La Renaissance barge

MS La Renaissance is a luxury hotel barge (cruise ship), originally built in 1960 in Belgium as a cargo barge (spitz / motorized river barge) for dry bulk shipping (mainly iron ore and grain). Today, the vessel is owned and operated by European Waterways.

The ship was converted into a hotel barge in 1997. In 2006, she underwent another refit, and in 2007 she was purchased by European Waterways and taken to a Belgian shipyard for inspection, maintenance, and refurbishment.

Formerly named "Bonne Humeur," the vessel was renamed "La Renaissance" in 2008. She began passenger operations in May 2008 on the western Burgundy canals and the upper Loire River. Her top speed is 10 knots (19 kph / 12 mph), though the canal cruising limit in France is 3.2 knots (6 kph / 4 mph).

La Renaissance features a bluff bow, rectangular hull section, and counter-hung rudder. She is the largest vessel able to navigate the Freycinet-size locks in Belgium and France. The hull is reinforced with two wear strips welded outside the chine, designed to absorb the wear from rubbing against lock walls.

The barge offers 4 double cabins, accommodating up to 8 guests, along with separate crew quarters. The crew of 5 includes a captain/pilot, master chef, housekeeper, waiter, and tour guide.

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