Sensational Seine 2021

8 Days: Paris, Les Andelys, Caudebec, Rouen, and Vernon

Read: Know Before You Go - River & Small Ship Cruising

SENSATIONAL SEINE IS POSTPONED UNTIL 2022

Highlights:

  • On board lectures on French history or similar
  • Join an on board cooking class to make the perfect French crepes
  • Dine on French-inspired dishes while enjoying a summertime light show over the River Seine (July & August sailings)
  • On board wine & cheese tasting with French wines paired with French “fromage” (cheese)
  • Welcome & Captain’s farewell dinner with drinks

5 Sightseeing Tours:

  • PARIS: Bus and walking tour with magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum & other major attractions
  • LES ANDELYS: Bus tour through districts of Andely, “Petit-Andeley” and “Grand Andely”
  • CAUDEBEC: Explore city of Bayeux & Arromanches
  • ROUEN: Walking tour with stops at Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen & more
  • VERNON: Visit impressionist painter’s Claude Monet home in village Giverny

Included Features:

  • Arrival and departure transfers (included if air purchased through us)*
  • 7-night accommodations aboard the 4+* “Swiss Ruby” in the cabin category of your choice
  • 20 meals including 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Free flowing wine/beer/soda/water/coffee/tea daily, with dinner while on board
  • Captain’s Welcome cocktail, Farewell cocktail and Farewell dinner
  • Total of 5 sightseeing excursions including personal audio systems
  • All on board activities, including lectures, crepe making and wine & cheese tasting
  • Live music each evening.
  • Wi-Fi free (subject to signal)
  • Services of professional English speaking Cruise Director throughout
  • Audio units included on all tours and excursions
  • New and enhanced safety protocols applied to all sailings 

Not Included:

  • International airfare (can be priced separately)
  • Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
  • Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
  • Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
  • Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
  • Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
  • Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
  • Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

Click here to see our full terms and conditions.

Day 0 FLY to France (O)

Your exciting journey begins as you board your overnight flights to Europe.

Day 1 PARIS Embark after 4 pm (D)

On arrival, transfer to your luxurious floating hotel*, the delightful M/S “SWISS RUBY”, where you will have the rest of the day to settle-in, explore your floating hotel and enjoy your first dinner.

*Transfers provided if air is purchased through us.

Day 2  PARIS Set sail: 20:30 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, your day begins with a half day sightseeing of Paris, known as a global center for art, fashion, culinary arts and culture. Your bus and walking tour will include a drive down the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysees past the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum (home to the Mona Lisa) & the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, including a photo op at the Eiffel Tower. Your tour of the city will end with a stop to climb the steps of the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur for magnificent views of the city followed b the walk through the artsy district of Montmartre, famous for its street artists, restaurants, and cemetery, the final resting place of famous individuals including painter Edgar Degas, and writers Alexandre Dumas “fills” and German writer Heinrich Heine. Afterwards, choose to stay in the city and explore your own or return to the chip for lunch. Tonight, delight in an “illumination” cruise along the Seine with magnificent views of Paris under the lights, then continue on your cruise adventure.

Day 3 LES ANDELYS 12:00-18:00 (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, enjoy the passing vista’s or participate in an on board activity (lecture on French history or similar). After lunch on board, depart on a wonderful bus tour through the two districts of Andely, “Petit-Andely” and “Grand-Andely,” which used to be two separate cities before being united during the French Revolution. This is followed by a stop at the Gaillard Castle, a medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart at the end of the 12th century with magnificent panoramic views over the Seine Valley. Our tour concludes with a visit to the village of Lyons-la-Forêt, considered one of the most beautiful locations in France due to the preserved 17th Century architecture found throughout. Return to the ship and set sail followed by dinner on board.

Day 4 CAUDEBEC 3:00 – Overnight – Depart 9:00 (B, L, D)

Breakfast will be served before we embark on a glorious full day excursion of the cities, Bayeux & Arromanches! The first stop is the medieval city of Bayeux, where you may stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets of the historic Bayeux city center before visiting its Gothic-style cathedral and the famous Queen Mathilde tapestry: a 70 meters long and 50 centimeters high XI Century hand-made work of art. Next, we continue over to the historic port city of Arromanches, established by the Allies in 1944 after the successful execution of D-Day during the Second World War. With its vast wartime history and pristine beaches, Arromanches will please history buffs and travelers alike. Return to the ship for dinner and spend the night in port. *NOTE: A light lunch at a typical French café (soup/sandwich/salad) will be served along the way.

