Why should I choose a river cruise?
If you're hoping to get the most out of your Parisian vacation, then a river cruise up the Seine River is one of the best ways to do this. Not only is it all-inclusive (meals, lodging, and tours) but it has the distinct advantage of serving as a comfortable floating hotel, meaning that you won't be burdened with packing and unpacking your bags in each new city. Plus, these European river cruises visit more destinations than standard land-based tours because they are able to take advantage of the evenings to do the majority of the long distance cruising.
What should I look for on a riverboat?
While the finest and most luxurious riverboats might feature a pool, spa, or fitness room, all of Adventure Life's
hand-selected riverboats that cruise the Seine are specifically designed for French river cruising and host an ample dining room and sun deck, a bar, and comfortable rooms. A friendly and welcoming captain and crew will lead you through the experience as you get to know the Parisian countryside.
Are there 5-star river vessels on the Seine River?
Not yet, but there are luxurious vessels that offer a comfortable and elegant onboard. River cruises are a new development in European tourism, so the design of the river vessels is relatively standard across the board – three or four long decks with outward facing cabins, a lounge and bar, one dining area, and a sun deck. Since there aren't many other amenities or social areas, it's hard for them to achieve the five-star status that larger cruise ships earn with their pools, casinos, restaurants, etc. However, since this is developing quickly in Europe, it's likely that five-star vessels are on their way to Paris' waterways.
Should I get a room with a balcony?
Balconies are nice, to be sure, but they aren't really necessary to get the most out of a Seine River cruise. The panoramic sundeck offers a tremendous place for great views and fresh air, and balconies tend to add a hefty number to the final price tag of the cruise. Look for rooms with floor to ceiling windows or windows that open as good alternatives to the balconies. Unlike on larger ships, where balconies highlight a suite, on river cruises and smaller yachts, they can actually take space away from your cabin, which is already generally smaller than a typical cruise ship cabin.
What is dining like?
France is known throughout the world for its culinary delights, and a Seine River cruise highlights the gourmet cuisine, prepared by talented local chefs on each of our featured river vessels.
Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Seine River cruises typically tend to visit destinations close to the river. There are several sites you might visit that are accessible by coach, which is included in your ticket price, but generally the main destinations of the Seine River are located right on the shores of the river itself.
Will my vessel have WiFi?
Most Seine Riverboats have WiFi onboard. Most, especially the newer riverboats, have free WiFi access in your room, a few riverboats charge an additional fee, and some have reception only on deck and not in the rooms. It's important to check with your Adventure Life trip planner to confirm that your Seine riverboat of choice has WiFi onboard.
What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
European style plugs are two round prongs, so if you have the standard North American two flat prongs, then you will need to buy an adapter. However, voltage converters aren't necessary for most devices since they can handle both Europe's 220v in addition to the 110v in North America.
How can I save money on a river cruise?
Consider not saving money on a cruise by reserving a lower class cabin, since you will also probably be sacrificing comfort or space. DO let us know which cruises interest you and consult the
deals page for each of your destinations.
Are Seine river cruises a good family vacation?
The Seine River offers a delightful family vacation. If you are traveling with younger children, wine cruises are best avoided, but there are plenty of other options to choose from when selecting a cruise. Consult our Family Travel page for more info.
Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Seine River?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current travel requirements on the
U.S. Department of State website.
