dinner cruise on seine river

15 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris for an Unparalleled Dining Experience

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Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Paris, any pick of the best Seine River dinner cruises down the famous waterway will blow your high heels off!

Even if you’ve explored the city or the river before, there’s something oh-so-magical about this experience.

At the end of the day, the surroundings are what make a dinner cruise on the Seine River so special, but it’s also about the food — you’re in one of the world’s Food Capitals! Combining both, this is one activity hard to beat!

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• Seine River Dinner Cruises

With plentiful options and so many reviews, it can be daunting to know which one to go with. Luckily, our complete guide about the best Seine River cruises includes everything you need to know about sightseeing options and famous landmarks, routes, different lunch and dinner cruise operators, and so much more.

1 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens

With the city lights dancing off the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, revel in a gourmet three-course meal (of classic French dishes) with your favorite person during a Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise .

There are multiple seating options (middle, window seats and tables at the bow) and menus to suit all budget types.

Expect champagne on arrival and live musical entertainment setting the mood.

• book this cruise
• 6.30 PM Cruise: 1h15minutes
• 8.30 PM Cruise: 2.5 hours
• Etoile Service: €95
• Privilège Service: €125
• Premier Service: €149
• Etoile Service: €115
• Decouverte Service: €139
• Privilège Service: €185
• Premier Service: €215

This one really impresses with its menus. Think French duck foie gras, snail tart and spiced duckling fillet with a citrus dressing …

We especially love the panoramic views, and no matter your seating, you’re blessed with river vistas from all angles.

It’s a fabulous pick for couples: only one section of the boat allows dinner reservations with kids onboard.

We especially love the route, with the Eiffel as the star of the show!

2 – Dinner Cruise by Bateaux Mouches

For those that don’t want to just float along the river confined indoors; feel the river breeze on your skin from the open top deck when embarking on a dreamy Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise .

Feast on traditional French cuisine, highlighting regional ingredients, while the sounds of the grand piano and violin take you into the night.

• Dinner menu - 6pm early bird Service: €85
• Prestige dinner menu: €115
• Excellence dinner menu: €155
• Get a Yes in Paris - Marriage Proposal: €340

Thanks to the boat’s design, with its rooftop setup, this dinner cruise is perfect for photo-happy travelers — or professional photographers — snapping all the sites you pass by from open surroundings

We especially love the menus, with multiple choices between various starters, mains and dessert (or cheese platters). The pricier dinner menus have fancier items, but no matter which one, the food doesn’t disappoint!

3 – La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

The dinner experience with the La Gourmande Seine Dinner Cruise aboard Le Diamant Bleu is top-notch, from the service to the setting.

Dazzling guests with its superyacht-like design, enjoy drinks under the stars from its open 350m² terrace deck. Dinner is served while live musicians strum guitars, and as dessert approaches, kick back and head to the dance floor, where a DJ spins the funkiest beats.

• Gourmet Package: €89
• Sparkling Gourmet Package: €129
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €15
• Add a PRESTIGE location (at the bow of the boat) to your package for an extra €20

While some of the other Seine River dinner cruises have an overly fancy feel, this one is perfect for a group of friends, welcoming younger crowds with open arms. We love the DJ!

All ingredients are sourced from local producers, and so the plates are always seasonally fresh.

The boat stops for long enough in front of the twinkling Eiffel Tower and doesn’t just glide past. Bonus!

4 – La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise by Le Diamant Bleu

Oui, oui , we may be in France, but who’s to say you have to only eat French food? If you’re in the mood for Italian, then book a table onboard the Theo barge boat (an open upper deck included) for its La Trattoria sur Seine dinner cruise!

Seating 90 passengers only, it’s an intimate affair!

• Trattoria formula – 1st service: €55
• Trattoria formula – 2nd service: €59
• Add a VIP bay window location to your package for an extra €10
• Add a Rooftop Dining location for an extra €15

Two words: handmade pasta! Using imported ingredients straight from Italia, like Sicilian wheat, transport yourselves to Italy for the night!

Not only is the food traditional, but so is the ambiance! From its classic Italian lounge, Italian songs and opera arias fill the air!

What do we love most? This excursion ensures that you get to see the most famous landmarks of Paris!

5 – Dinner cruise by Paris Seine

No matter which one of the three boats you end up on during your dinner cruise by Paris Seine , you’re in for a treat! All boast unique features: the Saphir has a 100m² open-air terrace, the Grand Pavois has a glass roof, and the Vert Galant is all-wooden floors.

Expect a menu full of seasonal products inspired by French gastronomy.

• 6 PM Cruise: 1h15mins
• 8 PM Cruise: 2 hours
• Paris Flavors: €75
• Festive Paris: €85
• Romantic Paris: €120
• Paris Flavors: €65
• Festive Paris: €75
• Romantic Paris: €100

These dinner cruises are super affordable in comparison to some of the others — no matter which one you book. On that note, discover different seating plans to suit all budget types.

Our personal favorite is the cruise onboard the romantic Saphir, with dining options available outside (weather permitting).

6 – Dinner cruise by Ducasse sur Seine

Calling all the serious foodies out there! It’s time to put on your red lips and don your high heels for the fancy schmancy Ducasse sur Seine dinner cruise!

Forget about an ordinary three-course meal; here, you have the option of a four, five or six-course menu! We’re talking lobster, scallops and truffles!

And just wait until you get a load of the all-glass boat …

• see price & reviews
• 4 Course Dinner: €160
• 4 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €265
• 5 Course Dinner: €200
• 5 Course Dinner + Food & Wine Pairing: €305
• 6 Course Paris est une fête: €500

Eco Warriors, as the first 100% electric Parisian floating restaurant, this boat is 100% ecologically friendly!

We’re obsessed with the professional sommelier services (a private wine cellar onboard included), and the entire experience runs like a proper restaurant — plus, the ship is so silent, it all makes you forget you’re traveling on water.

7 – Dinner cruise by Don Juan II

If you’re keen on at least one Michelin-star experience in Paris, ditch all your previous ideas and opt for the Michelin-award-winning Don Juan II dinner cruise instead! Providing the most unique setting for it, it doesn’t get better than its one-star cuisine!

Its elegant and rich interiors (and Art Déco vibes) add the final cherry.

With three-star Michelin chef Frédéric Anton at the helm, expect the most gorgeous graphic plates of food flying out of this professional kitchen!

And because it’s got such a high-caliber chef leading the way, the restaurant boat matches in standard. We just love the regal feeling, everything dripping in luxury, including the wine cellar!

8 – Dinner cruise by Capitaine Fracasse

How delicious does celery root remoulade with truffle sound? Or how about duck breast tossed with honey and nuts ? Indulge in a gourmet three-course dinner cruise aboard Capitaine Fracasse .

Admire the sunset from the outdoor terrace (the perfect setting for drinks and mingling with other guests), or cozy up indoors in a plush and comfortable setting.

Thinking of popping the question? Add on extras like a window or front-of-ship table and a rose bouquet.

• Fracasse Package: €69
• Amiral Package: €79
• Champagne Package: €89

Free onboard wifi? You bet!

We also love the fact that there’s a plant-based menu available (on request beforehand)!

