Latest news with #AmaWaterways
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Pre- and Post-Cruise Destinations: Go ‘Land Cruising' in Incredible European Cities
Ship cruising is a wonderful way to see a lot of places in a relatively short time, especially when you've journeyed 'across the pond' (aka the Atlantic Ocean) for a European vacation. Think large ships (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean), smaller ships (Oceania, Viking, AmaWaterways, Windstar) and even tiny barges (European Waterways); they all have their charms. Life on board the ship offers a range of amenities and activities, from fine dining and entertainment to cultural programs and relaxation, making the journey itself a memorable part of your adventure. But a drawback to most ship cruises is simply not having enough time to explore some of the world's great cities, which is why we suggest 'land cruising' around your port of call, either before your sea cruise sets sail or after it docks at your last port (or both). With the variety of ports scattered along Europe's scenic coast, you have access to a wealth of destinations and iconic landmarks. You've already done the hard work of long-haul flying and jet-lag management (hopefully), so why not stay awhile and really get to know your city of choice? These are a few of our favorite places to stop and smell the roses across the European continent; from Europe's diverse regions and picturesque coasts to its famous islands, the continent offers an incredible range of unique attractions and experiences. We think you'll agree they are wonderful and offer wildly different experiences. There's no place like the Emerald Isle to find windswept cliffsides, green valleys and convivial pubs complete with singing (and dancing, too). Dublin is always lively, rain or shine, fueled by Guinness, Irish whiskey and a boxty or two (those delicious stuffed potato pancakes). Plan your own trip or let Inntravel create a walking, biking or train travel itinerary for you, complete with hotels, routes, bikes and lots of historical information. Stay around Dublin or see more of the island's cities (we went to Cork and Galway via train, both filled with ancient buildings and vibrant modern scenes), or venture north to Northern Ireland and visit Belfast, the capital, known for its historical significance, cultural attractions, and notable landmarks. Or go wild to see Connemara and Killarney, both breathtaking national parks. Don't miss: While in Dublin, grab a Go City Pass and get discounted access to the main attractions, like the Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College as well as an assortment of distillery and walking food tours. And after sightseeing, find a pub and settle in for a uniquely Irish experience. Dining delights: The Temple Bar Pub is Dublin's famous old watering hole where everyone has to go at least once for pints, live Irish music all day every day and oysters galore. To get a more local feel nearby in the city center, check out The Snug Bar or our favorite, The Hairy Lemon, where 'The Commitments' was filmed back in 1990. Go for Irish stew or bangers and mash if you're feeling traditional or delve into their red thai curry for a tasty surprise. Best beds: For a luxury stay, The Leinster is the newest hotspot in the heart of the city, while The Brooks Hotel is a cozy, recently refurbished spot with wonderful service and a perfect location for walking to every part of town. If you've never roamed around 'The Big Smoke,' then staying in London for a while truly is a must-do. The history, royal pageantry, fantastic museums, incredible parks and fine dining treats are all integral to this ancient city's current scene. London also serves as a gateway to exploring the wider British Isles, offering access to the region's rich history, culture, and scenic attractions. Plus, there's funky fashion, cool music, theater and art to enjoy, and macabre spots like the Tower of London, where you can see the actual ax and chopping block used to behead nobles who had angered the king. You can easily spend a week in London, meandering its beautiful byways and discovering neighborhoods you love from pop culture, from Notting Hill to Savile Row to Vauxhall's MI6, and even make a stop at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone. So plan to stay awhile – and do bring an umbrella. Don't miss: See the top sights: Big Ben and Parliament, the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace. Knock those off using a Go City Pass and the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus included. Then check out some lesser-known stops, like the Royal Mews, Kensington Palace and Lady Diana's Children's Park there, then take in a West End theater experience, 'feed the birds' at St. Paul's Cathedral and ride the London Eye Ferris wheel. Dining delights: With nearly 100 Michelin-starred restaurants dotting London, there's never a problem spending plenty of pounds on fine dining at restaurants helmed by top chefs Gordon Ramsay or Clare Smyth. We're partial to abc kitchens by Jean-Georges, where sweet pea guacamole, black truffle pizza and pretzel-crusted calamari make for a wonderful comfort food stop in a casual setting in Belgravia. Nearby, Canton Blue elevates Cantonese delicacies to an art, serving up the most amazing dim sum bites you've ever tasted. And don't miss a pub stop for the quintessential