On European waterways’ luxury hotel barge cruises,  like-minded fellow passengers, shared excursions and gourmet meals inspired lively conversations and camaraderie.

 The British wine critic, John Michael Broadbent, could have been describing European Waterways’ luxury hotel barge cruises when he said, “Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.” In addition to their immersive excursions, European Waterways’ unique cruises along the picturesque canals and waterways of the European countryside are renowned for their daily gastronomic meals paired with fine wine, elegantly prepared and served by master chefs. The cruises also offer relaxed luxury experiences that appeal to solo travellers, who comprise nearly 10% percent of the company’s bookings.

A Singular Experience
More travellers are “going solo” every year, according to industry surveys, and this is reflected in European Waterways’ bookings. They are attracted to the company’s cruises because guests enjoy a safe, sociable environment with like-minded travellers, dining together around the same table and participating in escorted daily excursions as a group. In between, they can sip a cocktail, or a coffee, on the open deck and watch the world go by, bike along the gentle towpaths, or explore the quaint, nearby villages where the barges dock every night – all at their own pace.

“Our cruises are ideal for solo travellers who want a little ‘me time’ every now and then, however, also want to ‘hang out with the crowd’ when the mood strikes them,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “We do all the thinking and planning for the six-night all-inclusive cruises, so they can just relax and ‘enjoy the ride.’”

Solo Supplement Waiver
Currently European Waterways is waiving the solo supplement on many of its cruises in France, Italy and Scotland through May 2023. Solo guests can save up to £2,100, depending on the cruise region. Highlights on offer include the lush vineyards of Burgundy and the Canal du Midi in France; the elegant architecture of Venice and nature reserves of the Po Valley; and the legendary Highlands of Scotland.

One of European Waterways’ hotel barges offering solo supplement waivers is La Bella Vita, the largest in the company’s extensive fleet. With accommodations for up to 20 passengers, guests cruise in luxury between Venice and its famed Venetian Lagoon and the Renaissance city of Mantua. They enjoy guided tours of museums, churches and opera houses; walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s most famous composers, such as Beethoven, Bach and Mozart; and dine with a Countess at the stately 17th century Villa Ca’Zen.

Solo supplement waivers are also available on Anjodi and Enchante, which cruise the Canal du Midi; Finesse and La Belle Epoque in Burgundy; and Rosa in Gascony. They are also available on the Scottish Highlander on the Caledonian Canal. For more information, visit EuropeanWaterways.com.