New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2011 -- European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruise company, announced the launch of its 2011 season with a bounty of spring specials that offer savings of up to $5,000 for whole-boat charters, $1,000 off per cabin, and a host of other great values on some of the most popular barging routes in Europe. The discounts are valid for many April and May 2011 departures and booking deadlines vary.
In addition to discounts for many Burgundy cruises, specials include $5,000 off the charter price for the newest member of the fleet, La Bella Vita, which cruises Venice to Mantua. Additional spring specials include cruises on the Canal du Midi, which translates as the Canal of the Two Seas. A UNESCO Word Heritage Site, the picturesque canal connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean.
European Waterways also offers $3,000 off whole boat charter prices for cruises in Scotland and England, as well as a Holland Tulip cruise with April departures at 25% off full charter price for 10 to 12 passengers.
Vessels accommodate from 8 to 12 passengers, with up to 20 passengers for La Bella Vita. Cabin rates are based on double occupancy and all rates are subject to certain restrictions. Complete information is available at http://www.gobarging.com.
"The more passengers aboard a charter cruise, the greater the value,"noted European Waterways President Derek Banks. "Barge cruising is rapidly becoming one of the most popular vacation options in Europe, and with higher demands for this unique vacation experience, travelers are booking early to ensure they get the best departures dates and itineraries."
Hello Beautiful
The latest addition to European Waterways' extensive fleet, La Bella Vita is a wonder of modern comfort and convenience. The vessel, whose name is Italian for "the beautiful life,"truly lives up to its name, offering a unique itinerary that spans the Venetian Lagoon and the River Po Valley to the Renaissance city of Mantua, a name derived from the Etruscan god Mantus of Hades. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mantua traces its roots to the Roman period and features many medieval buildings such as the magnificent 14th century Ducal Palace.
Onboard La Bella Vita, guests truly enjoy the good life, with gourmet dining, fine wines and unforgettable tours of famous cultural and historic attractions- all while being catered to by a friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking crew. The vessel accommodates from 12 to 20 passengers and European Waterways is offering $5,000 off the charter price if booked by February 25.
"When Frank Sinatra sang 'to the good life,' he could have been talking about a cruise on La Bella Vita," said Banks. "The scenery is magnificent from its spacious, sun-drenched deck, the accommodations are superb, the food is sumptuous, and the company is unbeatable."
Rosa's Sweet Savings
Rejoining European Waterways' extensive fleet, the 8-passenger Rosa offers an unforgettable cruise through Gascony or the Canal du Midi, depending on departure date. An old Dutch "Clipper" barge, it was completely renovated in 2010 to meet European Waterways' high standards of luxury. Its Gascony cruise offers guests wine, Armagnac and foie gras tastings, a visit to Moissac and the ancient abbey, a gourmet dinner ashore, as well as the opportunity to explore the wines of Bordeaux.
Rosa's classic Canal du Midi cruise includes a visit to La Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Gallo-Roman era and features the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. It also includes an excursion to the wineries of the Limoux region, which offer the famous "blanquette," wines, which are made from the white grapes of the region. European Waterways offers $3,000 off the whole boat charter for all April and May departures if booked by February 25.
Log on to http://www.gobarging.com for additional spring specials, including 50% off companion price for select cruises in April & May.
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 sales@gobarging.com, or visit their website at http://www.gobarging.com.
Media Contact
Mario Almonte
Herman & Almonte PR
malmonte@herman-almontepr.com
212-616-1190, ext. 267