European Waterways Bring in 2012 with Panache!

European Waterways is delighted to announce a new addition to its fleet, the 12-passenger luxury vessel Panache, bringing its portfolio of luxury hotel barges on offer to 21.

The 128ft Dutch hotel barge will embark in April and May 2012 on 6-night round-trip ‘Tulip Cruises’, starting and finishing in Haarlem, visiting the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world, the world-famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda. There will also be an optional excursion to the amazing Floriade 2012, World Horticultural Expo in Venlo (April 5 to October 7).

Panache will then reposition via Belgium, Paris and Champagne to cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Mittersheim to Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine between June and October. This is a region with a unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture.

The new vessel is a beautifully-appointed hotel barge with spacious public areas and six air-conditioned double/twin en-suite cabins, each bathroom having twin hand-basins and oversize showers with massage jets. There are large panoramic windows in the saloon for viewing the passing countryside and the barge has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. A large sundeck and heated spa pool complete the picture.

The on-board crew of six comprise the Captain, Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour Guide and Hostesses. Their extensive knowledge of the region, escorted private excursions, together with the availability of 12 bikes and even a tandem, combine to ensure passengers will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas in detail.

Guests can expect to enjoy regional dishes such as Sea Bass with Cucumber and Smoked Eel and Roasted Duck à l’Alsacienne, accompanied by fine wines such as Gewurztraminer Reboltz and Sylvaner Cuvée Réserve. The all-inclusive prices lead in at £2,790 per person in a twin/double suite and at £25,600 for a whole boat charter.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Gota Canal Cruises with eWaterways

The Göta Canal is one of the most remarkable waterways in the world and one of the communication links between Sweden's two largest cities, Gothenburg and Stockholm. There are also three vessels which still ply this historic Canal with cruise passengers.

The Juno, originally launched in 1874, is now the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. Travelling down Sweden’s canals on this boat is like stepping into another world. Renovated in 2003, the 29 cabins are nostalgically luxurious and tastefully fitted with brass details and handsome textiles. The bridge deck boasts a covered aft deck offering a perfect view in both sun and rain.

Departure dates: 6, 15, and 24 June; 2, 10, 26 July; and 3, 11, 20 and 29 August. Starting price £1,058 per person including all taxes – flights not included.

For more info, look up www.ewaterways.co uk or the specialist luxury and river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Cruise To Floriade - The World Horticultural Expo

Floriade is an international exhibition of flowers and gardening held every 10 years in the Netherlands, attracting visitors from all over the world, and eWaterways is offering cruises through the Dutch and Belgian waterways that include a visit to Floriade 2012 as a full-day optional excursion.

The voyage is available on the Amadeus Brilliant, Diamond and Elegant luxury cruise ships.

For more details, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or the UK's river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

£1,000 off per cabin with European Waterways

In the run-up to National Cruise Week (Sept 18-24), the special offers are coming in thick and fast. Here is another river-cruise bargain from European Waterways:

On the 8-passenger Magna Carta, passengers will cruise along some of the best stretches of the River Thames, such as Cliveden Reach, Cookham and Runnymede. They will have the chance to experience the true essence of British history with guided visits to Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Dorney Court further upstream and Oxford's Christ Church College. All this with a charming riverside backdrop while being doted on by an attentive crew serving wonderful meals prepared by the onboard chef.

Or, for something truly magical, there is a cruise on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal aboard the 8-passenger Scottish Highlander and experience the true beauty of the Great Glen in the Highlands. Tours of ancient castles such as Eilean Donan and Urquhart are included, before returning to the warm barge for a wee dram before an excellent dinner, perhaps while listening to a local storyteller or fiddler.

Either of these all-inclusive cruises offers a truly unique Autumn holiday experience and, for September 25, October 2 & 9 departures, there is a up to £1,000 off per cabin.

Prices for a 6-night cruise are now from £1,590pp. Look up more info at www.gobarging.com or consult the cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd. For more about National Cruise Week this year, see www.cruisexperts.org or click on This Link.

Cruise Through Your Christmas List With eWaterways

Dating back to 15th century Germany and the Alsace region of France, Christmas markets are a fantastically traditional way to prepare for the festive season and, with eWaterways, the niche and river cruise specialists, stress-free Christmas shopping combined with a spectacular winter cruise holiday is guaranteed.



The Amadeus Brilliant and the Royal Crown, two of Europe’s finest river cruise ships, will both sail the German and French waterways this November and December to offer cruisers an authentic Christmas Market experience.



