Luxury barge holiday operator European Waterways is introducing a new vessel as it marks its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The eight-passengerKir Royale will join hotel barge Panache in Champagne region of France from next May.
The new addition features three sundecks, a spa pool, an upper observation deck with a panoramic view and four en-suite cabins.
Kir Royale will cruise the River Marne and Canal latéral à la Marne from May through October.
The vessel features in a newly-published 2024-25 brochure which incudes an expanded range of private excursions and gastronomic experiences.
Derek Banks, who manages European Waterways with John Wood-Dow, said: “Growing up next to each other on the banks of the River Thames, John and I discovered our shared passion for the extraordinary experiences of river life beyond the crowds of the large cities and well-worn tourist spots.
“We decided to share this passion with as many people as possible, taking them off the beaten path to explore the history, culture, and gastronomic traditions of the picturesque European countryside – all while travelling in complete luxury and comfort.”
Wood-Dow added: “For our guests, it’s truly about the journey, more than the destination.
“Today’s more experienced travellers don’t just want to watch the world go by – they want to be immersed in the experience.
“Our cruises introduce them to like-minded fellow guests and take them to private, sometimes exclusive excursions and unique insider experiences that reveal the heart and cultural spirit of the cruise region along the canals and smaller waterways of Europe.”