Liberty Makes UK Debut at Benson

The first of Le Boat’s brand-new Liberty fleet has now made its official UK debut.

After turning heads at France’s Salon Fluvial boat show, Liberty has now arrived in the UK to redefine Thames cruising. The boat is now part of the fleet at Le Boat’s flagship UK base in Benson, Oxfordshire. Customers can now enjoy a more spacious, comfortable, and premium boating experience on the River Thames.

Liberty was designed specifically with British boating customers in mind, offering style, technology, and comfort.

All mod cons

This two-cabin model includes a large flybridge, a BBQ hotplate, a fridge, and three outdoor seating areas. Inside, guests enjoy full air-conditioning, memory foam mattresses, and a well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, filtered water tap, and a Nespresso® machine for added convenience. Extras such as bikes, parking, grocery packs, and cleaning are included as standard.Thoughtful touches that make Liberty ideal for an easy, self-catered UK holiday.

Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat, says: “We’re proud to bring Liberty to the Thames, one of our top cruising regions. It’s a stylish and relaxing way to experience this stunning waterway,” she continues. “It reflects our commitment to high-quality, accessible boating holidays for UK and international guests.”

Liberty’s arrival meets growing demand for comfortable, no-fly UK-based breaks. Travelers increasingly seek relaxing trips without the stress of airports or long flights.

Le Boat’s Thames itineraries, which cruise past Windsor Castle and Henley-on-Thames, are growing in popularity. Charming riverside pubs and peaceful countryside settings add to the route’s appeal.

Cut above the rest

The new Liberty Class are a cut above and perfect for exploring at a slower pace. They are also the first model in Le Boat’s new Luxe range.

It’s part of a wider £100 million investment plan with Groupe Beneteau under the Delphia brand. Over the next decade, 400 new boats will join the fleet as part of this programme. Le Boat is also developing three and four-cabin models, set to launch in 2027. These new designs are part of the company’s forward-looking “Project Odyssey” innovation strategy.

By 2030, 60% of Le Boat’s fleet will consist of Premium and Luxury boats. Sustainability upgrades are also planned, including testing HVO fuel in the UK and abroad.

A seven-night self-catered stay on the Thames aboard Liberty starts at £1,789 per boat in 2025. No boating experience is required to enjoy the Liberty or any Le Boat cruiser.

The company brings over 50 years of experience, customer care, and holiday memories to its fleet. Their large, self-drive cruisers let families and groups explore regions from the comfort of their boat.

Ownership programme

Due to growing demand, Le Boat’s ownership programme now includes access to the new Liberty range. This programme allows owners to earn guaranteed income and enjoy holidays on their own boat. Owners typically enjoy eight weeks’ holiday per year across 17 cruising regions worldwide. They can also choose a sister boat if their own is already booked. Since launching the Horizon fleet in 2016, Le Boat’s ownership programme has tripled in size. Liberty now brings the next level of boating luxury to UK waters — and it’s ready to cruise.