Ultra Deluxe

La Nouvelle Etoile

Germany, Mosel River
Cruise Along the Mosel River

Check-in Time / Location 2:00 PM in Frankfurt

Capacity
8 Guests
Crew Members
7
Booking Type
Charter & Cabin bookings

As the only barge to ply the petite River Mosel through Germany and Luxembourg, guests onboard La Nouvelle Etoile enjoy this exclusive route in exceptional luxury and privacy.

Cruising on the River Mosel is different from any other experience in barging.  On this lengthy route, sightseeing and winetasting are the principal lures. Unlike the more heavily visited River Rhine, on this cruise route La Nouvelle Etoile offers her pampered passengers a more relaxed pace. This is the Germany of romantic castles, lush forests, vast vineyards, and colorful shore-side villages.

Cultural excursions are lively and literate. Discover Trier, a former Roman settlement with incredible ruins; explore the preserved 12th century castle of Burg Eltz; and mingle with locals on the pedestrian avenues of Luxembourg City, a newly fashionable spot for window shopping and leisurely strolling. Vineyard visits and tastings at intimate and private cellars are of course a highlight for oenophiles, as the flinty white wines for which the region is celebrated are on delicious display. Prost!

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 this picturesque river. 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 hearty cuisine onboard featuring the area’s signature ingredients, dining 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 sumptuous cheeses and rich desserts made with local spices 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 memorable week with La Nouvelle Etoile along the Mosel River as she culminates her happy European journey!

Unlike barging in many other regions, it is not possible to walk alongside the barge as it cruises on the River Mosel 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.

Accommodations & Amenities View Deck Plan

Accommodations
  • 129 ft long, with 6’7 – 7’4 ceiling height throughout
  • 4 cabins, 200 sq ft, 6’7 ceiling height
  • Choice of one king bed or two twin beds
  • Ensuite bathrooms with shower and double vanity
  • Ample storage space
  • Television/DVD player in every cabin and in the salon
  • Dining room
  • Exercise room
  • Elevator
  • Deck with retractable sun canopies and wind screens
  • Outdoor dining space and seating
Amenities
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Chauffeured Guided Sightseeing
Daily Housekeeping
Daily Housekeeping
WiFi (service fluctuates)
WiFi (service fluctuates)
Private Chef
Private Chef
Open Bar
Open Bar
Bicycles and Helmets
Bicycles and Helmets
Air Conditioning/Heating
Air Conditioning/Heating
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Hair Dryer and Toiletries
Bathrobe
Bathrobe
Safe
Safe
Hot Tub on Deck
Hot Tub on Deck
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Iron and Ironing Board (on request)
Piano
Piano
Laundry Service Available
Laundry Service Available
Sound System
Sound System
220 volt outlets
220 volt outlets

Itineraries

Travel from Remich, Luxembourg to Koblenz, Germany

Bicycling Opportunities:
Limited 
 (Bicycling is completely optional.)
Sunday
Welcome Aboardsunday image
Welcome Aboard
Travel: Arrive to Remich
Meals: Dinner onboard

In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of La Nouvelle Etoile at the designated meeting point. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in the delightful town of Remich, Luxembourg. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before your first of many gourmet dinners onboard. End the evening with fresh coffee or, perhaps, a fine port accompanied by handmade Belgian chocolates – a nightly tradition onboard.

Monday
A Private Tour of Luxembourg Citymonday image
A Private Tour of Luxembourg City
Travel: Remich to Trier
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, your Tour Guide escorts you to the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, where General George Patton Jr. is buried. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg City, a striking and newly fashionable destination. Return to the barge for an afternoon cruise on the beautiful River Mosel to Trier, Germany. Laze on deck in the hot tub or socialize in the salon. Chef presents tonight's dinner party onboard.

Tuesday
Roman Ruins, Local Winestuesday image
Roman Ruins, Local Wines
Travel: Trier to Bernkastel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning's excursion is to Trier, the oldest town in Germany founded by the Romans. Your Tour Guide accompanies you to visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, some over 1800 years old, including the Porta Nigra, a huge city gate and fortification, as well as the Imperial baths, a 25,000-seat amphitheater and the impressive Aula Palatina – Roman Emperor Constantine’s throne room. Return to the barge for a picturesque afternoon cruise to tonight's mooring in the picturesque and colorful town of Bernkastel. While cruising, an award-winning local wine producer joins the barge and hosts a private wine tasting on board, followed by tonight's gourmet dinner.

