With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror and popular, global destinations open to international visitors once more, travellers are increasingly confident about booking their dream holidays years ahead to secure their spots for the most desirable experiences. It’s benefiting companies like luxury hotel barge cruising specialist European Waterways, which is reporting up to 25 per cent increases in advance bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“Whether you call it ‘Revenge Travel’, ‘Fear of Missing Out’, or simply a reflection of post-pandemic pent-up travel demand, our cabins and charters have been selling faster and more consistently through 2023, with our programme already 80% full. We are also busier than ever taking bookings for 2024 and 2025,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. His company’s extensive fleet cruises the canals and smaller rivers of the UK and Europe.

Hotel barging is becoming increasingly popular with travellers seeking holiday experiences that immerse them in the natural and cultural attributes of the destinations. Banks said that European Waterways is well-positioned to welcome these travellers. The company’s small, intimate vessels cruise through some of the world’s most picturesque countryside, some with spectacular and unspoiled views that have not changed for centuries. Their daily excursions ashore introduce European Waterways’ guests to elegant estates, castles, wineries and unique, local personalities ranging from aristocrats to canal lockkeepers, or gardeners – who might even share a meal, or afternoon tea with the guests;  or perhaps offer them a private tour while regaling them with tales steeped in romance, intrigue and old-world lore and traditions.

“These are the types of in-country cultural immersions that travellers are seeking now as they finally emerge from their pandemic ‘lockdowns’,” noted Banks. “And these are European Waterways’ specialties!”

Some availability remains in 2023 including:
The Burgundy region of France is world-renowned for its exquisite wines and elegant vistas that are steeped in romance and history.  European Waterways’ flagship hotel barge, the 8-passenger Renaissance, cruises one of the country’s oldest canals, the Canal de Briare, which connects the Rhone and Saône rivers and Seine valleys.

Among cruise highlights is a wine tasting at La Perriere winery, known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. There is also a cooking demonstration at the privately-owned Château de La Bussière. Another highlight is a cruise across Gustave Eiffel-designed aqueduct over the River Loire and the seven-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, which is listed as  a national historic monument.

Cruise fares for 6-night departures, based on double occupancy, from £5,750 (approx. USD 6,948.53) per person; exclusive charters (8 people) from £42,000 (approx. USD 50,726.13).

With its striking natural vistas and deep-water lochs, the Scottish Highlands are among the most iconic and most dramatic regions of the world, with a fascinating history that has inspired countless works of literature and art, and today continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

One of European Waterways’ newest vessels, the purpose-built 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland features an open-air upper deck that is ideal for admiring the beauty of the region as the vessel cruises the spectacular Caledonian Canal, which runs from Inverness to Fort William, passing picturesque villages and serene lochs that include the famous Loch Ness.

Itinerary highlights include a falconry demonstration on the banks of Loch Ness; a tour of Dalwhinnie whisky distillery, followed by a private tasting; visits to castles such as the iconic Eilean Donan, mysterious Urquhart, and Cawdor, with its colourful gardens. A memorable outings is a tour of the Culloden battlefield, where in 1746 British government troops defeated the forces of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, who was attempting to reclaim the throne as the rightful king.

Cruise fares for 6-night departures, based on double occupancy, from £3,990 (approx. USD 4,818.98). per person; exclusive charters (12 people) from £44,000. (approx. USD 53,141.66).