Don’t forget to let them know if it’s your birthday for a sweet surprise of glitter cake and a glass of bubbly!

No matter which of the dinner packages you choose, the menus are all the same; it’s another super affordable dinner cruise.

9 – Dinner cruise by Calife

With a Calife Dinner Cruise , you’re spoiled with an array of seating plans, each one designated in a different part of this vintage barge. Whether it’s the terrace, veranda or its exotic wood living room salon, fall into the rhythm of the Seine with 360-degree views.

Expect a cocktail reception greeting you as you arrive, and there’s a live jazz concert every night in the grand music room!

• Salon lounge dining: €87
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €107
• Salon lounge dining: €129
• Terrace or Veranda dining: €149

Honestly, it’s the unique seating sections of this boat that win our hearts over. Depending on the weather, the terrace is open or covered (and with heating), the veranda has a see-through glass roof, and the indoor lounge is modeled after a classic Parisian Salon (every table, a window seat).

All menus are three courses, and if there’s one item you have to try, it’s the famous iced nougat!

10 – Paris en Scène dinner cruise

Inspired by the French classic “en cocotte” casserole dish, a dinner cruise with Paris en Scène is a feast for the senses, all dishes revolving around traditional French simmered dishes.

With all the makings of a classic French bistro, menus comprise starters, a casserole main and dessert. Lap up the all-round views from bay windows or the terrace on the upper deck!

• Water Cruise: €55
• Wine Cruise: €65
• Champagne Cruise: €75

With two dinner cruise timetables available (7.15 PM and 9.45 PM), no one has to miss out, especially if you’re a night owl!

Its distinct style of cuisine sets it apart from the usual menus offered elsewhere.

Not breaking any bank accounts with its reasonably-priced options, we suggest going the full mile and opting for the Champagne Cruise.

11 – Bistronomic dinner cruise by Eiffel Croisières

Departing from the foot of the famously ornate Alexandre III Bridge, prepare your palettes for the delicious degustation menu from Eiffel Croisières’s Bistronomic Dinner .

Savor each morsel with stunning panoramas thanks to the Ivoire barge’s giant windows.

Changing with each new season, always expect something new from this kitchen. Not keen on a tasting menu? A la carte options are available, too, fab wine list included!

• Bistronomic Dinner: €59
• Bistronomic Dinner with wine: €69
• Bistronomic Dinner with Champagne: €79

The food and wine pairings are a must for anyone considering themselves a vino connoisseur.

In case you were wondering, a vegetarian menu is available.

We’re mega fans of its onboard sightseeing commentary — they provide a QR code to download a description of all the monuments you pass by during the cruise.

12 – Prestige dinner cruises by Eiffel Croisières

Say hello to seafood towers, champagne showers and terrace moments under the moon!

Three glistening and glamorous lounges await you onboard the luxe Tosca barge. It’s not named the Prestige Dinner for no reason!

Admire the sites from its Privilege Lounge’s bay windows, sweep in panoramas at the bow at the Premium Lounge, and the upper deck is the VIP Lounge.

See how many bridges you can count (hint: you sail under 31 of the 37)!

• Prestige Dinner: €79
• Prestige Dinner with wine: €89
• Prestige Dinner: €99

Tables are set to fine-dining standards, and think seasonal ingredients with the options of seafood, meat or vegetarian menus. Plus, wine pairings!

We (highly) recommend the seafood option — we’re talking langoustines, oysters and shrimp on ice! If you want to order the seafood tower (its signature), let them know in advance.

P.S. Right at the Statue of Liberty, your captain rotates ship so that you catch direct sight of Paris’ most famous landmark. Quick , get your camera!

13 – Bistro dinner cruise by Canauxrama

Nothing beats a divine charcuterie and cheese board — and you’re in the perfect country for it! Add onto that a glass of Champagne and macarons (with live music setting the tone), and you’re all set for a quintessential Parisian soiree!

All thanks to Canauxrama’s La Parisienne Gourmande Cruise .

Take cover on the lower deck or dine under the warm evening sky. In cooler months, both sections are heated.

• Add a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons for an extra €11

This is for those that maybe have dinner plans later on but still want to experience the romance of an evening cruise filled with good food and fine wine!

Cue the accordion player and festive atmosphere, and you can topple up at the bar.

We’re mega fans of its first-come, first-pick seating vibes, and you’ll pass the Eiffel Tower not once, but twice on this trip.

14 – Seine River dinner cruise and Eiffel Tower combo

When the Eiffel Tower lights up at night, she becomes even more alluring! Add some extra excitement to your dinner cruise, finishing off the night with a climb up Paris’ most famous landmark!

Choose a guided exploration through its three levels, or opt for a combo that simply includes entrance tickets to the Iron Lady.

If you’re planning a proposal, these combination cruises are utterly romantic!

• Eiffel tower & dinner cruise

15 – Seine River dinner cruise and Moulin Rouge combo

“ Because we can, can, can. Yes we can, can, can, can ” embark on a dinner cruise AND a visit to none other than the world-famous Moulin Rouge in one go!

After you’ve got a load of the most famous sites along the Seine, complete your evening with a show at the iconic cabaret house!

All logistics are taken care of; what a pleasure!

• Moulin Rouge & dinner cruise

How to book Seine River dinner cruises?

Bookings are essential to secure your spot on your preferred floating restaurant.

Either book directly with the cruise company or with an online travel agency.

What’s the difference? Online operators often offer discounted rates, as well as epic combo tickets (for anyone wanting to visit the Eiffel Tower or experience the Moulin Rouge show after your dinner cruise). With a combination package, save extra euros!

Use our search engine to explore and compare the different cruise and combo tour options available on the web in one simple click!

With so many incredible options on the table, don’t miss out on the best Seine River dinner cruises for an unparalleled night out.

If your evenings are already full with other plans, you don’t have to miss out on the experience! Here are the best Seine River lunch cruises for daytime options.

Got any questions? Ask us in the comments below.

Bon Appétit!

Cruise on the Seine in Paris

Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches® is the leading provider of cruises on the river Seine. Take some time to explore Paris a little differently and uncover the historic heart of the city of lights whilst slipping down its most beautiful avenue. Commentated tour, lunch in a unique restaurant or romantic dinner, there’s a cruise for everyone...

See Paris by boat

Hopping onto a boat and enjoying a tour down the Seine, for over an hour-long trip, seeing the capital’s iconic monuments is surely top of the list of things to do during a trip to Paris.  Read more

This service includes a meal for one person and a cruise ticket. Four sandwich options are available: Le Bastille (Ham & cheese), Le Châtelet (Pastrami), Le Montmartre (Salmon & Avocado) and Le Champs Elysées (Roasted vegetables / vegetarian).

Champagne cruise in Paris

This package contains a combo ticket including a sightseeing cruise on the Seine river with the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches and Half a bottle of EPC Champagne for 2 people to be collected from the « Bar » situated on the boarding area, just before the turnstiles.

Brunch with a view in Paris

How about brunch on the Seine right opposite the Eiffel Tower? Every Sunday Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches opens up its restaurant Mademoiselle Mouche, on the Port de la Conférence, right next to the Pont de l’Alma. The chance to brunch in a quirky location...