Wednesday
Sip, Shop, and Stroll through Riverside Townswednesday image
Sip, Shop, and Stroll through Riverside Towns
Travel: Bernkastel to Zell
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning, explore the lively market town of Bernkastel. An afternoon cruise culminates at Zell, one of the most beautiful moorings on the river, and home to the famous Zeller Schwarze Katz or "Black Cat" wines. Visit the underground cellars of Franz Josef Weis, where the entertaining winemaker leads you through a tasting of some of his own Mosel wines. After free time to shop and stroll your way through this charming riverside town, return to La Nouvelle Etoile for canapes, cocktails and dinner onboard.

Thursday
Discover a Preserved 12th Century Castlethursday image
Discover a Preserved 12th Century Castle
Travel: Zell to Cochem
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

This morning's cruise is the perfect opportunity to relax on deck with a cup of coffee and a book from the ship’s library. This afternoon, your Tour Guide escorts you to one of the true highlights of the cruise: Burg Eltz, a fairy-tale castle nestled high in the hills. It is still owned and occupied by a branch of the Eltz family, having inhabited the castle since the 12th century. Many consider it Germany's best-preserved castle, furnished as it was 500 years ago. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile for an amble around the lovely port before drinks and dinner. After dinner, enjoy the spectacular view of this beautiful town from on deck, or perhaps the soothing waters of the hot tub.

Friday
Explore a Historic Port Townfriday image
Explore a Historic Port Town
Travel: Cochem to Koblenz
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard

Cruise in the morning to Alken, a quaint village dominated by the twin-towered Thurant castle looming above. This afternoon, your Tour Guide accompanies you on a tour of the nearby historic port town of Koblenz. Enjoy free time to walk through the pedestrian areas lined with lively cafes, local shops, and specialty boutiques. Return to La Nouvelle Etoile to freshen up for tonight's celebratory Farewell Feast hosted by your Captain and Cruise Director.

Saturday
A Sad Farewellsaturday image
A Sad Farewell
Travel: Transfer to Koblenz or Frankfurt
Meals: Breakfast onboard

After breakfast, and warm wishes from the crew, you will be chauffeured to the designated drop off point.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Gourmet Dining

Lunch
  • Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté
  • Charcuterie Board
  • Selection of Chef’s Specialty Salads
  • Vittelo Tonato
  • Cheese Platter
  • Vodka Lemon Sorbet
Dinner
  • Tuna Tartare
  • Pan Roasted Filet of Lamb with Gruyere Pommes Anna
  • Cheeses: Three distinctive cheeses offered nightly
  • Chocolate Lava Cake with Passion Fruit Coulis
  • A Selection of After Dinner Drinks
Wine
  • Volnay Clos des Chênes Premier Cru – Chateau de Meursault
  • Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru – Vincent Girardin
  • Chateau d’Armailhac Pauillac Grand Cru Classé – Baron Philippe de Rothschild
  • Vieilles Vignes de Pinot Noir – Albert Bichot
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Chateau La Nerthe

Rates & Dates

Accommodation
Value Season
Regular Season
Private Charter of up to 8 guests-$82,500
Double Cabin (Per Person, Double Occupancy)-$10,725
Single Supplement-$5,365

Dates

2025 Regular Season Departures

August 24-30, 31-6
September 7-13, 14-20, 21-27, 28-4
October 5-11

Additional Details

Included in the rate
  • 6 nights/7 days in a stateroom with a private bath
  • Round trip chauffeured transfers to and from Frankfurt
  • A dedicated onboard crew of 7 consisting of a Captain, Cruise Director, Chef, Tour Guide, and (2) Hosts/Hostesses
  • All meals onboard from dinner the first evening to breakfast the final morning
  • All wine pairings served onboard with lunches and dinners
  • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily escorted excursions including admittance fees
  • Unlimited use of onboard amenities such as bicycles, gym and the hot tub
Not included in the rate
  • International airfare
  • Cancellation insurance – A Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy is recommended
  • Suggested crew gratuity of 5-10% of the cruise price

*All rates are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted

La Nouvelle Etoile Route

Are you ready to explore the romantic
castles of Germany?

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