Jeannine Williamson reviews the CroisiEurope Loire Princesse

 

This April, French-owned CroisiEurope made a splash by launching a new ship incorporating paddlewheel technology and becoming the first river cruise line offering overnight cruises on the River Loire.

Founded in 1976, the company is one of the pioneers of river cruising and has 43 ships in its fleet.

Until now, only day trips have been available on the Loire as it has very shallow waters during the dry season. The Loire Princesse has been designed with a paddlewheel on each side that allows it to navigate the river year-round. The 96-passenger vessel sails from Nantes on five and seven-night itineraries taking in the beautiful landscapes and chateaux of the Loire Valley.

 

ACCOMMODATION
All cabins are river-facing, with 30 on the upper deck and 18 on the main deck. The upper deck cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding picture windows that lead out to private balconies with a table and two chairs. Main deck cabins have a fixed window. Six cabins on each deck have double beds and in the rest of the cabins there is an optional twin-bed configuration. One cabin has been adapted for disabled passengers. Each cabin measures 49 square feet, with additional 10ft by 4ft balconies on the upper cabins. They are decorated in a bright, contemporary colour scheme and a nice touch is that all beds face the river, enabling passengers to enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their cabin. There is a good-sized bathroom and shower, with a glass shower door and ample storage. Soap, shampoo, conditioner and hand sanitizing gel are provided. Standard cabin amenities include plasma-screen TVs, hair dryer, telephone, safe and air conditioning.

 

PUBLIC AREAS
The comfortable panoramic lounge and bar area, with a small dance floor, is at the heart of the ship. It leads to a small outside deck which is a good place to watch the paddlewheels in action and take photos as you sail past sights such as the towering Saint-Nazaire Bridge and a surreal house submerged in the river that is one of Nantes’ art installations. The sun deck has tables and chairs, loungers and a shaded area.

FOOD AND DRINK
There is one open seating restaurant which serves a leisurely breakfast and waiter service lunch and dinner at set times. CroisiEurope places a lot of emphasis on its French heritage and meals on board are inspired by French culinary traditions.
The breakfast buffet, whilst not as extensive as some lines, is perfectly adequate and includes fruit, yoghurt, cheese, cold meat, self-service hot dishes and, of course, freshly baked French bread and a variety of spreads. For lunch and dinner expect delicious regional dishes such as Quiche Lorraine plus other well presented French favourites such as pâté to start and creamy desserts. Typically, meals are meat-heavy but dietary requirements are catered for and vegetarian options are readily available. Lunch and dinner is served with a choice of red or white wine – French of course – and unlimited beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee are also included in the fare.

 

SERVICE

Members of the crew are French and invariably charming, and each cruise has an English-speaking host. Service is prompt and attentive and by day two the bar and dining staff had remembered our favourite drinks. Tipping is discretionary and the suggested rate is €5 to €10 per passenger, per day per person.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

The ship’s docking spot in Nantes is ideally placed to explore Les Machines de L’ile, a fantastic regeneration of the old shipyard inspired by science fiction author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes. It includes a giant wooden elephant that gives rides along the bank. A walking tour of Nantes takes in charming medieval buildings and contemporary installations on the arts trail. An excursion highlight, available on both itineraries, is a visit to Saint-Nazaire’s STX France shipyard, birthplace of the Loire Princesse. Visitors currently get an amazing close-up view of Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas – the world’s largest cruise ship – and when it is completed in spring 2016 work will start on the next Oasis-class ship. The excursion also includes a tour of the fascinating Escal’ Atlantic. Saint Nazaire’s former submarine base has been transformed into a recreation of the elegant ocean liners built in the city and is filled with original artefacts and interactive displays. Both itineraries feature a full-day excursion to Loire Valley castles, including Usse which inspired the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. Passengers on the longer cruise visit the renowned Cadre Noir in Saumur, the French National Riding School where ‘dancing’ horses performing classical dressage movements.

SELL IT

Available from April to October, the five-night itinerary leads in at £1,001 per person and the seven-night cruise is £1,329 per person based on two sharing, including all meals and drinks throughout the day (excluding Champagne and premium wines), shore excursions and complimentary wifi. The price does not include flights.

For further information call 0208 328 1281 or visit croisieurope.co.uk

 

LOIRE PRINCESSE FAST FACTS
Passengers 96
Crew 15
Cabins 48
Cabin size 49 square feet (plus balconies on upper deck cabins)
Decks 3 length 88m (295ft) Croisieurope USP Value-for-money cruises offering a real taste of France.