Boat & Bus Visit

Combine your leisure cruise on the Seine with a double-decker bus tour! Take advantage of OpenTour's open-topped double-decker buses to visit the heart of Paris on your own terms, getting on and off at will.

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Every weekend and public holiday, Bateaux-Mouches® casts off its moorings and sets sail for a friendly, laid-back lunch. A fantastic guinguette atmosphere, reminiscent of the Paris of yesteryear.  Read more

Romantic Dinner Cruise

A romantic dinner cruise lulled by the sound of the piano and violin, bathed in the shimmering reflections of the lights of Paris on the Seine. Two menus, Excellence and Prestige, for an unforgettable evening... An extraordinary moment.   Read more

Dinner show

Combine the enchantment of our dinner cruise with the sassy glamour of the Crazy Horse cabaret, another Paris institution. An evening full of spectacle, from start to finish.  Read more

Dates and special evenings

For a special event such as a marriage proposal, renewal of vows or special dates like New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or 14th July, we offer special evenings. 

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Our Dinner cruises

The night reveals another facet of Paris, this time adorned with thousands of lights. .In silence, the boat slips into the city and offers a gentle and ecological way to see the French capital from another angle. For this magical cruise, chef Jean-Philippe Berens imagined a 5-course menu paired with exceptional wines selected by our sommelier. On board, , let yourself carried away on a magical night cruise where you will have the opportunity to savour a gastronomic menu while admiring the most beautiful monuments of the capital. During a romantic dinner or a meal with friends or family, the beauty of the city revealed itself during a journey that ends at the base of the Eiffel Tower.

A 4-course dinner menu including a cold and hot starter, a fish or meat main and a dessert

A 4-course dinner menu including a cold and hot starter, a fish or meat main, a dessert, including wine pairing

A 5-course dinner menu including a hot and cold starter, a fish and a meat main and a dessert

A 5-course dinner menu including a hot and cold starter, a fish and a meat main and a dessert, including wine pairing.

The best views over the Seine river to enjoy a 6-course menu including a glass of Champagne and wine pairing, and a surprise gift to take away.

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The Best Seine River Dinner Cruises in Paris

Last updated: June 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 5 Comments

We have visited Paris many times, and one of the activities we always recommend folks do when visiting the city for the first time is to take a Seine River Cruise . They offer a unique perspective on the city and let you see many of the highlights of Paris as you relax onboard.

You actually have some options when it comes to taking one of these cruises. You can either do a sightseeing cruise, or you can take a cruise which includes a meal, either lunch during the day or dinner in the evening.

We have taken several Seine River Cruises in Paris over the years, including sightseeing cruises and dinner cruises. In this guide, we’re going to share our thoughts specifically on taking a Seine River dinner cruise when you visit Paris.

We’ll cover our favourite dinner cruise options, share our experiences taking dinner cruises, and also offer our advice on what to look for when deciding between cruise options.

If you’d prefer to take a sightseeing cruise instead, which is more focused on seeing the sights and often comes with narration, we also have a detailed guide to the best Seine River Cruises , which covers sightseeing cruises in detail.

We have taken a number of dinner cruises in Paris, and this guide is based on our personal experiences. We’ve also written a number of other guides you might find useful in Paris, including suggested itineraries for 2 days in Paris and 3 days in Paris , tips for how to get around Paris , as well as a review of the Paris Pass . We share all these resources at the end of this post.

Now, let’s look at our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris!

Best Seine River Dinner Cruises

This guide lists what we think are the best options for a dinner cruise in Paris. If you’d prefer a lunch cruise, most of these companies also offer that as an option.

These are listed in no particular order. Pricing is correct as of June 2023; however, do always check the latest prices as they can vary. All prices are listed in euros.

Bateaux Mouches

Bateaux Mouches is one of the most well-known and popular sight-seeing cruise companies operating on the Seine River. They have a range of cruises offering dinner, with a convenient departure location by the Eiffel Tower. You can book these cruises here .

Cruises run every day, with an early-bird special at 6pm offering a shorter, value option. Most cruises last for 2 hours and 15 minutes approximately, with the exception of the early-bird cruise which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Pricing and Tickets

Bateaux Mouches currently offers two dinner cruise departure times. These all include live musical accompaniment and there’s also a dancefloor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departures are:

• A 2.5 hour “Prestige” cruise which costs 115 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes an aperitif, three course meal, as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee, and water. This can also be upgraded to a four-course menu (“Excellence”) and additional drinks, which costs 155 euros per adult. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15-minute early bird cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (39 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal as well as wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee and water. This cruise departs at 6:00pm.

Whilst the price of the early-bird cruise is attractive, we’d recommend taking one of the longer cruises as otherwise it might feel like a bit of a rushed experience. However, if you are looking for a dinner cruise in Paris to do with children, this early departure can be a good option for those wanting an earlier, shorter, and more budget-friendly cruise.

Vegetarian options are available for all the above.

If you upgrade from the Prestige menu to the Excellence menu on the 2.5 hour cruise you will be able to board the ship earlier as well have a slightly elevated menu with an extra course and a wider complimentary drinks selection.

So you will have to decide if this menu upgrade is worth the price difference for you. The actual cruise experience is the same as it’s the same boat, you just get a different menu.

Menu Upgrades and Special Diet Options

On the early-bird cruise only one menu is offered. On the longer cruise, you can choose between a three-course menu and an upgraded four course menu.

According to their website Bateaux Mouches can provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free and nut-free dishes.

Departure Points

The boat departs at Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris, France.

Accessibility

Bateaux Mouches boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available near the docking area. Priority access for disabled guests is available.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, shorts, or baseball caps.

Bateaux Parisiens

Another of the major operators in Paris is Bateaux Parisiens. We have taken the standard Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing cruises a number of times in Paris as they are so conveniently located by the Eiffel Tower, and their sightseeing cruise is included on the Paris Pass which we regularly use.

Naturally, they also offer evening dinner cruises. These are a shorter 1 hour and 15 minute cruise or a longer 2.5 hour cruise. The latter would be our suggested option. You can book these cruises here .

Bateaux Parisiens currently offer two dinner cruise departures with different durations.

The longer cruise includes live musical accompaniment and there’s also usually a dance floor which is open to guests to enjoy.

The two main cruise departure times are:

• A 2.5 hour cruise which starts at 109 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal. Drinks are not included in this package but can be purchased on board. We would recommend considering upgrading to either the Decouverte Service (139 euros) or Privilege Service (179 euros) option though. These include drinks and, more importantly, an improved view. This cruise departs at 8:30pm.
• A 1 hour 15 minute cruise which starts at 89 euros per person (34 euros for children). This includes a three-course meal and an aperitif. Other drinks can be purchased on board. Consider upgrading to the Privilege Service (119 euros) option for a window table.

There are three main menus which you can upgrade between. The standard “Etoile” menu is a three-course meal. The “Privilege” service adds a cheese course. The Premier Service adds a cheese course and an appetiser. Additional drinks are also included as you upgrade between menus.

According to their website Bateaux Parisiens can provide vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, residue-free, fibre-free and diabetic meals.

