My First River cruise Experience!

Last week I set off to Paris to the CLIA River Conference and my first ever river cruise. After a quick and very comfortable train journey with Eurostar from London, I was in the centre of Paris. I highly recommend this form of travel as its stress-free and convenient.

My river cruise was a 5-day/4-night cruise on board the newly renovated CrosiEurope MS Renoir. One of CroisiEurope’s older river ships, MS Renoir received a total overhaul in 2018. Now designated a “five anchor” (5*/premium class) vessel, it carries fewer passengers (105) in larger cabins. She is very comfortable and modern with a predominant pink colour scheme.  I found my cabin more comfortable than any I have had on a cruise ship.

I have come to the conclusion that you cannot compare a river to an ocean cruise – they are so different.  I think one can best sum up a river cruise as a multi-city break and your ship the floating hotel which takes you to your next city break. Your day is spent exploring the town or village you have anchored in, by foot or by an excursion. The beauty of this is that you are anchored in the centre of everything and there is no need for transfers.

You usually depart in the late afternoon for your next stop which is usually reached by that night. This is when the upper deck or the lounge is the place to be. There is so much to see along the river. You pass through little villages, locks, beautiful countryside and other boats.

Our cruise took us from Paris to Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur and back to Paris. We were privileged enough to have a morning excursion in each of these towns. I highly recommend doing the excursions as there is so much history in this part of France. Besides the history, we were able to learn so much about the daily life of today as well as the good spots for our free time afterwards.

A river cruise is all-inclusive and most have a buffet and al la carte restaurant. Some will only have drinks at meals but it all depends on your budget.

Our cruise was French cuisine. CroisiEurope’s executive chef, Alain Bohn, has crafted a menu of gorgeously presented (and delicious) classics, offered on all of their ships. Think duck terrine, fish in puff pastry and crepes Suzette. If you’re keen to have lots of choices or are a picky eater, beware: the three-course menu for lunch and dinner is set. (This can be modified for dietary restrictions like gluten-free and vegetarian; let them know before you sail.) CroisEurope is one of the only river cruises where the menu is set that I know of.

I absolutely enjoyed my short cruise on the Seine and would highly recommend everyone to do a river cruise. Thank you www.cruise.co.uk and CroisiEurope for allowing me the opportunity to experience what will be one of many more.