European Waterways waives solo supplement on selected cruises

European Waterways is waiving its single supplement on a selected number of cruises until May 2033, resulting in huge potential savings for solo travellers wishing to experience the delights of, as a spokesperson says, “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.”

Almost 10 per cent of bookings for the hotel barging company’s cruises through canals and inland waterways are for solo travellers. This means opportunities for sharing the journey with new friends are common.

A spokesperson says: (Solo travellers) 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 on the open deck and watch the world go by, bike along the gentle towpaths, or explore the quaint, nearby villages where the boats 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, but also want to ‘hang with the crowd’ when the mood strikes them,” adds Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “We do all the thinking and planning on the six-night all-inclusive cruises, so they can just ‘enjoy the ride’.”

Those hotel barges to which the solo supplement waiver applies include La Bella Vita, European Waterways’ largest vessel (20 passengers maximum). “Guests cruise in luxury between Venice and its famed Venetian Lagoon and the Renaissance city of Mantua,” a spokesperson says.

“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.”

Others include the Anjodi and Enchante (Canal du Midi), Finesse and La Belle Epoque (Burgundy), Rosa (Gascony) and the Scottish Highlander (Caledonian Canal).

europeanwaterways.com