on European Waterways

Online, December 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruising company, is already reporting a brisk pace of advance bookings for 2012, suggesting it will enjoy one of its best years ever. Helping to spark interest are the company's many special offers on select cruises that include the new addition to its luxury fleet, the 12-passenger Panache. European Waterways will also be offering new amenities on some of its barges, such as various "barging and biking" options that will appeal to both leisurely and more active bikers during their cruise.

For the best cruise values, April is the sweetest month on European Waterways. The company is giving 10% off per cabin and whole boat charters on all April departures on La Belle Epoque and L'Art de Vivre, which cruise the Burgundy region. It is also offering the same value in April on Anjodi on the Canal du Midi, and the Scottish Highlander in Scotland. Meanwhile, those who book by January 6, 2012 can get great values on Enchante' with 5% off whole boat charters from May through October 2012. Rosa offers 10% off whole boat charters for all March, April and May 2012 departures on the Canal du Midi and Gascony, as well as 5% off on all whole boat charters for June through October 2012. All cabin rates are based on double occupancy and other restrictions may apply.

Venice is another favorite destination for experienced travelers in the Spring. Temperatures are generally pleasant and the summer tourist crowds haven't yet packed the picturesque streets or filled out the lines at the museums. One of European Waterways' newest and most popular vessels, the stylish and spacious 20-passenger La Bella Vita, invites guests for a memorable Spring cruise along the famous River Po between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua. Passengers can enjoy 10% off whole boat charter prices for all April departures, and 5% off all whole boat charters for May through October departures. Bookings must be made by January 6, 2012 to qualify.

Doing it with Panache
European Waterways' newest addition, the Panache, features six air-conditioned Junior Suites, all with full, private bathrooms and oversized showers. The Panache launches in 2012 with the early season 'Tulip Cruises' in Holland that visit the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens as well as the city of Delft, home to the world famous Delft pottery - known for its distinctive blue and white patterns. Cruise options include an opportunity to visit Floriade 2012, the spectacular World Horticultural Expo that takes place only once every 10 years.

The boat is repositioned later in the season to Alsace Lorraine, where guests will experience a unique mixture of French and German cultures, explore storybook hamlets, and enjoy wonderful white wines as the barge cruises the scenic waterways between Nancy and Strasbourg.
Of classic Dutch design, the barge is traditionally furnished with warm colors, brass and mahogany, and features a spacious, heated pool, bicycles for passenger use, and a professional crew of five that includes a Master Chef.

Values All Season
European Waterways is celebrating the addition of the Panache to its extended family of luxury hotel barges with special savings all season long. This includes 10% off whole boat charters on the Panache for April and May departures, if booked by January 6, 2012. Passengers can also enjoy 20% off per cabin and whole boat charters on the May 20 and 27th repositioning cruises through Belgium and Northern France. Whole boat charters are also available at 5% off for all June through October departures on the Panache if booked by January 6, 2012. Cabin rates are based on double occupancy.

"Like our new vessel, European Waterways does everything with great 'panache,'" said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. "Whichever itinerary they choose, our guests are assured of accommodations that are unequaled for luxury and comfort; spectacular sceneries; and unique experiences that provide a lifetime of wonderful memories."

About European Waterways
European Waterways is Europe's largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying nearly 2,000 passengers a year. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company designs, builds, owns and operates a private fleet of luxury barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy, and the "real" Loire Valley. They are also the only cruise company offering barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley, as well as the first company to offer an Avignon-to-Amsterdam 6-week trans-Europe cruise, a 1,000 mile journey along Western Europe's inland waterways.

For more information, pricing, cruise schedules and a copy of their new brochure, contact European Waterways at 1-877-879-8808, by email at [email protected], or visit their website at www.gobarging.com.

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