Leaves from the Port de la Bourdonnais (near the Eiffel Tower, on the left bank) in the 7th arrondissement.

Bateaux Parisiens boats are wheelchair accessible. Access to toilets on board the boats requires navigating stairs, but there are wheelchair-accessible toilets available at Le Bistro Parisien, the company’s restaurant near their Eiffel Tower dock.

For dinner cruises, a smart dress code is applied. This means no sportswear, flipflops, or shorts.

La Marina de Paris

The first dinner cruise we took in Paris was with Marina de Paris and we really enjoyed the experience. They offer a couple of different dinner sailings, including a shorter early departure and a longer later departure.

What is nice about the later cruise is that it is timed to sail past the Eiffel Tower as the twinkling lights come on, which is a very special sight to see. You can book their cruises here .

There are two main options, as follows:

• A 2 hour “Flavours” dinner cruise which costs 100 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 9:15pm departure.
• A 1 hour 15 minute “Discovery” dinner cruise which costs 85 euros per adult (40 euros per child). This includes a 3-course meal. Wine and drinks are optional extras. 6:45pm departure.

We’d generally recommend the Flavours dinner cruise, which can be upgraded to include drinks if you prefer.

We are not aware of any menu upgrades for the food.

According to their website a vegetarian option is available.  If you have other dietary requirements, we would recommend contacting them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

This cruise departs from Port de Solferino, 75007 Paris. It’s by the Musee d’Orsay.

Due to the steps required to access the boat this tour is not recommended for those with access requirements.

A dress code is not mentioned, we would recommend smart casual as a minimum.

Captaine Fracasse

One of our favourite Paris dinner cruises we have done was on the Capitane Fracasse, which was recommended to us by a couple living in Paris.

They are a smaller company which only operate one vessel as far as we know, and we found the service on board to be top notch. The food is also cooked on board. You can book their cruises here .

Capitaine Fracasse has different options depending on which day of the week you are cruising with them.

All the options include a 3-course menu. Drinks, including soft drinks, are not included in the standard ticket but are available to purchase on board.

• On Saturdays, there’s a 1 hour 45 minute cruise which departs at 6pm and which costs 69 euros (35 euros for children), and a 2 hour 15 minute cruise which departs at 9:30pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children).
• On every other day of the week there is one 2 hour 30 minute cruise which departs at 8:45pm and costs 79 euros (35 euros for children). We’d normally recommend this cruise if possible as it is slightly longer.

You can see all the information about their cruises on their official website here .

According to their website a plant-based option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point is L’île aux Cygnes, Escale de Pont de Bir-Hakeim, 75015 Paris. This is just a little walk south of the Eiffel Tower.

The departure point is actually on a small artificial island (the Isle of Swans) in the middle of the Seine River, accessed from the Bir-Hakeim bridge. Be sure to arrive early as there are lovely views up and down the Seine from this bridge.

Paris en Scene

Paris en Scene are one of the smaller dinner cruise operators, offering meals which are prepared on-board. They also have very competitive pricing. If you are looking for the best value Seine River dinner cruise, then Paris en Scene is definitely worth considering. You can book their cruises here .

Paris en Scene offers two dinner cruise departure times. The experience and duration is the same, the only difference is the departure time.

• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise which costs from 55 euros per person. Includes a three-course meal as well as water. Upgrades are available to include wine and champagne as well as a window seat.  This cruise departs at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm.

According to their website a vegan option is available. For other requirements they recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

Diamant Bleu

Diamant Blue is another of the smaller operators on the River Seine. They have two boats, the Diamant Bleu and the smaller Theo.

Meals are all prepared on board, and they have two options, a standard cruise which features French cuisine and live musical entertainment, as well as an Italian dining cruise on board the smaller Theo.

We think the Diamant Bleu offers great value for money and is definitely worth considering when comparing Seine River dinner cruises.

Diamant Blue have a number of departure times, depending on which boat you use. These are as follows.

• A 2.5 hour cruise on board the Diamant Blue with a 3-course meal including water for 89 euros (same price for adults and children). Live music is provided. This can be upgraded to include window seating and champagne. This cruise departs at 8.30pm.
• A 1 hour 45 minute cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 55 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 6pm.
• A 2 hour cruise on-board the Theo with a 3 course Italian meal which costs 59 euros per adult (39 euros for children, infants not allowed). Drinks can be purchased on board. This cruise departs at 9pm.

For other requirements we recommend you contact them directly to see if they are able to accommodate you.

The departure point can vary by boat and departure so do check your booking. Normally it is as follows:

For the Diamant Bleu, the departure point is: 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris. This is near Gare Austerlitz.

For Theo, the departure point is: Escale de Beaugrenelle, situated at Port de Javel Haut, 75015 Paris

The Diamant Bleu is listed as being wheelchair accessible, however the Theo cruise is not.

Sandals, flip flops, and shorts are not permitted.

Seine River Dinner Cruises Summary & Where to Book

To help you out, we’ll summarise the best Seine River dinner cruise options here to show what’s included, pricing, duration and also where you can book each cruise.

• Bateaux Mouches . Recommended cruises start at 115 euros per person and include a 3-course meal, wine, tea/coffee, soft drinks, and live music. Cruises are normally 2 hours 15 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Bateaux Parisiens. Recommended cruises start at 109 euros per adult and include a three-course meal and live music. It can also be upgraded to include drinks and a window seat. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:30pm departure. Book online here .
• Marina de Paris. Recommended cruises start at 100 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. The cruise is 2 hours in length with a 9:15pm departure. Book online here .
• Capitaine Fricasse . Recommended cruises start at 79 euros per adult and include a 3-course meal. Drinks can be purchased on board. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes with an 8:45pm departure (except on Saturdays). Book online here .
• Paris en Scene . Recommended cruises start at 55 euros per person and include a 3-course meal as well as water. Cruises are normally 1 hour 45 minutes with departures at either 7:15pm or 9:45pm. This is a great value dinner cruise option. Book online here .
• Diamant Bleu . Recommended cruises start at 89 euros per person and include a 3-course meal with water. Live entertainment is provided. Cruises are normally 2 hours 30 minutes in duration and depart at 8:30pm. Book online here .

What to Consider When Booking a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris

As you have seen, there are quite a few choices when it comes to dinner cruises in Paris. So you might be wondering how to narrow your selection down a bit.

Well, to help you out we wanted to go through some of the key things to think about when comparing cruises, so you can decide on the right one for you.

Departure & Return Location

Seine River dinner cruises depart from various locations along the river, so you might want to consider this when booking your cruise.

Booking a cruise that starts and finishes closer to your accommodation will make getting back when it finishes easier.

Cruise Time

Dinner cruises depart at different times of the evening, from around 6pm through to around 9.30pm. Depending on the time of year you visit Paris you might prefer to take an earlier or later cruise to experience different lighting. This decision will depend on the sort of experience you want to have.

We have taken a cruise which went through sunset and into the night, as well as a cruise that took place entirely in daylight.

In the summer in Paris it doesn’t get dark until quite late, so if you want to have a nighttime experience on one of these cruises you’ll need to book one with a later departure time. Conversely over winter it gets darker much earlier so you might not have as much choice over whether you cruise in the daylight or not.

