Enjoy a luxurious cruise in spring during Holland’s “Tulip Time” aboard La Nouvelle Etoile! Pampered passengers immerse in the colorful flora and blooming flowers at Keukenhof, the Netherlands’ largest and most famous garden.
The curated itinerary of local connections does not stop there; observing artisans painting handmade Delft pottery, discovering a museum full of gorgeous Dutch Masters paintings, and sampling locally made cheeses provide an insider’s view of this fascinating country. Visits to preserved churches, private tours of charming towns, and window shopping along pedestrian avenues further bring Holland’s culture and lifestyle to vibrant life.
La Nouvelle Etoile’s onboard experience is equally inviting. The spacious sun deck is the perfect place to linger glass of wine, admiring the idyllic scenery along picturesque rivers and living canals. Lazing in the topside hot tub, socializing in the lovely salon, or chatting with the Captain in his wheelhouse add to the gracious ambiance onboard. Four beautifully appointed staterooms, newly refurbished and among the largest in barging, ensure ample space and personal storage.
Guests savor extraordinary cuisine onboard, featuring seasonal ingredients and regional specialties, and served at a table replete with elegant Jacquard linens, Wedgewood China, Christofle silver, and the finest crystal. Premium wines are selected from the barge’s cellar of 2,500 bottles, while Chef can easily snip fresh seasoning from the on-deck herb garden. Platters of regionally made cheese and desserts crafted with fine Dutch chocolate round out La Nouvelle Etoile’s gourmet delights.
Owned and operated since 2021 by Bill and Lisa Desmond, an American couple now residing in the Netherlands, La Nouvelle Etoile’s unique schedule encompasses five countries and offers six different cruise itineraries over the course of a single season — Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg. Experience a cruise with the “Dutch touch” as La Nouvelle Etoile begins her happy European journey!
Unlike barging in many other regions, it is not possible to walk alongside the barge as it cruises in Holland and bicycling opportunities while cruising are limited; however, while moored, active guests can disembark to explore port towns or the surrounding countryside by bicycle or on foot.
