TORONTO — European Waterways is ramping up operations in Europe following the reopening of borders. 

For the 2021 season, and following the launch of L’Art de Vivre in Burgundy several weeks ago, the company has announced the addition of four hotel barges in France that will sail six-night, all-inclusive cruises. These include the 8-passenger Renaissance in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy; the 8-passenger Finesse in Southern Burgundy; the Dutch-styled, 8-passenger Anjodi; and the 12-passenger Panache in Alsace and Lorraine.

European Waterways is also now sailing in Italy with the relaunch of cruises aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita on Aug. 1. The vessel cruises between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua, with highlights that include a tour of Venice, dinner with a countess, a visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti and a tour of Chioggia. European Waterways is offering 10% off per person on its new and exclusive ‘Solo Cruise’ between Venice and Mantua aboard the La Bella Vita, which departs Oct. 10, 2021.

Also starting earlier this month on Aug. 1 in Ireland was the 10-passenger Shannon Princess. Sailing along the legendary River Shannon, the cruise treated guests to tours of castles and stately manors, a visit to a whiskey distillery, a birds of prey demonstration and apple opportunities to enjoy a pint or two of Guinness.

On the company’s restart, Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways, said: “We’re excited to see a strong, upward trend in bookings. While some cruises reflect new bookings, others represent guests who have been patiently waiting over a year to go barging with us.

“In any language, the message is ‘welcome.’ Hotel barge cruising is the ultimate slow travel experience, where good food, good wine and good company are the best parts of the journey.”

European Waterways’ ‘Book with Confidence’ policy provides flexibility in rescheduling future cruises, should they be impacted by government restrictions. Strict protocols have also been implemented, including temperature checks for crew and passengers, deep cleaning and disinfecting of all cabins and public surfaces. 

For more information go to www.europeanwaterways.com.