British pairing of a pint and some delightfully greasy fish and chips. Best beds: Two hotels stand out in the crowded London bedroom scene: The Peninsula London Hotel brings perfection to Hyde Park Corner, with that perfect posh location for sightseeing. With exemplary rooms and suites with views of the park and five-star service, it's the place to splurge and enjoy. Just across the Thames looking back at Parliament, the London Marriott Hotel County Hall is a modern homebase in a venerable building, with incredible views, extremely comfortable beds, a daily High Tea with all the goodies and even an impressive indoor swimming pool. Portugal's currently the coolest place on the planet, with tourists flocking into its welcoming arms to enjoy the culture, history, beaches, culinary delights and the myriad choices of fine Portuguese wines. Portugal is popular for good reason, especially for anyone from SoCal, as there's a new LAX-Lisbon nonstop TAP Portugal flight (see sidebar) that makes the trip almost painless. Lisbon is the capital of this very, very old country that began around 1200 BCE. That's why there are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Atlantic Ocean-facing nation the size of Indiana. It's a hilly port city on the Tagus River with narrow cobblestone streets, seafood restaurants galore, expansive views, quaint trams and a predilection for pastel-painted and tiled buildings. It's a place to easily get lost on purpose, wandering from sight to sight and then eating way too much of the fantastic foods found on every block as you find your way home. Don't miss: Take a tram just for the fun of it and begin in the Belém section of town. See the massive Gothic Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, wander in the lush Botanical Gardens and be sure to line up at the famed Pastéis de Belém pastry shop to try their iconic warm custard tart. That's been the national sweet treat since 1837, and it is well worth the mouthwatering wait. Check out the sail-shaped Monument to the Discoveries on the water nearby, an impossible-to-miss massive sculptural tribute to the Portuguese navigators who circumnavigated the globe and played a pivotal role in the exploration of the New World. Make time for the Royal Treasure Museum in the Ajuda neighborhood for a history lesson of the Portuguese monarchs told via their incredible jewels. Check out MACAM, the compelling new contemporary art museum found in an old palace in Belém. Roam the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, both are filled with galleries, sleek shops, wine bars and more. Dining delights: Lisbon's favorite chef is Jose Avillez, whose Bairro do Avillez is a collection of four restaurants with outstanding taste sensations. His Mini Bar speakeasy there is an extra-special delight. For truly local fare, Portugalia Cervejaria Belém has been serving up beer, steaks and fresh seafood for nearly 100 years and it's still doing everything just right. And while you ramble, stop into any random tapas bar along the way, for a bite and a sip of a crisp Portuguese Vinho Verde wine. Best beds: Lisbon's Martinhal Resorts are first-rate, with their Chiado Luxury Apartments right in the city center and their Oriente Luxury Apartments over in the chic waterfront district. They are both extra-special five-star hotels because of their room sizes, with kitchens and laundry machines inside the apartments and space for kids, too, with bunk beds and more. Plus, Oriente has amazing city-river views, both indoor and outdoor pools and a spa with treatments for the whole family. Stay a night or a week – these welcoming places feel like you're actually at home. Porto is the cruising gateway to the Douro River Wine Valley, a wondrous region filled with incredible vistas and gorgeous wineries along Portugal's scenic coast. As one of Europe's key ports, Porto offers travelers access to the heart of the Douro region. But before you go (or once you return), you've just got to spend time here. With its UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira historic center, pretty riverfront and sister city Gaia just across the famed Dom Luis Bridge where lots of Port wine is being aged and stored, there are plenty of things to see – and sip and chew! Port wine begins its life as grapes growing in the Douro Valley, the only place it can legally be made, and is renowned as one of the world's most celebrated wines. The crushed and fermented grapes are blended with aguardente, a neutral grape spirit with high alcohol content and thus it becomes Port, which is usually aged in barrels for years before it is bottled. And that's where Porto comes in, as the barrels move down river to rest and age for years in the cooler, more humid climate in the city near the ocean. That's why you'll find riverfront warehouses like Graham's Port Wine on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of Porto, where they still have barrels with Port from over 100 years ago under lock and key. Visit and you may just get to try some of that beautiful liquid. Taylor's, Cockburn's, Sandeman and other Port houses are here, too. Don't miss: You may have been to the Douro on your cruise, but the Vinho Verde is closer to Porto and a day trip to the incredible Quinta da Aveleda Winery should be at the top of your plan. Book a private driver like Valter Madureira of Top Travel & Tours and he'll whisk you into the Vinho