The only barge to ply the petite River Mosel through Germany and Luxembourg, guests onboard La Nouvelle Etoile explore this exclusive route in exceptional luxury and privacy.
From tasting wine to touring castles, excursions are interesting and varied and include Trier, a former Roman settlement with incredible ruins; the 12th century castle of Burg Eltz; and Luxembourg City, a newly fashionable spot for window shopping and leisurely strolling.
Cruising on the River Mosel is different from any other experience in barging. Vineyards line the shore, while enchanting pastel-colored towns float by. On this lengthy route, sightseeing is the principal lure.
This opulent barge recently came under new ownership. Bill and Lisa Desmond are an American couple with wide-ranging professional experience in hospitality management, engineering services, and high-end retail. They have led extensive redecorating and refitting of La Nouvelle Etoile: everything from the acquisition and display of original artworks throughout the vessel to a new Wi-Fi system. La Nouvelle Etoile already boasted a long list of premium innovations such as a lift, guest laundry facility and petite exercise room.
La Nouvelle Etoile continues to be unique in that it cruises in five countries over the course of a single season: Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg – and thus attracts many repeat cruisers. The spacious deck is the perfect place to linger with a glass of wine, admiring the idyllic scenery as the barge gently cruises through the inland waterways of Europe. Guests enjoy an extraordinary culinary experience onboard which features seasonal ingredients and regional specialties, served at a table replete with elegant Wedgewood china, Christofle silver, and the finest crystal. Wines are selected from the barge’s cellar of 2,500 bottles, while the Chef can easily snip fresh seasoning from the on-deck herb garden.
Unlike barging in other locations, it is not possible to bicycle or walk alongside the vessel as it cruises; however, once moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns and the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.