There are pros and cons to daytime, sunset and nighttime cruises.

During daylight hours, you will generally get a better view of Paris and it will be easier to take photos. However, it might not feel quite as romantic.

When it’s dark, you get to see the city when it is lit up. This can be very beautiful, and the Eiffel Tower in particular at night is gorgeous. This is definitely a more romantic experience.

However, it’s worth noting that photography can be pretty challenging at night. Reflections from the interior lights on the glass combined with the lack of light combines to make photography much more challenging.

Price is of course going to be a major factor when considering which Paris dinner river cruise to book.

Prices range from around 55 euros up to 150 euros and up.

When comparing price, it’s really important to look beyond the price and see what exactly is included. Some cruises include things like live entertainment for example. Others might have a better menu, a more intimate seating environment or more inclusions like water and drinks.

Choice of Seating

One of the reasons to take a Seine River dinner cruise is of course the view. Whilst the food on board most cruises (in our experience) is generally good, what you are really paying for is the experience and the views.

Most boats have a range of seating options, from central seating with limited views through to window seating along the sides. Some also offer more premium panorama seating near the front of the boat.

We’d usually recommend trying to get a window seat if it’s possible to specify this as you will generally have a better view of Paris. Just note that this is often a paid upgrade.

Duration of Dinner Cruise

When choosing a Seine River dinner cruise, you will need to decide what sort of duration of cruise you want to take. Cruises are offered ranging from around 1 hour 15 minutes up to 2 hours 30 minutes.

It’s worth noting that these times are the time that the boat is actually spent cruising on the water from departure to docking. Most cruises require you to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier so everyone can be seated in time for departure.

Our suggestion is to take a cruise that lasts at least 90 minutes – 2 hours as this way you will be able to enjoy your meal and not feel rushed.

Of course, you can save money by taking a shorter cruise if you prefer. Just be aware that the cruise will cover less ground, and you’re going to have less time for capturing all your favorite moments!

This being a river cruise, there is not a huge amount of choice that the boats have when it comes to the route.

Most vessels in our experience have a route which stretches from the Eiffel Tower area to the Notre Dame area. This route covers most of the sightseeing highlights of central Paris that you can see from the river.

Of course, the duration of the cruise can affect this route. Cruises that last for less time might see less, whilst cruises which last for longer will probably cover more ground.

Meal options

All the Paris dinner cruises we are aware of offer a fixed menu, usually consisting of 3 or 4 courses. There are usually at least 2-3 main course options, and there are also normally 2-3 starters and desserts to choose from.

Meals are normally included in the price of the cruise, however there will sometimes be a premium menu item such as steak which comes with an additional charge.

The majority of the cruises offer French food. You should be able to check the menu online prior to booking your cruise, which we recommend doing to be sure there will be an option to your liking.

Children’s Pricing, Age Policy, and Menu

The majority of Seine River Dinner cruises welcome children on board. If you are travelling with children and want to take them on a cruise, then this can definitely be a fun experience as a family.

There are a few things you will want to check before you book. First, what age the company defines as a “child”, as it varies from under 12 to under 13. Often (but not always) those defined as children will pay a lower rate, so this is definitely worth checking.

Many cruises also offer a children’s menu, so you will want to be sure that it is something your child will enjoy.

Drink options

Depending on the dinner cruise you choose, different drinks options will likely be available. Some packages include drinks, whilst others do not include any drinks at all. However, you can always purchase drinks, including alcoholic and soft drinks on board.

So obviously you can decide in advance if you would prefer to include drinks with your package or just pay as you consume.

It’s also worth noting that in our experience, tap water is not available on any of the boats, so if drinking water is not included in your meal package you would need to buy it on board.

Special Diet Needs or Preferences

If you have a food allergy or intolerance, then you will definitely need to check that the cruise you are thinking of taking is able to accommodate them. For most allergies, I would contact the cruise company directly to check if they can accommodate your needs.

For most special diets, unless they have a specific menu you can book directly (e.g., a lot of companies offer a “regular” and vegetarian menu), it is wise to contact the company in advance about your dietary needs or preferences.

Most companies require that you tell them in advance if you would like to choose a special menu option such as a vegan menu, dairy-free, or a gluten-free one.

Entertainment

Some cruises provide entertainment, normally in the form of live music. If this is something that you would like, then you would need to choose a cruise which includes this as an option.

Note that none of the dinner cruises we are aware of include any kind of sightseeing commentary as you travel up and down the river, as this would interrupt the ambience of the cruise. You can always ask a member of staff to identify sights of interest if you see something you are not sure about.

However, if you would prefer a cruise with commentary then you might consider taking a Seine River sightseeing cruise . We think that the two types of cruises are complimentary to one another so you could do a sightseeing cruise during one day of your trip and then do an evening dinner cruise another day of your trip.

But if you are choosing one or the other and want commentary, then we’d recommend a daytime sightseeing cruise instead.

Professional Photography

Most crusies have professional photographers on board who take photos. They will generally ask to take your photo and offer you photos to purchase if you wish towards the end of the cruise. This is optional and not something you need to do, but it can make for a great souvenir.

If you have accessibility requirements, you will obviously need to check what the cruise is able to accommodate.

For example, some of the dinner cruise options are accessible to those with reduced mobility issues and those in wheelchairs, particularly those which depart from near the Eiffel Tower as the dock can be accessed without steps.

However, other departure points require navigating many steps and so would be an issue.

If you have specific accessibility needs then we highly recommend reaching out to the company in advance of your tour to discuss your requirements.

Depending on the cruise you take, a dress code might apply, so it is important to check this beforehand. Even if a dress code is not mentioned, our experience is that most people tend to dress up a bit, so we would recommend smart casual as a minimum. Generally if you avoid shorts, flip-flops, sportswear, and very casual wear, you’ll be fine.

In our experience, people are generally a bit more casually dressed on the early evening dinner cruises and a bit more formally dressed on the later dinner cruises.

You can of course be as dressed up as you like, we’ve seen some very smartly dressed folks on the dinner cruises we’ve taken in Paris. We think it adds to the experience to put a bit of effort into dressing up at least a little for the cruise.

Our Experience Taking a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

We have actually taken a number of Seine River dinner boat cruises in Paris. We wanted to share our experiences of doing so to give you an idea of what to expect (and what not to expect!).

I’ll cover two cruises we have done in this section. One was in late summer, so whilst it was light when we departed (at around 9:00pm) it was fully dark by the time we returned at around 11.15pm.

For the second one we cruised in early summer with a 6.30pm departure and as a result it was light pretty much throughout the whole cruise until our return at just after 8:00pm.

The overall experience was similar. For both cruises we arrived around 45 minutes before the actual departure. Most cruises let you board at least 30 minutes before departure, and we definitely recommend arriving early so you can locate the boarding point and have time to check in. Sometimes being early can also mean you might get a better table.

On boarding, we gave our names and were shown to our table. In both cases we were allocated a window table.

After sitting down we were presented with a menu. We had already selected a drinks package on the cruises so water was waiting for us on the table, and we were offered a choice of wine which was brought and poured.

