Cruising through the crunch

A boating holiday is not just a form of transport but your passport to the real history and culture of your chosen destination and with a brand new fleet for 2009, EBH are cruising ahead with development plans despite the current economic downturn. Holiday-makers will be spoilt for choice with a range of new routes, bases and boats added to the already impressive portfolio of boating adventures.

With a fleet of 400 Penichettes, 50 Europas and 28 bases across France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland and Poland, EBH is at the forefront of modern day boating. With no experience required, couples, families and groups of friends can wind along the scenic waterways of the most enriching areas of Europe, seeking out local treasures and sampling the authentic cuisine of each region.

Traditionalists will love the classic Locaboat Penichette; a boat packed with charm and character, lending itself perfectly to the European countryside and environmental enthusiasts. More than three new models have been added for 2009 cruises. For those wanting a luxurious alternative, the Cardinal Europa’s sleek design will appeal to travellers who appreciate the finer things in life. The new ‘Europa 700’ will take to the waterways next spring sleeping a crew of up six with 20% more space than previous models boosting Cardinal’s luxury credentials.

2009 is set to build on the achievements of the previous year, notably the successful launch of the new routes in Poland – perfect for an Eastern European adventure off the beaten track. With bases located in the North-East of Poland close to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, Mazuria – the “land of a thousand lakes” – is an expansive network of lakes, canal and rivers hemmed by great forests of pine, oak and silver birch.

France and Ireland offer the perfect escape closer to home. With 19 bases in France, boaters can explore some of most famed regions of the country through new eyes – the perspective from the water is like none other. Marvel at the colourful church steeples of Burgundy or bike along the tow-paths that line the famed ‘Canal du Midi’, watch the rolling hills go by in the Loire Valley or simply relax on the sun-deck under the Mediterranean sun.

For more information, log on to Locaboat.com or Cardinalboating.com.