If you’re traveling from North America to Europe for a river cruise, we always recommend arriving at your destination a day or two before your cruise. The reasons? 1) The extra time allows you to shake off your jet lag and adjust to the new time zone. Some people push through the day of arrival, but I always find that I need a long and deep-sleep nap upon checking in to my hotel. 2) Arriving early allows you to explore the city from which your river cruise departs, and really, who can get enough of Paris? 3) Should your luggage go astray, the airline has sufficient time to catch it up to you before your cruise departs.
When it comes to Paris, there are other reasons. You can explore the museums, sit at the sidewalk cafes, take a boat tour through the city and much more.
That’s why I’ll be staying in Paris two nights before my Seine river cruise on AmaWaterways. Read more about that upcoming cruise in my post Sailing Along The Seine.
Lucky for me, I’ll already be in Paris. I coupled the Seine river cruise with a barge cruise through the Oise Valley on CroisiEurope. Read more about that trip in my post Barging From Paris.
Following my own rule, I’ll also be arriving two days before my barge cruise departs from the same dock that AmaWaterways uses in Paris.
My barge trip ends May 21, which is perfect timing to take advantage of AmaWaterways’ two-night Paris extension. For single traveler, my rate is US$1,340 ($1,800.00 for two). That compares favorably to what it would cost me to book a similar hotel.
For the nights of May 21 and 2 at the Renaissance Paris Nobel Tour Eiffel Hotel, the best with-breakfast rate that I could book on my own is a Prestige Room (301 square feet) for $1,417. Without breakfast I could book a smaller Garden View Room (257 square feet) for $1,156. Both are non-refundable, pre-paid rates.
What sweetens the deal are all of the included extras, including a transfer to the ship.
Included in the package
- 2-nights hotel
- All hotel taxes
- Baggage handling at the hotel
- Daily Breakfast at hotel
- “Hidden Paris” Tour
- Visit to Montmartre
- Motor coach transfer between the hotel in Paris and the vessel in Paris
- English speaking AmaWaterways host or hostess at the hotel
- Welcome Reception at the hotel (pre-cruise only)
Who would not appreciate more time to breathe in and explore Paris, the City of Light? With its timeless charm and cultural richness, Paris is renowned for iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. The city captivates with art, fashion and culinary delights. Stroll along the Seine, savor exquisite cuisine, and immerse in the romantic ambiance, creating unforgettable memories in this global cultural capital before your river cruise along one of France’s most storied rivers.
Leave a Reply