
Built in
1957
Remodeled in
2014
Capacity
8
By
European Waterways
Renaissance is a luxurious hotel barge operated by European Waterways, offering an exclusive cruise along the picturesque Canal de Briare in France’s Loire Valley. Accommodating up to eight guests, this elegant vessel features spacious en-suite cabins, a stylish salon, and a sun deck with a spa pool, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and indulgence. Guests enjoy gourmet cuisine, expertly paired Loire Valley wines, and immersive excursions to historic châteaux, charming riverside villages, and renowned vineyards, exploring the region’s rich heritage. With a dedicated crew ensuring five-star service, Renaissance delivers an unforgettable journey, blending luxury, culture, and scenic beauty in one of France’s most captivating destinations.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on Renaissance, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
150 sq. feet
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European Waterways is a leading operator of luxury hotel barge cruises, an intimate way to explore Europe's most picturesque inland waterways. Its fleet of well-maintained barges travels through varied regions, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Southern France to the quiet lochs of the Scottish Highlands. Every voyage is built to bring out the cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty of the route.
Aboard European Waterways' hotel barges, guests settle into an atmosphere of refined comfort. With each barge carrying between 6 and 20 passengers, the experience stays personal and intimate. A dedicated crew, including a captain, gourmet chef, and knowledgeable guide, looks after every detail throughout the voyage. Spacious en-suite cabins, comfortable lounges, and sun decks with open views create a calm setting for relaxing and socializing.
Food is a cornerstone of the European Waterways experience. Onboard chefs prepare fine meals from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paired with regional wines. Daily excursions take guests into the local culture, with guided visits to historic castles, lively markets, well-known vineyards, and charming villages. From a private wine tasting in Burgundy to the ancient sites of Scotland, each outing is designed to enrich and inspire.
At Small Ship Travel, we focus on the small-ship cruise experiences we know well, the ones that deliver real luxury, authenticity, and personal service. After a careful evaluation, we feature European Waterways in our curated collection. Its commitment to quality matches our aim of offering memorable journeys for travelers who care about the details.
Working with Small Ship Travel gives you well-chosen itineraries and bespoke service shaped around your preferences. We work closely with European Waterways to plan your trip from the first consultation to your return home. The result is a voyage that goes beyond traditional cruising, with every detail considered.
Discover Europe's quieter corners with European Waterways and Small Ship Travel, where comfort meets exploration. Contact us when you are ready to plan your next voyage.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.