Best Cruise Lines on the Rhone and Saone Rivers
Riverboat Cruising on Peter Deilmann, Arosa, and Viking in France
Jan 17, 2009
The Rhone (Rhône) and Saone (Saône) Rivers are the most popular rivers for luxury riverboat cruising in France. The choice of cruises and cruise lines operating on these rivers in southern France is much more limited than on for example the Rhine or Danube Rivers. However, the popularity of the south of France ensures that all the major riverboat cruise operators have boats on the Rhone and Saone too. Well-known international cruise lines sailing these waters include Peter Deilmann and Viking while A-Rosa and CrosiEurope offer interesting German and French alternatives.
When comparing prices online for riverboat cruises on the Rhone and Saone Rivers, bear in mind that cruises sold in international markets often include more options and excursion that those aimed directly at European travelers. AMA Amadeus Waterways, Avalon, Brennan, Trafalgar, and Uniworld include cruises on the Rhone and Saone generally only as part of a longer tour package.
- Online reservation agencies often cannot book special discounts, e.g. for children, third beds, special birthdays or anniversaries. Compare reservation services and use a standard travel agent or book directly with the tour operator if necessary.
MS Princesse de Provence – Peter Deilmann Reederei
The German cruise line operator Peter Deilmann is a byword for up-market, luxury cruises on European rivers. Peter Deilmann cruises are very popular with richer retirees, which in part explain why Peter Deilmann is one of very few river cruise lines to always have a medical doctor aboard.
Peter Deilmann’s MS Princesse de Provence operates one-week cruises from late March to early November on the Rhone and Saone rivers. The boat dates from 1993 and can accommodate 148 passengers.
- Peter Deilmann riverboat cruises have a reputation for excellent service and gourmet food.
A-Rosa Luna and A-Rosa Stella in Southern France
A-Rosa (often also spelled Arosa or A’rosa) is a German riverboat cruise line that in recent years started to transform the staid European cruise market. A-Rosa boats have no dress code and have a relaxed club atmosphere – smart casual is suitable at night, tuxedos and evening dresses are best left at home.
The A-Rosa Luna (2004) and A-Rosa Stella (2005) with a capacity of 174 passengers are the largest luxury riverboats on the Rhone and Saone. The A-Rosa boats are arguably the most luxurious too with the largest cabins. Both A-Rosa boats have a swimming pool on the sundeck. The A-Rosa Luna and A-Rosa Stella operate five and seven day cruises on the Rhone and Saone departing from Lyon from late March to mid November.
- Tips for personnel are included in the tour price of all A-Rosa cruises.
Viking Burgundy on the Rhone and Saone Rivers
The Burgundy is Viking River Cruises’ boat on the Saone and Rhone Rivers. Viking operates weeklong cruises in the south of France from mid-April to mid-September and in contrast to other cruise lines, mostly have more relaxed one-way cruises.
The Viking Burgundy was built in 2000 and can accommodate 152 passengers. It has a whirlpool on the sun deck.
- Cruises on the Viking Burgundy are often sold with shore excursions included on the international market but without such extras in the European market.
MS Camargue – Middle-Class Boat of CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope is a large French riverboat cruise company operating mostly three-star, middle-class ships. These ships are less luxurious than for example Peter Deilmann, Arosa, or Viking with small cabins and smaller beds. Prices are significantly lower too.
The Camargue is used for ten-day cruises on the Rhone and Saone from May to October. The MS Camargue was built in 1995 and can accommodate 146 passengers. Cabins are fairly small and often without television. The main language on board is French but English is widely understood.
Other Luxury Cruise Operators on the Rhone and Saone River
Other well-known European riverboat cruise operators such as AMA Amadeus Waterways, Avalon, Brennan, Trafalgar, and Uniworld also have cruises on the Rhone and Saone Rivers but usually as part of a longer European or French tour vacation. Some even combine cruises on the Seine, Saone, and Rhone into a grand tour of the best of France.
- Itineraries of Rhone and Saone River cruises vary little as excellent transportation options in France allow passengers to be transported easily to many sights in the region irrespective of the port of call. The Seine River is also popular for cruises in France although French rivers have less variety than is available on rivers in Germany (Rhine, Main, Mosel, Danube, and Elbe amongst others) and central Europe (Danube).
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