New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/04/2011 -- European Waterways has officially launched its 2012 hotel barge cruising season with a colorful new brochure that features the newest addition to its fleet, the 12-passenger Panache, and their newest on-board amenities. Europe’s largest and most distinguished luxury hotel barge cruising company, European Waterways’ vessels cruise in France, Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

“With the largest fleet of hotel barges cruising Europe’s picturesque canals, rivers, and lagoons, we offer sophisticated travelers the widest choice of destinations and experiences,” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. “We have been in business since 1974 and are recognized as the first choice for luxury hotel barge vacations. Our discerning passengers look forward to escaping the crowded cities and immersing themselves in the scenery, history and relaxed lifestyle of Europe’s beautiful countryside – all while sampling some of the best local and regional wines and enjoying superb cuisine expertly prepared by our on-board master chefs.”

Every all-inclusive six-night cruise features escorted excursions to nearby historic and cultural attractions, gourmet lunches and dinners onboard, plus meals at select fine dining establishments, an open bar stocked with top quality wines and spirits, the use of all outdoor barge amenities such as bicycles and spa pool, and local transfers to/from the barges upon arrival and departure.

New this year is the “Barging and Biking” option, for the more adventurous passengers. This complementary option provides clearly marked maps with suggested routes, backpacks containing a hearty boxed lunch, and everything else the bikers might need to explore the surrounding countryside and charming villages along the way. Some barges also carry tandem bicycles, offering another romantic way for couples to enjoy their relaxing barge cruise. In addition to booking cabins on scheduled cruises, an entire vessel can be chartered for family events, as well as by groups of friends or members of clubs or associations. The charter cruise itineraries can be customized for family-oriented activities, wine appreciation, walking and hiking, golf, and other interests.

“All the favorite vessels and cruises are back, from Burgundy to the Scottish Highlands, from the River Thames to the lagoons of Venice,” said Banks. “Our 2012 season is already shaping up to be one of our strongest yet. With special pricing on select Spring cruises, it’s an even better reason to enjoy this unforgettable experience, and take advantage of the great value, that is a European Waterway’s hotel barge cruise vacation.”

Bookings are now being accepted for the specially priced Spring cruises and all other European Waterways’ 2012 cruises. Prices are from $3,230 per person and from $23,400 for full boat charters. For a copy of European Waterways’ 2012 brochure, log on to http://www.gobarging.com, where you’ll also find additional information on cruise rates, discounts, cruise schedules, and itineraries.

European Waterways can also be contacted at 1-877-879-8808 or by email at sales@gobarging.com.

About European Waterways
European Waterways is Europe’s largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying thousands of passengers a year. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company designs, builds, owns and operates a private fleet of luxury barges with exclusive 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 Po River 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.