Once owned by the Guinness Group, Emerald Star, Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating holidays, has announced the launch of its new luxury Horizon on Ireland’s waterways. All sales are commissionable to travel agents.
The fleet of 5-star vessels was created exclusively for Emerald Star line and features four boat models of varying sizes. The smallest is designed with couples and small families in mind, while the largest can sleep up to nine persons in four spacious cabins.
In April 2016 Le Boat, Emerald Star’s parent company and Europe’s largest operator of self-drive boating holidays, unveiled a spacious new class of cruiser designed with couples and small families in mind. Now this game-changing boat will be introduced to the waterways of Ireland along with a series of brand new Horizon models.
The luxury Horizon was designed and built exclusively for Le Boat and set a new standard in European boating holidays. Comprising the largest top-deck of any boat of its size, a sunbathing area, outside seating area and a bright and spacious saloon with excellent all around vision, the Horizon’s focus on comfort, luxury and easy handling proved to be a winner with the rapidly-growing boating holiday market.
Following the sell-out success of the 2016 Horizon boat on Europe’s inland waterways, Le Boat has unveiled plans to bring the Horizon to Ireland and introduce three new Horizon models that will further revolutionise self-drive boating holidays in Europe. The current fleet will be expanded and the series of new high-end self-drive Horizon models designed to suit larger groups in 2017.
All of the new larger Horizon models will be built to the same high-spec as the original innovative cruiser, but each will either sleep up to five, seven or nine people. They will feature the same ‘fundeck’ area for barbecues and sunbathing, providing spacious areas for socialising inside and out and deliver a 5-star experience to more holidaymakers.
Cheryl Brown, Le Boat’s Managing Director, said: “From speaking to our customers we realised that couples were increasingly in the market for high-spec cruisers that are as big on style and space, as comfort. Knowing that we wanted to give our customers something they have never seen before, we sought out the design experts at Delphia Yachts to help bring this vision to life. With one of the best reputations in the yacht-building industry, the Delphia team shared our commitment to bringing first-class yet affordable quality to holidaymakers.
“We are thrilled with the new Horizon boats and can’t wait to bring them to Ireland. The brand new larger models will also take family and group holidays to the next level. We continually invest in our fleet to keep it modern and in excellent condition and it’s a delight to see the glowing customer response to the Horizon in Europe this summer. The new 5-star boats were fully booked well in advance for 2016 and we expect the larger models will prove just as popular this year.
“Le Boat has achieved huge growth this summer and with boating holidays becoming increasingly popular with all age groups, we believe the Horizon’s exceptional design and practical modern touches heralds a new era for boat travel in Ireland.”
Named Horizon following a customer competition on social media, the name reflects one of the distinctive elements of the boat – its large picture windows. As well as ensuring a very light and airy interior, holidaymakers can make the most of the passing scenery and enjoy panoramic views at all times.
From the modern designer kitchen, open plan layout and generous headroom to the comfortable seating, convertible settee (sleeping one more) and regular-sized twin and double beds with proper mattresses, the emphasis is on making those onboard feel at home. The fleet also incorporates thoughtful technical touches, such as a flat screen TV, MP3 entertainment system with waterproof speakers on the top deck, and USB ports in both cabins.
The new Horizons will go on sale in Ireland for the 2017 season from 1st September 2016. They will be available in all of Le Boat’s key cruising areas, including waterways in Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy and the UK.
As with all Le Boat holidays, no boat handling experience is necessary and a full briefing is given before setting off.
The New 5-Star Horizons
The classic Horizon sleeps up to four people and is ideal for couples and small families. There is a large forward cabin with convertible double bed and smaller cabin for two more passengers. Horizon will be available in Ireland, France (Burgundy, Midi, Nivernais-Loire, River Lot), Holland and Italy. Prices start from €1,000/£800* for a week’s rental on the Shannon based on March 2017 arrivals.
The Horizon 2-S will be the same size as the original Horizon but sleep up to five guests with a smaller front cabin making room for a second bathroom. Horizon 2-S will be available in Ireland, France (Burgundy, Midi, Nivernais-Loire, River Lot), Holland and Italy. Prices start from €1,105/£855* for a week’s rental on the Shannon based on March 2017 arrivals.
The Horizon 3 will be a larger vessel with three en suite cabins, accommodating up to seven guests. Holidaymakers can book their holiday on Horizon 3 in Ireland, France (Alsace, Aquitaine, Burgundy), and Germany. Priced from €1,625/£1,300* for a week’s rental on the Shannon based on March 2017 arrivals.
The Horizon 4 will be the same size as Horizon 3 but configured to sleep up to nine people with four en suite cabins. The design and layout makes it ideal for multi-generational families and groups. It will be available for cruises on the Thames and in France (Alsace, Brittany, Burgundy, Charente, Lot River, Camargue, Midi, Nivernais-Loire), Germany and Holland. Priced from €2,100/£1,680* for a week’s rental in Germany based on March 2017 arrivals.
*Prices quoted are based on boat accommodation only and include a fully equipped galley (kitchen), towels and linen for passengers, a boat handling demo, technical support, onboard cruising information, and lock fees. Flights, fuel costs and collision damage waiver are not included.
The new model will also be available to own through Le Boat’s unique Ownership and Management Programme.
Own Your Own Boat
Le Boat also provides fans of self-drive cruising holidays with the chance to own their own boat. Le Boat’s ‘boat sales’ department offers various ways to bring people the pride and joy of owning an inland river cruiser, while making the sales process simple and straightforward.
Visit Boat Ownership Programme to find out more. Boat Brokerage and Private Boat Sales options are also available.