Verde, just 30 minutes from Porto. First see the Aveleda family's incredible gardens and then try all their crisp white wines and deep reds with lunch on the verandah for an unforgettable afternoon. Dining delights: Porto's culinary scene is incredibly sophisticated, ranging from Euskalduna Studio, the tiny-yet-mighty Michelin-starred restaurant with 16 seats and 10 courses of bliss, helmed by the talented Chef Vasco Coelho Santos, to Vinum at Graham's, where aged port is part of the elevated yet traditional fare served here. Best beds: Porto has some really special hotels on both sides of the river. Torel Avantgarde Hotel is a modern-art lover's dream high on a hill in Porto with bedrooms named for artistic souls and furnished accordingly, epic river views paired with fine dining at Digby's. The Vinha Boutique Hotel on the river in Gaia honors fashion icons and envelopes you with an incredibly opulent, otherworldly feel, while the Vincci Ponte de Ferro Hotel has an up-close view of the iconic Luis I Bridge spanning the Douro and is the best sunset spot in town. There is truly no other city like Barcelona, where the architecture at every turn makes you sit up and take notice. The city dates back over 2,000 years, so expect to see Roman ruins tucked into the Gothic Quarter, where the oldest structures stand, most from medieval times. The 1800s and later brought the city its truly distinctive style, as Antoni Gaudi's unique vision led the Catalonian Modernisme movement that has given Barcelona its incredible style and famous landmark cathedral. Barcelona is one of the busiest cruise ports in Europe, serving as a major gateway to the Balearic Islands and other Mediterranean islands. Cruises from Barcelona often include stops in France, such as Marseille or Le Havre, making it an ideal starting point for exploring diverse European destinations. Barcelona is also all about food, fun, futbol, fashion and beaches, making it a city where there's always something happening to feed your soul. Don't miss: There's nothing quite like the first time you see a Gaudi creation, so plan to visit all seven of his architectural masterpieces that define this city. All are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and all can be reached via the Hop On Hop Off Barcelona bus tours. Be sure to enter Casa Batlló and marvel at his masterpiece. See his La Pedrera just a block away, too. And buy tickets ahead for entrance to La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Go for the guided tour with tower access for the full, sublime experience. Park Güell is also incredible, with vast panoramic views of the city and a kid's paradise of fun. Dining delights: Barcelona's food scene is so wonderful that just about any little tapas bar will amaze your taste buds, so just pick one and pull up a chair at the bar. The ExperienceFirst Barcelona Markets Tour is a truly fantastic way to taste lots of local food in a few hours. Check out La Dolce Vita, the rooftop bar at the Majestic Hotel, for a nosh with panoramic views of the whole city. Best beds: The Majestic Hotel & Spa is undoubtedly the best hotel in town, with its long history on the chicest avenue in the city, Paseo de Gracia, arriving on the block in 1918 just steps from Gaudi's recently built Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. With a grand elegance and charm, the hotel has everything, including powerful air conditioning, a delight during the city's very hot summer months. Get ready for hustle and bustle as you encounter The Eternal City, for Rome could possibly be one of the noisiest cities on the planet. That's part of its raucous charm as Vespas roar by and people chatter at full voice, even in church. It really is a magical place, as Roman ruins are juxtaposed near modern buildings and strikingly beautiful places appear at every turn. Walk as much as you can to discover unexpected gems tucked away down a narrow street and don't forget to just sit in a sidewalk café with an espresso or a bicchiere di vino and watch the whole world go by. Don't miss: While Rome dazzles with world-famous landmarks, remember that Italy's other iconic cities – like Venice – offer their own unforgettable experiences. Florence, in the Tuscany region, is renowned for its artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's David and its rich Renaissance history. You surely know to visit the newly renovated Trevi Fountain, to throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish. Seeing St. Peter's Cathedral at the Vatican and the Colosseum are both must-see stops, too. But nearby that ancient stadium is something special that tourists often miss, so be sure to seek out Michelangelo's massive Moses sculpture in the small Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli for a real treat. He's almost as astonishing as the David. From Rome, many cruises also visit other popular destinations such as Athens with its Acropolis, Istanbul in Turkey, and the beautiful Canary Islands, each offering unique cultural and historical experiences within the Mediterranean region. Dubrovnik, the famous walled city, is a highlight of many Mediterranean cruises, celebrated for its historic fortifications and stunning views. If you're looking for a different itinerary or experience, consider another cruise line for a broader selection of destinations. Northern European cruises often include Denmark, with Copenhagen's iconic