7 Reasons Why a French Honeymoon Cruise Is a Très Chic Idea
There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of a honeymoon cruise. Without having to worry about any of the logistics, each day heralds new destinations and experiences, special moments that will in time become precious memories of some of your earliest days together as newlyweds. The question to ask is: What bucket-list honeymoon destinations have you and your fiancé always wanted to explore? If France tops the list, a honeymoon cruise along the River Seine will most definitely check off all the boxes.
Take, for example, the itinerary for Uniworld’s newest river cruise ship, the S.S. Joie de Vivre, which started sailing earlier this year. Departing from docks in the heart of Paris, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, the eight-day Paris–Normandy itinerary includes opportunities to see some of France’s most iconic sights, including the palace of Versailles, Monet’s gardens at Giverny, the Normandy beaches (or, alternatively, the pilgrimage site of Mont Saint Michel), and, of course, a bevy of Parisian highlights.
Here are a few more reasons why a French honeymoon cruise is a très chic option.
Unpacking just once is fabulous.
To otherwise explore everything you’ll have the opportunity to see over the course of your honeymoon cruise along the Seine in a single trip would require an unfathomable amount of planning, involving trains, cars, and tour companies—not to mention living out of your suitcase, unpacking and repacking. (We’re guessing that’s not quite the honeymoon you have in mind.)
The ship is intimate and cozy.
By definition, river cruise ships are sleek and slim and with only a few different levels in order to be able to pass under even the lowest bridges and through the different locks that regulate the flow of water along the Seine. The S.S. Joie de Vivre has just 64 staterooms and suites in total, carrying only 128 passengers per cruise. By the end of eight days, the staff feels like family.
The scenery is gorgeous (and always changing).
Idyllic countryside, farms and small villages with names you’ll never know, steep, rocky outcrops, morning mist hovering over the river—the views from your stateroom window (and throughout the ship in general) are constantly changing and endlessly fascinating. One of the great joys of river cruising is simply watching the world go by.
That itinerary, though!
In addition to such blockbuster highlights as the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Monet’s estate, and the Normandy beaches, there’s plenty to surprise and delight in other ports of call, including Medieval Rouen, famously home to Joan of Arc, and charming Honfleur, a favorite subject of the Impressionists. Taking in a round of golf high above the bluffs in Étretat is an option on several days, as is lingering on the ship for a late breakfast in bed, relaxing on the roof deck on a sunny day, or going for a couples bike ride along the Seine.
All-inclusive means all-inclusive.
With only a few exceptions, such as dining in La Cave du Vin, the ship’s wine cave, cruising with Uniworld is truly an all-inclusive experience. It includes arrival and departure transportation, six days of excursions and tours, all onboard food and beverages (including 24/7 room service), and all gratuities for onboard staff, housekeeping, and even your guides on shore. It’s a stress-free way to travel, particularly if you’re visiting Europe (or France) for the first time.
Paris patiently awaits your return.
The itinerary of your honeymoon cruise includes a full day on the ground in Paris, generally the last day. First time in the City of Light? You should definitely opt for the “Heart of Paris” boat cruise and city tour. Otherwise, consider the “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour of the Île de la Cité and the Latin Quarter, or strike out on your own to take in whatever other Parisian sights or attractions you desire, do some shopping, or simply linger at a sidewalk cafe. There could be no less fitting a finale to your French honeymoon than a day spent arm in arm, strolling through the streets of Paris.
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