On most cruises you’ll get a set menu which will generally at least have a choice of mains. Sometimes you might also have a choice of appetizers and/or desserts but these are often set. So it is definitely important to have an idea of the menu before you choose your cruise.

Some menus also give you the option to pay extra for an upgrade (e.g., to have a special menu item like caviar, steak, lobster, etc.). So be careful about this if you don’t want to pay extra. It should be clearly marked on the menu.

We had time to take a quick look around the vessels and take a few photos, and then we ordered.

In both cases most of this happened while the vessel was still docked. We then got underway, where we enjoyed our wine before our meals arrived.

For our cruise which departed later, this was when we watched the sunset, over our aperitifs. For our cruise which departed earlier, it remained light throughout the whole experience.

On both cruises the food was good. First courses and desserts were generally chilled, whilst the main course was served hot. We also had a drinks package included on both cruises, which gave us more than enough to drink between us. On both cruises it included wine, water, and coffee/tea.

Service was efficient and friendly, and the service staff also answered any questions. There was also a professional photographer on board both cruises who took photos of everyone if they wished and then offered photo prints to purchase at the end of the cruise.

On the later cruise when it got dark it was lovely to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. However as it was dark it was quite difficult to take photos! This cruise also had a dance floor which quite a few people enjoyed towards the end, although there wasn’t live music.

Overall we enjoyed both our cruises a great deal. The views were lovely, the food was good and the service was excellent.

Is a Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris worth it?

We would say that yes, a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris is definitely worth it. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening, the food is normally good and the sights of Paris are always wonderful to see.

The meals we had were both good but you shouldn’t expect a Michelin-starred meal. This is due to the constraints of being on a boat and serving multiple people at the same time. If you want a really nice meal in Paris, we would recommend booking a high-end restaurant. A lot of the cost of the cruise is for the cruise itself, rather than the meal.

You should also not expect this to be a narrated sightseeing cruise as the dinner cruises rarely include any type of narration. After dark, some of the attractions can be difficult to see although you get the chance to see the lights come on at night across central Paris. Many people love the experience of seeing the Eiffel Tower lights sparkle at night from the boat.

If you want a sightseeing cruise, we’d recommend booking a Seine sightseeing cruise as these give you a very different experience. But a dinner cruise is still a special way to see Paris at night.

So we’d recommend booking this for the experience of having a nice evening out with a good meal aboard a ship with nice views of Paris along the way.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Seine River dinner cruise, based on our experiences.

• Do some research and book your dinner cruise in advance – compare factors such as what food/drinks are included, price, departure time and duration
• Be sure to take into account the time of year in Paris in terms of how dark (or not) it will be during your cruise. For example, if you want to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night you need to book a cruise that will be cruising at night. You can see sunrise and sunset times in Paris at different times of year here .
• Arrive in plenty of time. It’s important to arrive in plenty of time so you can find your boat and be boarded in plenty of time. Some of the departure locations have multiple companies, so you want to be sure you arrive in time to find your vessel.
• Bring a camera. You will absolutely want to document the experience, so we recommend bring a camera. A smartphone will of course do, but if you’re looking to elevate your photos you might consider picking up a good camera for travel .
• Dress up a bit. First you’ll want to check to see if your cruise has a specific dress code or not. Whilst many of the cruises don’t have a dress code, we suggest dressing up a bit anyway. It’s a special way to spend an evening, and many people will certainly be quite dressed up.
• Ask the crew to take a photo of you. Whilst a selfie is all well and good, you will nearly always get a better result if you ask a member of the crew to take your photo. Depending on the cruise you book there may also be a shipboard photographer who will offer to take your photo and then sell them to you. These can make for a lovely souvenir of your trip.
• Enjoy and make the most of your evening cruise in Paris!

Further Reading for your visit to Paris

We have been lucky enough to visit Paris many times, and based on our experiences we’ve put together a number of guides to help you plan your trip here. We also have some suggested third-party resources that we think you might find helpful.

• To help you make the most of your time in Paris, we have a series of itineraries. These cover spending  a day in Paris ,  2 Days in Paris  and  3 Days in Paris
• If you’re looking for good photos, we have a guide to the  best photography locations in Paris
• We have detailed guides to the best Seine river cruise ,  buying Paris opera tickets ,  attending a fashion show in Paris  and  saving money on Michelin starred restaurants in Paris
• We have a detailed  review of the Paris Pass and the Paris Museum Pass to help you decide if these might save you money
• If you’re wondering how best to get around, see our guide to how to get around Paris for lots of tips
• If you like afternoon tea, check out our definitive guide to the  best afternoon tea locations in Paris
• We have a detailed guide to attending the famous  Moulin Rouge show in Paris
• Are you coming to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• For walking tours in Paris, we can recommend both  Context Tours  (link gives 10% off) and   Take Walks  who both offer tours in Paris.
• If you want a guide book to Paris, we always like to recommend the Rick Steves guides – here’s the  Rick Steves Paris  edition. We also recommend the Lonely Planet guides, and they have a  guidebook on Paris .

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions or comments about this guide to our favourite Seine River dinner cruises in Paris, just let us know in the comments below. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

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Gerald & Teresa says

20th September 2023 at 4:31 am

My partner and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Paris and I just wanted to say thank you for your many helpful posts from you and your wife’s blogs. You made our trip much easier and one of the many highlights was our Seine cruise for dinner, we had a lovely meal, good weather, and loved seeing the eiffel tower and many other interesting historical buildings from the water.

As reference we did one of the recommended ones (Paris Marina I think, it was specifically this one ) and we booked the late dinner with 1/2 bottle of Champagne and window seat option.

For anyone on teh fence, I’d say definitely do a cruise! If you have a small budget, enjoy a daytime regular cruise but if you have a bit of a bigger budget we did really love our dinner cruise at sunset. It was very special for us and an unforgettable experience.

Merci beaucoup! G&T

Laurence Norah says

20th September 2023 at 8:03 am

Hi G&T,

Thanks for taking the time to pop by and leave your feedback and we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time in Paris and the dinner cruise in particular. Thank you also for letting us know that our content helped with your trip, that means a lot! We think a dinner cruise is very much worth it and are so happy you enjoyed yours 🙂

All the best and safe travels

Laurence & Jess

Leona Ramsey says

28th July 2023 at 8:09 pm

Hi Laurence!

What a great guide you have here to all the seine boat cruises–so helpful!!!

I am wondering if you could help us to find at least one option for a party of 6 (5 adults, 1 child age 14) for a dinner cruise in Paris between August 12-14. Any time OK. No special dietary requirements. I have been struggling to find one but may be my Internet connection or doing something wrong. Prefer booking on GYG (if price same) if possible rather than on the french company websites as they tend to be very clunky. I am older and not as easy for me to navigate online.

Also, a quick question, I have been trying to book window seats but I think based on my limited experience with this that this isn’t possible on most boats with a party of 6. Can you confirm that most of the window tables seem to be for parties of 2, 3, or 4? We prefer to sit all together so a middle table is fine as long as still have view but window table would be a bonus.

Thanks! Leona

29th July 2023 at 2:07 pm

Thanks very much! So you are correct, for the most part the tables for larger parties tend not to be near the windows as it is easier from a layout perspective to put smaller tables around the windows and larger tables in the middle. However, there are some options.