Little Mermaid statue, the Netherlands with vibrant Amsterdam, and the historic Baltic ports, each region offering its own blend of culture and scenery. After exploring these areas, you may want to head west to discover even more of Europe's diverse attractions. Dining delights: Le Pergola is Rome's only three-star Michelin eatery, with reservations being worth their weight in gold. But the thing about Rome is that the most charming, delicious restaurants are little places you discover as you explore, so watch for locals eating at outdoor tables or peek into any little place that catches your fancy. Then ask the proprietors to feed you their favorite dishes, and you'll be golden. Best beds: Every so often, there is a hotel that you just cannot forget. In Rome that's the Hotel de Russie by Rocco Forte, a dazzling five-star hotel in the Tridente neighborhood, where all the posh shops are found. Discreetly tucked away in a quiet corner near Piazza del Popolo, with a fantastic private garden in the back, it makes you feel like you've come home to your Italian villa, especially if you are staying in the Picasso Suite with its terrace overlooking the greenery. It's incredible.
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Exploring Egypt: Nile cruise offers comfort and culture for solo travellers
Today, the Nile continues to be a revered life force for more than 100 million Egyptians, their way of life immersed deeply in its storied waters. Children splash about while cows bask in its refreshing embrace, with towering palm groves acting as the gateway to lush farmland, humble villages and a way of life untouched by modernity. Locals cast their nets for fish from their wooden boats, a sight I encounter from the ship – but that's not the only boat on the water with us. As I'm sitting in my suite – a spacious and modern retreat complete with balcony – I hear 'hello, hello, hello'. I look down and two young Egyptians have tied their boat to ours, gliding with us on the Nile's glistening waters. These cheeky boys have made this a habit to sell local items like pashminas – one of which was thrown up to me on my balcony. Egyptians can be persistent when selling their wares in tourist areas. This is why travelling on tour in Egypt helps – local guides know how to navigate the situation. Speaking Arabic works, but it's their presence that does the talking. The vendors soften their approach when they notice a local because they know the guide will protect the group from unwanted sales tactics. In saying that, Egyptians are some of the friendliest people, many of whom are so grateful for business, so carrying Egyptian pounds does a world of good – as does fresh meat for the cats and dogs at ancient sites. (I can't help but bring fresh sausages and chicken from the breakfast and lunch buffet with me each day). There are 27 of us on the AmaWaterways tour, each coming from locations all around the world. Eleven nights together encourage new friendships, one of my favourite things about travelling as a group. You can't help but get to know your fellow passengers, and that's a luxury when travelling solo. I find myself dining with a husband and wife and their two daughters several times, bonding over the shared love of refraining from placing suitcases on the bed. Sure, sometimes it's nice to have your own space, but this cruise has a way of allowing for that, too. After three days staying at the St Regis Hotel on land exploring all the ancient sites in Cairo, from Saqqara to the Pyramids of Giza to the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo (where Mother Mary and baby Jesus found refuge and baby Moses was found in a papyrus basket by the pharoah's daughter) and Mohammad Ali Mosque, we're off to board the ship, which awaits in Luxor, a one-hour flight from Cairo. Mohammad Ali Mosque Cairo. Photo / Lauren Thomas The morning of our first day, the sunrise over the Nile's east bank reveals striking crimson hues with hot air balloons dotted across the sky – a sight that sets the tone for the magic that awaits. It's no accident that the ancient Egyptians built the Karnak and Luxor temples here; it symbolises the 'land of the living'. On the west bank, however, where the sun sets, you'll find the realm of the dead – a place of transition to the afterlife for the pharaohs. This is where the Valley of the Kings – home to Tutankhamun's mummified corpse and the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh – can be found. Tutankhamun's Mummy within the Valley of the Kings. Photo / Lauren Thomas It's no secret that ancient Egypt holds a tapestry of hidden stories, many of which come to life through the insight of an Egyptologist – an expert in the study of history, language, religion, literature and art, including the translation of hieroglyphics. These are found inside tombs and temples – a mystical door unveiling ancient worship, rituals, beliefs and offerings held sacred by the ancient Egyptians. The Hatshepsut Temple is in Luxor. Photo / Lauren Thomas This is an inclusion on the tour that proved to be invaluable. I liken it to school, when everyone gets on the bus that takes you to all the best places while listening to the teacher, except this time, you want to be there. As I walk through Karnak Temple in Luxor, the group encounters a black scarab statue celebrated for its luck. The modern tradition is to walk around the statue seven times while