European Waterways has completed a $450,000 upgrade and
refurbishment on many of its 18 hotel barges, which have just begun sailing
their 2017 season.
Highlights of the overhaul included a complete redesign of
the salon, dining and bar areas of the L'Art de Vivre barge, which cruises the
Canal du Nivernais in France's Burgundy region, and of the Anjodi, which
cruises the Canal du Midi in southwestern France.
Wooden parquet flooring was installed on several vessels,
and new soft furnishings and d...cor were added to many cabins and public areas
under the direction of British interior designer Marion Falchi.
The company's new 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland, which
starts its first season on the Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in June, was
outfitted with Scottish-weave tartan carpets.
Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways, said
the company will continue to make enhancements to its hotel barges on an annual
basis.