The Bateaux Parisiens Premier Service has seating at the front of the boat and offers good views. However they are rather pricey.

I’d perhaps instead suggest the Bateaux Parisien Decouverte Service for a group. They’re one row back from the window but as most of the Bateaux Mouches windows extend into the roof section of the boat, the view is still usually good. You can book those both on GetYourGuide.

Another option to consider would be the Bateaux Mouches Excellence menu, which if you book on Viator states that you wil have priority on the seats next to the windows. Again, on these boats normally the windows extend into the roof of the boat so the views are normally good, but like all the companies with multiple vessels there are a few different designs. You can book the Excellence menu on Viator here where it talks about the window seating.

The links I have put in should take you directly to the booking pages on either GetYourGuide or Viator. For the GetYourGuide link, it’s the same link, once you select your party size and date you can choose between the service level. There’s also quite a helpful boat layout map on the Bateaux Parisiens website here so you can see where you are going to be sitting for each price point.

They currently have availability for the dates you are looking for and your party size as well.

Do let me know if I can offer any further assistance! Otherwise have a great time in Paris and enjoy your dinner! I’d love to hear your feedback on the experience as well 🙂

30th July 2023 at 3:37 am

Thanks Laurence, this is what I needed and you’ve saved me a lot of time, will book the one from Bateaux Parisiens!!!!!!!! Merci beaucoup 😉

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The 5 Best Seine River Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The Seine River in Paris is a sight to be seen especially when looking across it at the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks. But there is an even better way to view Paris’s famous architecture and attractions.

The Seine River flows through the heart of Paris and past many of these locations. Why not take a cruise down the Seine River and enjoy champagne, a delicious meal, or both as you glide gently past some of the most well-known sites in Paris?

However, there are tons of different options to choose from in this top tourist destination. That’s why I’ve decided to carefully curate a guide to the 5 top Seine River dinner cruises available, that are well worth your time and money. Let’s get started!

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Paris Dinner Cruises

Quick answer: the 5 best rated seine river dinner cruises in paris.

• Best Dinner Cruise: Dinner Cruise on the Seine River
• Best Evening Cruise: 3-Course Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Seine River
• Best Lunch Cruise: 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise
• Best Champagne Cruise: Champagne Tasting Cruise Departure from Eiffel tower
• Best Value Cruise: Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine

We’ve chosen these Paris river cruises because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Seine River Dinner Cruise Reviews

1. best dinner cruise: dinner cruise on the seine river.

• Departure Point : 300 Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
• Departure Time : 8:30 PM
• Duration : 2.5 hours
• Includes : 3-course dinner with either wine or champagne, cheese board, a glass of champagne with dessert and a mini-sweet selection with coffee

This first tour is the most complete of any, where you’ll get to not only soak in panoramic vistas of Paris at night, but a delicious à-la-carte dinner and live entertainment.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic night out on the town, or a unique way to have fun with friends or the entire family. The Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine is the perfect alternative to going to a nice restaurant, and the views will be much better, too!

The first thing you should know is that there are 4 different service options available: Premier, Privilège, Découvert, and Etoile. Each one includes slightly different food and drink options, as well as seating in different parts of the vessel for better views.

The meeting spot that your tour will start from is also dependent on which tour service option you select, so make sure to take a look at that beforehand.

However, no matter which option you book, you’ll meet up with the crew and be escorted onboard a panoramic sightseeing boat made specifically for the purpose of enjoying Paris’ beauty in comfort.

The walls are basically entirely glass, offering great views of the bigger landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, as well as the detail of gilded bridges, historic quays, and much more.

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We selected the Premier service option, which includes seating right at the front of the boat, along with a glass of champagne to start off, which I highly recommend in terms of views and service.

The starter was delicious, as well as the main course, though I’ll admit my favorite part of the meal was the cheese platter along with the delicious dessert!

The servers were so attentive, it’s like they read our minds, and the live entertainment in the background made it that much more magical. Overall, it was an amazing night and I’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Paris.

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

More information & tour booking, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best evening cruise: 3-course gourmet dinner cruise on seine river.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – Promenade Edouard Glissant 75007 Paris
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM or 9:15 PM
• Duration : 75 minutes – 2 hours
• Includes : Cruise on a glass-enclosed boat,  3-course dinner, c offee or tea, g lass of Champagne (if option selected),  2 glasses of Champagne (if option selected)

Imagine gliding past the Gothic spires of Notre Dame soaring high into the sky as the sun is setting while dining on some of the best food in the city, and that’s only the beginning.

If you want a little itinerary recommendation from me, I’d say you should spend the afternoon at the Orsay Museum exploring the Impressionist masterpieces and finish up a bit before dinnertime.

This cruise starts right at the Paris Seine La Marina Port de Solférino which is right next to the museum, and easy to access by simply heading down the stairs to where the river is.

By that time, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite walking around, so this is your chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy breathtaking Parisian views while enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner.

This boat is very similar to the other, in that it’s completely glass-enclosed which is essential for the best views along the Seine. After all, many of the sights you’ll want to see are very tall – even more so when you’re down on the river, which sits significantly lower than the river banks.

As we cruised along, our guide told us some interesting facts about the different landmarks, pointing them out so no one missed them. The meal will vary a bit, depending on if you decide on the 6:45 pm sailing or the 9:15 pm sailing – mostly the main course.

For the earlier sailing, you’ll have the delicious seared salmon and leek compote (what I had), and for the later option, either seared sea scallops with leek compote or lightly-cooked foie gras with grape compote and orange marmalade.

Honestly though, I would’ve been perfectly happy just enjoying our fresh coffee and dessert while floating along the misty green river.

Search For Paris Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best lunch cruise: 2-hour river seine lunch cruise.

• Departure Point : Meeting point varies depending on the option booked
• Departure Time : 12:45 PM
• Duration : 2 hours
• Includes : 3 -course lunch, with appetizer, white and red wine, mineral water, and coffee, c heese course (“Service Privilège” and “Service Premier” options), c ruise through the heart of Paris, t oilets on board

Experience Parisian elegance with a Bateaux Parisiens lunch cruise along the legendary River Seine. The 2-Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise  is the perfect way to break up a day of trekking around the city by relaxing on an iconic riverboat while enjoying a delicious meal and wine!

This is one of my favorite tours, because it always seems to time itself perfectly around when my feet start to get a little sore from our morning sightseeing.

While the evening tours are also something special, I do think that it’s a whole different experience during the daytime as you’ll get to see the city in literally a different light.

I’d recommend taking this cruise tour if it’s your first time in Paris and would like to get a “lay of the land” as to where the main sites are before really jumping in. In fact, if you can time it to where you need to fill your time before checking in to your hotel your first day there, do that.

Similar to the first tour on this guide, there are 3 different service options which will change your seating and included drinks and appetizers.

However, generally speaking, everyone will get to enjoy a tasty 3-course lunch à-la-carte, an array of different cheeses, along with some white and/or red wines. Boarding was a very easy process, and the staff was so friendly and welcoming from the very beginning.