making a wish – particularly for marriage, love, and fertility. This is something I wouldn't have known if my guide hadn't pointed it out. Temple of Edfu between Luxor and Aswan (dedicated to Horus). Photo / Lauren Thomas It's tales like this that reveal Egypt as a fascinating destination with many ancient and cultural layers. It's a wondrous place where organised chaos meets serenity and peace – a living paradox – breathtaking and confronting all in one. After a day of exploring the ancient sights, the heat begins to take a toll, which makes returning to AmaLila a welcome relief, particularly with its onboard refreshments and cold towels on arrival. Less than one year old, the vessel is modern and fresh with an upper deck worth mentioning: crisp, white sun loungers submerged in the pool with sand-fringed umbrellas bring the resort feel as you watch the world go by. And that it does, when you're in a cooking class learning how to make Egyptian doughnuts or 'zalabya', one of the many activities on board. If I'm not eating, I'm drinking, but not the alcoholic kind (although there are some fabulous cocktails, spirits and wine on board). My favourite is the fresh watermelon juice, off menu, made courtesy of my bartender, Ahmed. A camel waits patiently at the Pyramids of Giza complex. Photo / Lauren Thomas As night falls, the entertainment on board begins, each evening something a little different – like the belly dancer who sways to the rhythm of the riqq, a classical Egyptian tambourine. Then it's time for dinner, with a la carte three-course selections changing daily – a nice touch that curbs culinary boredom. There's also the 'Chef's Table', an optional experience on board for guests who want something a little special. On the other hand, breakfast and lunch offer a buffet-style feast with an abundant, ever-changing selection of fresh ingredients daily from the land, earth and sea. A mosaic in the historic Coptic Cairo area represents Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on their flight from Herod into Egypt. Photo / Lauren Thomas Another true standout alongside the local on-board dining experiences is the team and their ability to make you feel safe. From the cruise manager and Egyptologist to the friendly bus driver and security guard, each of them allows you to immerse yourself in the country's ancient wonders, minus the stress of navigating language barriers, different customs and cultures. Whether it's organising your entry visa or simply keeping an eye out for you in crowded places, they have a knack for taking care of your every need, and as a result, it offers reassurance for solo female travellers exploring this exciting destination. The journalist was a guest on the Secrets of the Nile travel tour courtesy of AmaWaterways.
Travel Weekly
09-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Why South America could emerge as a key river cruise destination
Brinley Hineman The big news in South America river cruising is AmaWaterways launching the first luxury river ship on the Magdalena River in Colombia, with plans to launch a second ship later this year. But it is not the only line with South America on its mind. I spoke in June with AmaWaterways co-founder Rudi Schreiner, ahead of him stepping down as company CEO. Though he didn't divulge company names, he told me in that other lines are considering joining them in Colombia -- now that the infrastructure has been built to support the budding industry. But outside of Colombia, the Amazon River has attracted river cruises. Many well-known brands are there, but perhaps most notable is Delfin Amazon Cruises, which is based in Iquitos, Peru. The company just took three months to renovate and relaunch its ship the Delfin I. Europe river cruising remains king of the river-cruise category, but I have repeatedly been told by river cruise executives and travel advisors that clients want to break the mold of a traditional river experience and explore off-the-beaten-path or "exotic" destinations. The Amazon, which flows through six countries, seems like it has the makings of a river poised to experience growth, and it's been years in the making, as Travel Weekly has reported. Especially in an era of overtourism dupes and European rivers becoming more crowded each year, it seems that the Amazon and other South American river could offer an alternative. What other lines are doing on the Amazon And there are plenty of options to choose from already. National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions charters Delfin Amazon Cruises' Delfin II and Delfin III to explore the Peruvian Amazon in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. With an expedition approach to cruising, the line aims to offer a luxury approach to the world's most biodiverse rainforest. Avalon Waterways, which has offered Amazon cruises since 2014, also charters the Delfin III to explore the Amazon. It offers six itineraries this year that include the South American waterway. Uniworld Boutique Luxury Cruises charters the Aria Amazon and offers two itineraries to explore the Peruvian Amazon. Though chartering is a popular way for brands to operate itineraries, some lines are going all-in by building their own ships. Abercrombie & Kent will debut a new ship, the Pure Amazon, on the river this year, while CroisiEurope will begin operating cruises on the Brazilian Amazon in 2027 on its Brasilian Dream.