The brand new luxury river ship Amadeus Brilliant, which launched this April to much acclaim, will take in Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg, Basel and Speyer for the 6-day 'Magic of Advent' cruise on the Rhine. Starting and finishing in Cologne, guests will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds: luxurious surroundings of the cruise ship and the delights of arriving in cities bursting with festive colour, aromas and sounds.



Stopping in Strasbourg, there will also be time to enjoy France’s eastern-most city on the border of Germany, where the Christmas market takes place on Grande Ile, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the first city centre to be granted world heritage status. Guests will be able to make the most of the ambiance and excitement of the markets, each selling a plethora of hand-made and unusual gifts, whilst sipping on a steaming mug of mulled wine. This is how Christmas should be!



The 'Magic of Advent' 6-day cruise takes place on 27 November, 2 December, 7 December and 12 December. Prices start from £465 including taxes and charges per person (cruise only) and include 5 nights on the Amadeus Brilliant on a fullboard basis, the Captain’s Gala Dinner and daily onboard musical performances.



The five-star river yacht Royal Crown will embark this November on a series of round trips to Mainz for the 4-day 'Historic Christmas Markets' cruise. A major highlight of this voyage is the breathtaking city of Rüdesheim. The Christmas market here brings a distinctly festive feel to the romantic old quarter and its popular Drosselgasse – a cobblestone lane with more than 120 stalls, which, during the festive season, showcases Christmas traditions from across the globe.



Sailing along the Middle Rhine Valley - a photographer’s dream, with numerous castles, palaces, vineyards and picturesque villages - guests can opt for an optional walking tour that includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ehrenbreistein fortress and Stolzenfels Castle. The historical port city of Cologne, with its horse drawn carriages, sparkling lights and medieval churches, offers fabulous shopping opportunities at eight different Christmas markets all within walking distance of each other.



The 'Historic Christmas Markets' 4-day cruise takes place on 28 November, 5 December and 12 December. Prices start from £400, including taxes and charges per person (cruise only) and 3 nights on the Royal Crown on a full board basis, with welcome and farewell dinners.



For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

A Volga Adventure with eWaterways

eWaterways the niche and river cruise experts have a new itinerary for 2012 on Europe’s largest and longest river - the Volga. The exceptional 11-day Russian Cruise-and-Stay package takes place on the Volga Dream, a well-appointed ship which journeys along this emblematic river and other important waterways to Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ cities.



Starting in Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’ St Petersburg and ending in the medieval yet modern capital Moscow, this cruise promises a real exploration of this vast country’s vistas, history and culture.



The all-inclusive Volga Discovery Holiday is crammed with excursions, informative tours and the best of Russian cuisine. The impressive programme includes visits to the remarkable Palace Square and a tour of the Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg; a tour of the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 ‘onion’ domes on Kizhi Island; a trip to the Cyrilo-Belozersky Monastery in Goritsy and the 16th-century Monastery of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl, as well as a city tour of the beautiful 10th century town Uglich - all before a visit to the renowned Kremlin, the Flea Market and the Dmitry Blood Church in Moscow.



The Volga Dream accommodates just 109 passengers in 56 well-appointed, spacious cabins, each of which feature a window, individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite flat-screen televisions, mini-bars and a welcome fruit basket. With a crew of 60, including an expert tour guide, the standard of service is impeccable.



One of the highlights is the onboard dining experience. With the à la carte evening dinner taking a different theme everyday, the Chef brings fine dining to each guest night after night. From the fresh steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivre, tiger prawns and authentic Russian Borsch, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence of the kitchen. The onboard facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with meals, a chic lounge and bar, fitness centre, spa treatments and library with internet access.



The 11-day Volga Discovery Cruise will run from May-September 2012. Prices start at £2,059 per person (including taxes), which includes 5-star hotel stays in Moscow (2 nights) and St Petersburg (2 nights), a 6-night deluxe cruise aboard the Volga Dream (full board basis), all transfers, tours and excursions, house wine and soft drinks with meals onboard and lunches and dinners in local restaurants. Flights and visas are not included.



For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Central and South America With eWaterways

From this December, luxury cruise liner the Deutschland will embark on an exciting Central and South American sailing programme in conjunction with eWaterways, the niche and river cruise specialists.

Hailed as the ‘Grand Hotel at Sea,’ the elegant five-star cruiser is soon to be recognised under a different moniker, as a London 2012 Olympics hotel ship! But, before mooring in London’s docklands next July, the intrepid ship will offer the ultimate blend of expedition and luxury cruising. With many different itineraries to suit those seeking urban cultural encounters, off the beaten track adventures, nature discovery or relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, eWaterways and the Deutschland will start by showcasing the best of Latin America’s diverse and magical landscape.

