European Waterways

a wonderful way to experience the Scottish highlands and Scottish culture . The staff were very helpful and friendly with good information about the food and wine most of which was of the region.

Superb service , this is the fourth EW cruise I have taken and definitely one of the best

I made all contact with European Waterways to book for four people. The service was both professional, reliable and a pleasure. I have been in touch with European Waters many times since the trip (particularly Emily) and the experience has been the same.

This is the 2nd time we have traveled with European Waterways and on both occasions we have been very pleased. The two were quite different from each other but both have been very good. Inspite of the weather on both occasions.

The Spirit of Scotland crew was fabulous: Captain Melissa; Tour Director Helen; Chef Joe; Hosts Ang and Lory and Crew Assistant Daniel. No request was unreasonable and they simply could not do enough for us. All meals were gourmet and set on a lovely table. The cabins were well appointed and comfortable and the barge was extremely clean. This was one of my most memorable vacations. I would recommend this tour to anyone that appreciates an intimate experience on the Caledonian Canal in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.

Hotel Barge Panache cruise September 14th ---- October 20th

Captain and crew of Hotel Barge Panache were a group highly professional individuals giving passengers an unforgettable cruising experience.The presentation of meals,excursions were of individuals proud of their chosen profession.

Our week aboard the Shannon Princess was divine. Great crew, great food, and great scenery. This was our second trip with European Waterways and there will be more.

Specific instructions where to meet the tour driver at Bordeaux rail station were not given, resulting in a lengthy wait to find all guests. (In 32 degree Celcius heat) We were told "in front of railway station" Other guests were told " at the taxi rank in front of station" . Bordeaux station is huge with many arrival halls. There is no parking "in front of railway station". The guide actually parks at the BACK of the railstation. It would be so easy to tell guests "go to cafe at Hall 3" as this is right at the back door exit where the guide parks.

I loved the prompt and friendly email communications from the staff, especially Brenda, who seemed to become family after all the messages from the other side of the world.

Our 3rd cruise experience with EW - and just as good as the other 2. Staff brilliant, excursions memorable (and different from the usual touristy things) and food wonderful (apart from a new tendency to serve meat & fish half cooked or almost raw which meant we had to often ask for a "re-cooking ". ) We noticed this in other parts of our visit to Europe this year, and just hope this food fad will eventually pass!!

The captain and crew and their services were absolutely first rate.

European Waterways barge cruise of the Caledonian Canal from Inverness to Ft William/Banavie was very enjoyable, educational and relaxing. The food and service was excellent. The crew, Captain: Mick, Chef: Charlotte, 2nd in Command: Graham, Guest Caretaker: Ann Marie and Seaman 1st Class: Norman were all helpful with information and both historical, nautical and culinary. I made the last cruise of the season and the weather was chilly. But I prefer that. I had a great time and would recommend it anyone wanting a relaxing tour of Scotland's highlands.

I went into detail on my evaluation pages, which I mailed to England a week or more ago, but briefly, I loved everything about my barging experience with them. The crew was the best , & made the trip as outstanding as it was. The food & service day & night was the best ever.
The itinerary with all the shore excursions was very good. Our every wish was fulfilled all day every day, by the amazing crew. The Panache was a wonderful boat in every way. I loved being able to walk or ride bikes every day if we wanted. The entire baring experience was really wonderful , & one which I shall always remember & cherish.

Mathew our guide was a wonderful story teller that made mideval and ancient history come alive!!

Our recent, September 2019, Spirit of Scotland trip was wonderful and exceeded our expectations. We definitely recommend and will travel with European Waterways again!
- Pamela and Russell Howerton

As described in the literature and videos, La Belle Époque was an over the top experience from the time we met captain Luke at the Hotel Westminster to our good-byes after a week of glorious customer service, food, wine, excursions, scenery, living history, more food & wine???? and great camaraderie with the other passengers and crew!! The Burgundy region has so much to offer.

The crew....captain Luke, chef Arnie, pilot Fred, deckhand Matais, and hostesses Deanna and MaryJean (sp?)....were seamless in their attention to detail. They planned the week perfectly, anticipated our every need and really made us feel at home and pampered for the week. Can’t say enough good things about this crew. Hope we get to see them all again.

As first time bargers, we were very fortunate to travel with very good friends who had been on two previous EW trips, and we were joined by six other fellow passengers (a US couple and four Aussies) all of whom were great fun to spend time with.

Already pouring over the catalogue in order to start thinking about our next EW destination, with lots of great choices.

Fantastic week, a real french experience. I really did not expect to be pampered as much as we were. The staff were fantastic, really friendly and nothing was too much trouble, they really worked hard to make you feel welcome and special, The food from our chef, Lee, was excellent, loads of variety and a real french journey with great wines and cheeses. The itinerary was great and all of the activities were inclusive in the price. A perfect week in a great location on a beautifully converted barge, and the weather was kind as well. Absolutely 5 stars.

We were unable to join our bespoke barge trip due to illness, but the other 3 couples all raved about the barge, food, crew, points of interest. As I organized the trip, I would have appreciated someone from European Waterways to reach out to me on learning I had to forfeit the trip.

The trip aboard the Scottish Highlander was first class in every aspect - from the friendly and professional crew, to the superb food, to the interesting destinations along the way. This was my third trip with European Waterways and I am already planning my next trip with them.

This third experience with European Waterways was as excellent as the previous two. The equipment, itinerary, and (especially) the personnel have always exceeded our expectations. We WILL be there for a fourth barging experience.