European Waterways has announced the arrival of its new 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland luxury hotel barge. The stylish vessel will cruise the Caledonian Canal and lochs of the Great Glen in the heart of the Scottish Highlands beginning June 4, 2017. In honor of its debut, European Waterways is offering 10 percent off all cabins in June and July on the Spirit of Scotland when booked before March 31, 2017.
The Spirit of Scotland features three decks of living and entertainment space with six air-conditioned staterooms, each offering en-suite bathrooms and guests’ choice of twin or double beds on the lower deck; a spacious saloon and dining areas with picture windows and a bar on the middle deck; and a full-length upper sundeck to take in the Highlands scenery. Outside there is a sheltered aft deck with a covered dining terrace and a heated jacuzzi.
The ship’s 6-night itinerary is ideal for nature lovers as well as special interest groups—golfers, walkers, foodies, and whisky connoisseurs—seeing that it includes a tour of the Glen Ord whisky distillery along with a private tasting; a visit to Culloden Moor, the setting where the last battle to be fought on British soil took place; and a tour of Cawdor Castle and gardens, the setting for Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” The cruise also crosses some of Scotland’s famous lochs, such as Lochy, Oich, Dochfour, and, of course, Loch Ness.
While on board, guests can continue their cultural immersion by sampling regional specialties made by the ship’s chef, who uses local ingredients such as wild salmon, venison and Aberdeen Angus beef accompanied by fine wines and artisan Scottish cheeses. Rates for the 6-night itinerary start at $4,450 pp in 2017, and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, escorted daily excursions, tour admissions and local transfers. For more information, call (877) 879-8808 or visit gobarging.com.