Gold Coast of South America: Rio to Buenos Aires (Visiting Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina) Dec 19-Jan 5

Guests aboard this 18-day cruise will be able to celebrate the festive season in the party capital Rio de Janeiro, before setting sail for the historic towns of Buzios and Paraty along the Costa Verde. After visiting Punte del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, the cruise crosses over to Argentina, where passengers will cruise the Parana River - the continent’s second longest river after the Amazon - docking in Rosario, a city famed for its neoclassical architecture. From here the glistening skyline of capital city Buenos Aires beckons, the final destination on this remarkable cruise where guests can celebrate the New Year in style.

Prices start from £5,610 on a full board basis, including sightseeing and excursions. Cruise only price excluding visas.

Central American Exploration: February 27-March 16, 2012

Starting in the Mexican city of La Paz, this 19-day cruise offers a full exploration of Central America. Cruising to the peaceful, secluded bays along the Pacific Coast there is opportunity to partake in an educational trip to the ancient Mayan pyramids in the middle of the Guatemalan rainforest.

The cruise continues along the coast for an exploration of less visited destinations like El Salvador and Nicaragua. Mooring at Acajutla, passengers will be able to spend a day exploring the main sea port of Central America’s smallest country before arriving in the sleepy town of Corinto in Nicaragua. A real treat for the Deutschland’s guests, Corinto’s virtually untouched beaches and idyllic tropical surroundings evoke a romantic bygone age. In Costa Rica, there are the naturally beautiful landscapes of Punta Arenas, a surfers’ favourite, and the lush port town Golfito.

The final destination on this cruise is Panama starting with Isla Coiba, a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to many indigenous plant and wildlife species. The voyage concludes with a visit to Isla del Rey, the largest island of the Pearl Islands before drawing to a close in Panama City.

Prices start from £5,895 on a full-board basis including sightseeing and excursions. Cruise only price excluding visas.

For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Experience Andre Rieu Live With eWaterways

eWaterways, the niche river cruise experts, continue to expand their luxury cruise portfolio with the addition of five-star river yacht Royal Crown. The luxury cruiser renowned for its private members’ club feel and bespoke client service includes a unique opportunity to see André Rieu, the internationally renowned Dutch violinist and composer at the Vrijthof Theatre, as part of her European sailing programme.

The André Rieu Journey is an 8-day river cruise on which guests will discover the historically rich cities of Rotterdam, Willemstad, Veere, Middelburg, Antwerp, Maastricht and Nijmegen. Starting in the celebrated Dutch city of Rotterdam, uests are welcomed onboard with a cocktail reception before settling in to their cabins and enjoying the first of many fine dining experiences.

The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly Maastricht and the evening’s musical event at the Vrijthof. Arriving at daybreak in the famous city, guests will notice how the architecture contrasts that of other Dutch cities due to its Belgian and German influences. The day can be spent sightseeing on an official tour or discovering the traditional market and the sophisticated shopping district before experiencing an unforgettable open air concert hosted by André Rieu and his orchestra at the Vrijthof.

After an exceptional night of classical entertainment, Royal Crown voyages to Nijmegen. Arriving here during the afternoon you will have a few hours of leisure time to explore this pretty waterfront town, set against the dramatic backdrop of the city centre, where old and new combine effortlessly.

Historic buildings have been given a modern twist and its strategic location was the main reason why the Romans established themselves here. The town blossomed under Emperor Karl the Great and Nijmegen later became a member of the Hanseatic League and an important university town. The ship leaves here during the night, heading back towards Rotterdam.

At full capacity, Royal Crown caters for just 88 guests in 44 luxuriously appointed cabins with flatscreen TVs and other mod cons to promise a memorable and refined cruise holiday. Often described as an “Orient Express on Water”, the river yacht exudes 1930s glamour and style with Art Deco design and bespoke butler service.

The 52-strong team caters to individual needs with every comfort onboard considered, from the choice of pillow to a favourite drink. The traditional ambiance and décor is propelled into the 21st century with modern facilities, ncluding a deluxe spa, golf putting area, well-equipped fitness room and 24-hour multimedia business lounge.

The Andre Rieu Journey departs on July 10 for 8 days, starting and finishing in Rotterdam, and includes a ticket to the Andre Rieu concert in his home town of Maastricht. Prices start from £1,299 per person.

For more information, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or the luxury and river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.