Day 5 ROUEN  13:00-23:59 (B, L, D)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure or participate in a cooking class where our Chef will show you how to make perfect French crepes as we approach one of the formerly largest and prosperous cities in all of medieval Europe, Rouen! Upon arrival, your walking tour of the city will include stops at the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Roeun, The Roeun Castle (known for temporarily holding Joan of Arc), and the Joan of Arc Square. In the evening, return to the ship for French-inspired cuisine coupled with an amazing summertime light show over the River Seine*.(*Available June through August)

Day 6 VERNON 7:00-17:00 (B, L, D)

Welcome to Vernon! After breakfast, a short drive will take you to the small village of Giverny; home to the world renowned impressionist painter Claude Monet. Here you will be enchanted by the beautiful garden with its Japanese bridge and famous water lily pond that was an inspiration for many of his paintings. You will also have the option to visit Claude Monet’s house where the renovated property exhibits his personal studio. Back on board enjoy a wine and cheese tasting featuring authentic French wines paired with delicious French “fromage” (cheese). *Please note: There is about 500m of walking on partly unpaved paths from the bus-stop to the garden.

Day 7 PARIS 6:30 – Overnight (B, L, D)

Wake up to the beautiful sites of Paris once again! With Paris so much to offer, it is impossible for us NOT to revisit this wonderful city again! Enjoy the entire day of free time to explore the city at your own leisure or choose to take the optional excursion to the Château Versailles, also known as the Castle of the Sun King: regarded as the most beautiful and complete example of 17th century French art. Afterwards, back on board it’s time for the Captain’s Farewell cocktails and Farewell Dinner as the night comes to a close.

Day 8 PARIS – Fly Home – Disembarkation 09:00 (B)

As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories!

Optional Excursions

Chateau Versailles was residency for the kings and queens of France in 17th Century until the French Revolution. King Louis XIV turned this small hunting lodge into the most extravagant court Europe had ever known. Before the French Revolution, The Palace of Versailles was a glorious symbol of monarch, France’s Royal Family, and the state itself. On this tour you will have the chance to see the art and architectural beauty found in the halls and rooms of the Castle, followed by a stroll through its enchanting gardens.

DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.

MS Swiss Ruby

This superb vessel was launched in 2002 and renovated in 2012, the M/S Swiss Ruby is the ultimate relaxing experience and provides you an intimate and elegant atmosphere on board. The Swiss Ruby welcomes you with excellent service from their 24 person crew on board. This outstanding 4 stars vessel accommodates 88 passengers. Perfectly thought out room concepts with cabins spread out over 2 decks and are 162 sq. ft. The Main “Emerald” deck cabins have large above water Panorama windows, while the Upper “Diamond” deck have full floor to ceiling French balconies. Besides a stylish interior, cabins are equipped with a radio, flat screen, TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer, air condition, and luxurious bathroom. Enjoy roaming through the Swiss Ruby and have dinner at their large, classy restaurant with panorama windows, grab a drink at the panorama bar, buy a souvenir at the hallway shops, or simply relax with a drink in the piano lounge. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro

Year of Construction: 2002
Renovated: 2012
Length: 85 m
Width: 10.60 m
Draft: 1.2 m
Crew: 24
Maximum Passengers: 88

Cabins

Upper Deck Staterooms with French Balcony – Category A

  • Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
  • Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower
  • Hotel-style beds, set as double as default
  • Vanity desk and chair, plus a hair dryer
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • Flat-screen TV & Radio
  • Safe
  • Minibar

Main Deck Staterooms –  Categories B & C

  • 2 Large windows (do not open)
  • Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower
  • Hotel-style beds, set as double as default
  • Vanity desk and chair, plus a hair dryer
  • Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
  • Flat-screen TV & Radio
  • Safe
  • Minibar

See all of our ship videos on Youtube.

Download the detailed list of Travel Tips For Danube Discovery Cruise.

FAQ's

No. Visas are not required for US citizens traveling on this program.

If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.

M/S Swiss Ruby. This superb vessel was launched in 2002 and renovated in 2012, the M/S Swiss Ruby is the ultimate relaxing experience and provides you an intimate and elegant atmosphere on board. The Swiss Ruby welcomes you with excellent service from their 24 person crew on board. This outstanding 4 stars vessel accommodates 88 passengers. Perfectly thought out room concepts with cabins spread out over 2 decks and are 162 sq. ft. The Main “Emerald” deck cabins have large above water Panorama windows, while the Upper “Diamond” deck have full floor to ceiling French balconies. Besides a stylish interior, cabins are equipped with a radio, flat screen, TV, minibar, safe, hairdryer, air condition, and luxurious bathroom. Enjoy roaming through the Swiss Ruby and have dinner at their large, classy restaurant with panorama windows, grab a drink at the panorama bar, buy a souvenir at the hallway shops, or simply relax with a drink in the piano lounge. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro

There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and computers are provided near the bar. The service is free, but the level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.

For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies.

While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.

Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses:
Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD)
Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.)
*Credit Card Note: As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)

Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.

Yes, optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. They may be signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the cruise with cash or via Visa or Matercard.

Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.

Travel tips for Seine Cruise is coming soon.

Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.