October 24, 2026 — European Waterways, which runs 18 hotel barges in nine countries, has added a new Brittany, France, waterway cruise and expanded its Burgundy program. Founder Derek Banks also said fares will go up in 2027.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fleet | 18 barges, from the 6-passenger Nymphea (Loire Valley) to the 20-passenger La Bella Vita (Venetian Lagoon and River Po) |
| New | Brittany waterway cruise; extended Burgundy program (dates TBA) |
| Fares | From about $5,490 per person per week, including meals, wine, open bar, excursions and transfers |
| 2027 prices | Rising about 6–7%, which the company puts down to fuel costs |
| Bookings | About half whole-barge charters and half individual cabins |
Banks argues hotel barging should be treated as its own category, separate from river cruising: “We need to be put in a separate category.”
What it means for airline travelers
- Fares include transfers, so check where your transfer meets you before you book flights.
- Fares rise about 6–7% in 2027, so a remaining 2026 departure is the way to avoid the increase.
- No travel-industry or interline rates were mentioned.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: European Waterways: ‘We Are Not a River Cruise Company’
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