Riviera Travel Seine, Paris and Normandy River Cruise

If you have never considered a River Cruise, you are missing a most beautiful experience. Let me introduce you to my own experience of Riviera Travel onboard their wonderful 5* MS Jane Austen, on the Seine, Paris & Normandy itinerary.

To begin, the travel experience alone was superb. Upon arrival at Charles De Gaulle airport, our Riviera Travel representative greeted us in the arrivals hall and escorted us to our coach. Transfer time was 30 minutes to where our ship was moored. The staff cordially welcomed us onboard; our luggage swiftly taken to our rooms allowing us time to relax and enjoy complimentary afternoon tea and beverages. The rest of the day was ours to enjoy and peruse around the ship.

MS Jane Austen launched in 2015, elegantly refurbished with no expense spared. Attention to detail is evident from the finesse marble-floored lobby, polished copper and brass detailing, soft leather furnishings and elegant designer touch. All 140 guests receive an outstanding level of service with a guest to staff ratio of 4:1. The service is impeccable, personal, and incredibly friendly.

There are four decks which is consistent with most river cruise ships. The panoramic lounge and bar is spacious with ample comfortable seating for all. The sun deck area is super spacious with comfortable seating and lounges to relax, mingle with other guests or retreat to a corner on your own taking in 360-degree views of the stunning scenery. A small splash pool and putting green is available on the sun deck.

My room, a Ruby Deck standard cabin is located on the second floor. A luxurious spacious room with well thought layout and amenities. Immensely comfortable beds, excellent storage for two people, coffee maker, safety deposit, flat screen TV, AC, reusable water bottles to take home, walk-in shower and one of my own fav’s a decent hairdryer! (hard to find)

The most enticing aspect of the Ruby Deck & Diamond Deck on deck 2 + 3 respectively offer full length unobstructed views of the scenic rivers with sliding doors and French balcony. How wonderful to wake up, pull back the curtains and enjoy that sublime view with the subtle sound of the water. Emerald Deck, on deck one is the lead in category in terms of pricing, however, while they do have a small window, they do not offer the views. Suites are also available on each desk.

Dining on board Riviera Travel is exceptional! The menu changes daily. We enjoyed a huge array of options during our 08-day river cruise. Meals are included from breakfast, lunch, light lunch in the lounge, afternoon tea and dinner. Breakfast and lunch sittings offer a cold buffet, hot station with dish of the day along with a full A La Carte menu from the kitchen, dinner is A La Carte menu. For dietary requirements, the staff and chef will go above and beyond to accommodate you as our party included a pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan. Every meal was sensational and carefully paired with wine. At the rear of the ship, the beautiful setting of the Lido Bar, a small bar and restaurant offers early bird breakfast, light lunch, and dinner, with reservation required on board.

A drinks package included with the cost of the cruise is currently available during lunch and again from 6pm to 12 midnight. In 2026 your drinks package will be available from 10am to midnight. 24-hour self-service stations are available for tea, coffee, still and sparking water and soft drinks are available all day long. Onboard MS Jane Austen enjoy a wellness sauna and steam room. Wellness facilities differ from ship to ship which may include massage, nail parlour and larger pools on the sun deck.

I was most impressed with all the inclusions, especially the tours. Choose from one of two tours on most days again included with the cost of your river cruise. These tours are very well planned, exceptionally well run, deeply interesting plus the local guides are knowledgeable in the history of the area. It would be impossible to experience some of the historical places we encountered without embracing a river cruise.

My personal favourite was the Normandy D-Day Beaches, Rouen a close second where we learnt about the history of St Joan of Arc, Bayeux including our visit to the Bayeux Tapestry, Les Andelys and Honfleur to visit the home of Claude Monet. The highlight of a River Cruise is the close proximity you get to the actual destination; no ocean cruise can get remotely close. Walk off the ship and you are there albeit with coach transfers to certain locations i.e. D-Day Beaches.

Entertainment is low-key, which I loved. During a typical 8-day river cruise, a resident musician will perform most evenings, local entertainment acts will perform at least 2 nights, partake in a fun quiz or two. While the ship is moored overnight in certain destinations, you can step ashore to enjoy local culture and nightlife if wished.

My river cruise was one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, interesting, and charming experiences. Travel in style, elegance, and tranquil surroundings. Wind down, indulge and enjoy scenic locations, culinary delights, local history, and personal service. What is not to love?

I am not surprised Riviera Travel has such a high level of repeat clientele which is indicative of their 5* level of service and standard.

There are many rivers to choose from including the Seine, Rhine, Danube, Rhine, Moselle and Douro, so whatever your personal interests are there is a river cruise to suit.

I definitely see river cruises being the next big trend, due to their size they do book early, so please do get in touch as we are nearly on sale for 2027 dates.

Any questions or guidance regarding my own experience and to assist with yours, please do reach out to me to book a call by sending me an email.

Thank you reading and do check out the pictures of the amazing scenery - Au Revoir