On hiatus for the 2010 season, the 8-passenger Princess offers the ultimate luxury for eight guests. The beautifully appointed main deck is divided into a lovely salon, a book-lined library and a formal dining room. All are handsomely furnished with custom seating and handcrafted cabinetry. On the lower level are four superb king or twin suites, each with private bathroom and double closets.
Over past seasons, the Princess cruised on two different routes, first in the Champagne region and then in nearby Alsace-Lorraine. In Champagne it cruised through the picturesque Marne River and Canal, in a region that produces the world's celebrated champagne and which has also witnessed centuries of history shaping events. Guests had the opportunity to tour the Coronation city of Reims, the third century Roman cellars of the house of Ruinart, enjoy champagne tasting at Moët & Chandon, and an elegant dinner ashore at the one of France's most prestigious restaurants Michelin star restaurant Boyer Les Crayères in Reims. Visitors discovered a grand historical heritage, from the triumphant victories of Joan of Arc and Napoleon to the 20th century battles of the great World Wars. The extensive vineyards date to Roman times, but it was the discovery of effervescent wine in the 17th century that made Champagne recognized around the world as the symbol of celebration.
The historic regions of Alsace and Lorraine are linked by the Canal du Marne au Rhin, one of France's most scenic waterways, which rises over the summit of the Vosges Mountains. Alsace-Lorraine is a border region where German and French influences converge, and excursions included the city of Nancy, with its Place Stanislas, one of Europe's most beautiful squares, and cosmopolitan Strasbourg and its charming Petite France neighborhood. Guests enjoyed an elegant dinner ashore at the Michelin star restaurant Le Cerf in Marlenheim. The contrasts between these neighboring areas provided an interesting counterpoint to the cruise. Lorraine is a place of pink sandstone villages, rolling meadows, and mountain forests. It is the home of the savory tart, the quiche lorraine, and Proust's favorite cake, the madeleine. Alsace is a storybook land of half - timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and storks nesting on chimney tops. Hospitality beckons from wine taverns where foie gras, tart flambé, and kugelhopf are specialties.
Guests were greeted at our meeting point hotel by our guide for escort via private motorcoach or high-speed train to the mooring where your luxury hotel barge awaited. Once aboard, guests were welcomed by our cordial, English-speaking crew, and ushered to their comfortably appointed staterooms, complete with private bath. Guests spent the first evening becoming acquainted with fellow passengers who were seeking to experience France in a special way.
As in past and future seasons aboard Princess, each morning, the barge gets underway for the day's cruise. As it navigates the frequent locks on the canal, it is easy to step directly ashore for a leisurely stroll. If guests feel adventurous, they may take one of the barge's bicycles to explore the quiet lanes and quaint villages nearby. Or, simply relax on the sundeck and watch the lovely French countryside slowly unfold. During the day, guests are invited to join an excursion via private motorcoach to a nearby point of special interest. Each itinerary has been selected to include a varied sampling of the region... romantic castles, historic towns, and renowned vineyards for wine tasting. At certain châteaux and estates, a tour will be conducted by the owner, whose family has been in residence for generations. Princess' Captain also arranges for guests to enjoy special local events which occur during the cruise, from lively farmers' markets to the fireworks on Quatorze Juillet. As an option to the cruise, guests may also be able to experience the adventure of a hot air balloon flight, depending on the location and the weather.
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
| PRINCESS Will Not Be Cruising in the 2010 Season Contact us for other recommendations for 2010 cruises |
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