The Age
01-07-2025
- The Age
Port guide: Paris, France
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. If you're looking to spoil yourself, look no further than this city of love, fashion and all the fine things in life. Who goes there The Seine River is a cruise staple, with AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking among companies operating there. Adventures by Disney, A-Rosa and Tauck are the best options for families. Ships sail downstream as far as Rouen, Caudebec or Le Havre, usually return to Paris, although some operate one-way itineraries. Cruises might be themed on World War II history, Impressionist art or culinary experiences. Some ships now operate in winter too. Sail on in The Seine River wiggles in tight bends through metropolitan Paris and past the greenery of Bois be Boulogne. The urban riverbanks aren't that exciting until you round another big bend. If you're at one of the two main docking locations, you'll get terrific views of the Eiffel Tower rising like a giant exclamation mark, so have your camera at the ready. Berth rites Prepare for confusion, as there are several mooring sites, cruise companies may use more than one, and some are located well out of the city centre. Check your official cruise documents for the correct address. That said, most ships tie up either at Quai Andre Citroen (also called Port de Javel Bas) or Quai de Grenelle in the 15th Arrondissement on the Seine's left bank, both in the centre of Paris. Going ashore You'll certainly want to check out the Eiffel Tower, newly renovated Notre Dame cathedral and one of three key museums: the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay for Impressionists, or Centre Pompidou for modern art (although the latter is about to undergo transformations). Budget downtime on a cafe terrace or in the statue-studded gardens of the Tuileries or Luxembourg. You'll have to pick a neighbourhood to wander as well: either historical Le Marais, bohemian and arty Montmartre or the Latin Quarter, which is dense with museums and cafes.
Sydney Morning Herald
01-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Port guide: Paris, France
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. If you're looking to spoil yourself, look no further than this city of love, fashion and all the fine things in life. Who goes there The Seine River is a cruise staple, with AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking among companies operating there. Adventures by Disney, A-Rosa and Tauck are the best options for families. Ships sail downstream as far as Rouen, Caudebec or Le Havre, usually return to Paris, although some operate one-way itineraries. Cruises might be themed on World War II history, Impressionist art or culinary experiences. Some ships now operate in winter too. Sail on in The Seine River wiggles in tight bends through metropolitan Paris and past the greenery of Bois be Boulogne. The urban riverbanks aren't that exciting until you round another big bend. If you're at one of the two main docking locations, you'll get terrific views of the Eiffel Tower rising like a giant exclamation mark, so have your camera at the ready. Berth rites Prepare for confusion, as there are several mooring sites, cruise companies may use more than one, and some are located well out of the city centre. Check your official cruise documents for the correct address. That said, most ships tie up either at Quai Andre Citroen (also called Port de Javel Bas) or Quai de Grenelle in the 15th Arrondissement on the Seine's left bank, both in the centre of Paris. Going ashore You'll certainly want to check out the Eiffel Tower, newly renovated Notre Dame cathedral and one of three key museums: the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay for Impressionists, or Centre Pompidou for modern art (although the latter is about to undergo transformations). Budget downtime on a cafe terrace or in the statue-studded gardens of the Tuileries or Luxembourg. You'll have to pick a neighbourhood to wander as well: either historical Le Marais, bohemian and arty Montmartre or the Latin Quarter, which is dense with museums and cafes.
