European Waterways announced that it is investing more than $500,000 toward a fleetwide upgrade program that will see cabin redesigns, upgraded on-board amenities and modernized bathrooms on numerous vessels to provide a more comfortable and immersive hotel barge cruising experience. According to Derek Banks, managing director for European Waterways, the company’s ongoing collaboration with Britain’s Marion Falchi Interiors, which specializes in luxury residential interiors, will ensure that a more contemporary style is “married smoothly with traditional features” to meet the high standards of luxury, comfort and convenience that guests aboard European Waterways’ vessels have come to expect.
Intuitive Interiors
Cabins on L’Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy, for example, have been redesigned and restructured to create a more comfortable environment in which to relax after the day’s cultural excursions and wine tastings. Aboard Enchanté, the largest hotel barge on the Canal du Midi, guests are being treated to a new built-in saloon bar where they can request a cocktail or two before the evening’s fine dining commences.
European Waterways is redesigning and improving its ensuite bathrooms. This year, they include those aboard Spirit of Scotland and Scottish Highlander on the Caledonian Canal and Finesse in Southern Burgundy. The company’s operations team near Chablis, Burgundy is also making great progress on several other fronts for next season that include new soft furnishings on many hotel barges, as well as upgraded lighting and sound systems. Among these, built-in, multi-room speaker systems will ensure that the music is in full swing whether you’re on deck taking in the sun or in the saloon, indulging in an aperitif.
“Our annual upgrade programs are all about ensuring the utmost comfort for our guests,” said Banks, “and we believe that this level of luxury should be present across every aspect of our cruise.”
Al Fresco Dining and Venetian Views
With the increasing popularity of European Waterways’ unique Italian cruises in Venice aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita, the company has upgraded its outdoor offering. Among these is a new spa pool on deck which allows guests to take in the remarkable beauty of the renowned “floating city” as they sip an authentic “Aperol Spritz” in ultimate relaxation.
“One of the simplest pleasures in life is dining outdoors on a fine spring or summer’s day,” said Banks, “which is why we’ve added new sun canopies aboard La Belle Epoque in Northern Burgundy and Finesse in Southern Burgundy. Guests can now better savor unobstructed views of the gorgeous countryside without having to worry about taking too much sun!”
Groups and Solo Traveler Specials
To help launch the new season, European Waterways is offering up to 20% off on charters and cabin prices on spring cruises throughout Europe, as well as waiving the single supplement on certain vessels. For more information and the complete list of specials, visit www.europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2019.
