By Donna Richardson
Le Boat, Europe’s leading provider of self-drive boating holidays, has today launched its newest and most luxurious cruiser, Liberty, on the River Thames, marking the UK debut of its brand-new luxury range.
Having made waves earlier this year at France’s prestigious Salon Fluvial boat show, Liberty has now sailed into the UK to redefine how holidaymakers experience the Thames. Liberty has now joined the fleet at Le Boat’s flagship UK base in Benson, Oxfordshire, where customers can enjoy a more spacious, more comfortable, and more premium way to cruise the Thames.
Designed with the British boating customer in mind, Liberty combines advanced technology with a sleek, contemporary design that’s ideal for both first-time boaters, adventure seekers and seasoned cruisers. The two-cabin model features a spacious flybridge complete with BBQ hotplate and fridge, three outdoor seating areas, full air-conditioning, memory foam mattresses, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, Nespresso® machine, and filtered water tap. Practical extras such as bicycles, parking, cleaning, and a grocery starter pack come as standard, ideal for customers looking for an easy, self-catered UK holiday.
Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat, said: “We’re proud to bring Liberty to the Thames, one of our most popular cruising regions. It’s the most relaxing and stylish way to experience this beautiful waterway and reflects our ongoing investment in offering high-quality, accessible boating holidays for customers from the UK and around the world.”
Liberty’s arrival at Benson reflects a broader shift in demand for UK-based breaks with added comfort and ease. In recent years, interest in no-fly, no-fuss travel has surged, and Le Boat’s Thames itineraries, cruising past Windsor Castle, Henley-on-Thames, and quaint riverside pubs, have become more popular than ever.
Guests attending the Liberty launch event today had the chance to step aboard for private boat trials and explore the latest additions to the Thames fleet, including the long-standing customer favourite, the Horizon cruiser.
Dignitaries attended, including Oxfordshire County Councillors Andrea Powell and Sue Brown.
We took a spin on the Liberty, and it was great to get at the helm of the ship, I was really surprised by the amazing luxury facilities onboard from a full working kitchen to cosy cabins and plenty of deck space. I also really loved the freedom of being able to move freely along the river. It was a fantastic day out on the river and a chance to live my best boating life and experience life as a skipper.
The Liberty was a sleek and luxurious vessel, featuring two double bedrooms and a single bedroom, making it an ideal choice for families.
Throughout the day, prospective buyers spoke with representatives from Le Boat’s global team. Refreshments were available, along with a lovely craft stall.
Liberty is the first model in Le Boat’s new luxury range and part of a wider £100 million investment programme with Groupe Beneteau (under the Delphia brand), which will see 400 new boats added to the fleet over the next decade. The company is also developing a new three and four-cabin model, set to launch in 2027 as part of its “Project Odyssey” innovation programme.
By 2030, 60% of Le Boat’s fleet will be made up of premium and luxury models, with further sustainability improvements planned, including HVO fuel testing in the UK and beyond.
A seven-night self-catered stay on the River Thames, starting and finishing at Le Boat’s base in Benson, onboard a Liberty, for the 2025 boating season is priced from £1,789 per boat. No experience necessary. Transport to and from the base is not included.
Find out more at , www.leboat.com/en)
