Why You'll Love French Canal Cruising
March 21, 2017
Following the highly successful launch of the stunning AMADEUS Silver III in April 2016, Amadeus River Cruises are now looking ahead to the launch of their next luxury vessel, AMADEUS Provence, in April 2017.
This magnificent 110-meter ship will sail on the French Rhône and Saône rivers, reinforcing their premium status in this region. The Amadeus Symphony which previously sailed these rivers will undergo a refurbishment, including the installation of a passenger lift between internal decks, before transferring to the River Danube.
“The cruises along the French rivers are some of our most popular products, especially with our international partners in the Premium sector. We want to take this great demand into account and wish to exceed our customers' expectations of elegance, design and functionality in France as well,” said Martina Luftner, founder and CEO of Luftner Cruises.
The AMADEUS Provence is the 14th ship for Amadeus river cruises and the first to feature a generously sized infinity swimming pool. Being built in the Dutch shipyard of De Hoop this beautiful ship brings all the luxurious amenities you have come to know and love from Amadeus, including the relaxing “Cafe Vienna”, the all-weather, glass fronted “River Terrace” and the Panorama Restaurant and Bar.
Each of the 62 standard cabins largely feature automatic panorama windows, large ensuite bathrooms, infotainment systems and walk-in closets. Added to this the eight generously sized AMADEUS suites will each feature private balconies for you to sit in peace and enjoy the world as it floats past your window.
The official christening ceremony of the AMADEUS Provence will take place in Lyon in April 2017. Following this launch the ship will sail 19 departures of 8 days throughout 2017. These roundtrip itineraries from Lyon will take the world famous sights and famed wine vineyards of this region.
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Lyon is famed for its dominating basilica and its lovely old town. Stop off in Macon, in Southern Burgundy, where some of the most expensive wines in the world are produced and home to the Romanesque style Cluny Abbey.
Chalon-sur-Saône offers further opportunities to explore the wine region as the countryside is filled with famous vineyards such as Pommard and Puligny. Avignon offers visits to the Papal Palace which was once the seat of Western Christianity and the architectural masterpiece of the Pont du Gard three-level aqueduct.
It will be easy to see why Vincent Van Gogh was so inspired by the city of Arles as you see his work reflected in the town. Finally, a stop in Viviers offers a visit to the Ardeche Gorge known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe”.