I should note that this is more of a “self-guided” experience, so we did have a bit of an idea of what was where but the guides weren’t there to give us a full “tour” if that makes sense.

However, it was a nice way to get to know the area while feasting on some delicious French food (the included bottle of white wine and bottle of red was very welcomed!). It definitely makes for a memorable first impression of Paris, perfect for travelers of all ages and interests.

Related: See the World Famous Louvre Museum – Skip the Lines – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

4. best champagne cruise: champagne tasting cruise departure from eiffel tower.

• Departure Point : Les Vedettes de Paris, Port de Suffren
• Departure Time : 6:00 PM
• Duration : 1 hour
• Includes : English-speaking server, pr ivate salon and deck at the front of the boat,  3 good wines from boutique wineries, i nformation about Paris monuments and wine

No matter if you’re on a budget of either money or time, this next tour will be absolutely perfect for your needs.

The Champagne Tasting Cruise Departure from Eiffel Tower  is a seamless transfer option after seeing the world-famous structure, taking you away from the crowds and onto the calm waters of the Seine.

If you’d like all that rush to melt away and just soak in the city’s manmade and natural views without spending a bunch of cash, take a look at this one.

This is a bit of a little secret, but it’s also a great tour if you’re into wine and would like a nice intro to French wines in one of the most romantic settings possible.

Starting out at Les Vedettes de Paris, it’s a super convenient location but I suggest getting there at least half an hour early to find the right boat and have your tickets ready. If you can, get your voucher beforehand, as the ticket booths can also sometimes get quite busy.

As we stepped onboard the glass-enclosed vessel, we were greeted by the friendly staff and escorted to our seating where we received some coffee and tea as we set sail.

Once underway, we were able to indulge in a curated wine tasting experience led by expert sommeliers who guided us through a selection of handpicked French wines.

We tasted 3 different champagnes (one Brut, one Extra-Brut, and one Rose, which was a great way to get to learn about Champagne.

As we sipped, the gentle pace of the cruise set the ideal backdrop for chatting with others in our group as well as other passengers from around the world!

As it’s only an hour, it’s very easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules, while still fitting in so much sightseeing, tasting, and learning.

Should you have any, make sure to ask any questions about winemaking, differentiating and pairing, or even recommendations for Parisian activities!

Related: Skip the Lines and See the Catacombs – Find the Best Tour for Your Money.

5. best value cruise: early evening dinner cruise on the river seine.

• Departure Point : Port de Solférino – 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur 75007
• Departure Time : 6:45 PM
• Duration : 75 minutes
• Includes : 3-course dinner, c offee or tea , night-time views of the Paris skyline, live music

Last, but certainly not least, is the Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine tour . This tour is just a little bit longer than an hour, but it’s a beautiful journey that seamlessly combines gourmet cuisine, breathtaking views, and the timeless allure of Paris!

This evening tour was one of my favorites, and the tour that I select whenever I’m bringing people to the City of Light for their first time.

It’s an opportunity to see the city come alive with a kind of golden glow, further solidifying this kind of untouchable magic that I always feel every time I’m here.

It’s a feeling that, when you’re on the river that so many countless icons throughout history have also traveled on, seems to feel like time and space all meld into one.

Just like with the others, your cruise will take place on a glass-enclosed vessel that allows for unobstructed views of all of the most impressive landmarks.

While our seats were actually quite good, I’ll say that the only thing I wasn’t full on board with was that the window seats are extra – so prepare for that!

You’ll still have good views of everything no matter where you’re sitting, due to the glass enclosure, but if that’s important to you keep it in mind with your budget.

We then enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring a gourmet menu inspired by French culinary traditions with a few modern twists.

The staff was very attentive, to the extent that I’d say I received better service here than at the majority of fine dining restaurants I’d tried in the city. It makes for an excellent celebration with a loved one, or just a great way to sightsee while relaxing and enjoying the riverboat ambiance.

Pair that all with some top-notch live music, and you have a romantic atmosphere that’s truly unforgettable!

Your Guide to Visiting Paris

While visiting the City of Lights may not be just as you expect after watching An American in Paris, a vacation in Paris is like nothing else. With so many tourist spots to explore, you may find it difficult to plan everything you’d like to see and experience into just one vacation. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back to see this beautiful city again.

Our travel guide below can help you plan a vacation to Paris whether you are staying for 2 days or 10 and whether it’s your first visit or fifth.

Airports & Entry

When headed to France, you won’t need to apply for a visa so long as your expected stay is less than 90 days. You also need to have at least three months before your passport expires past the date you expect to leave the country.

An emergency passport will not be accepted unless you also have an approved visa, no matter the length of your stay. There should be at least one page available for a stamp when you arrive.

There are three major airports in the area of Paris, France. The one you fly into will most likely be determined by the airline you are using. That airline will fly into the airport it is contracted with. With that in mind, when flying to France you will most likely land at one of the following airports:

• Paris Beauvais Airport
• Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Paris Orly Airport

Planning Tips

Paris is unlike most other vacation destinations. The French, especially Parisians, live life a little differently. This means that while you’re there, you may have to get used to eating at different times and you may need to plan your attire.

These are our top 5 tips for visiting Paris. Have you been there and have tips of your own? Let us know!

Tip #1: Stay in a Central Location

Everywhere you’re going to want to go as a tourist in Paris will be centrally located or have provided travel that leaves this area. Most of the hotels, many museums, and a lot of restaurants are all centrally located.

You’ll also find that the pickup and drop-off locations for many tours are located here. It makes things much easier if you find accommodations close to central Paris.

Tip #2: Always Have Euros on Hand

There are many stores and even restaurants that don’t accept debit or credit cards. Some taxis won’t accept plastic either. If an establishment does accept a card, they often won’t allow you to leave a tip on your receipt.

This means it’s important to always have a few euros on hand. Many ATMs in the city will allow you to use a foreign card to withdrawal euros.

Tip #3: Have Snacks on You

Parisians often eat their dinner very late. While you may be used to a dinner time of between 4 and 6 pm, it’s not uncommon for those in Paris to eat as late as 9 or 10. You’ll want to keep this in mind when making reservations, but you should always have a small snack with you just in case you get hungry and it’s still a few hours to dinner.

Tip #4: Avoid Traveling to Paris in August

Most Parisians are used to taking off the entire month of August. This means that while you will most likely be able to find accommodations, many restaurants and attractions will not be open. If you’re traveling to Paris in August , this can be a very quiet time to visit the city. However, if you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, it’s best not to travel to Paris in August.

Tip #5: Dress Appropriately

While those in Paris can still be found wearing sneakers, most dress in a business casual or a simple but chic style. Most attractions and restaurants will frown on those wearing beat up shoes, blue jeans, and other very casual clothes. Some places will even require a more elegant or fancy appearance, such as certain high-end restaurants.

Bringing a set of casual clothes might not be a bad idea but be sure to bring enough clothes you can wear while out and about. If you don’t have much in the way of the chic style that Paris requires, at least you’re in the perfect place to go shopping to stock up on some.

Restaurants & Eating Out

The Ciel de Paris is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It is located in the Montparnasse Tower with beautiful views of the city. You’ll also find a well-stocked champagne bar available to you. The Polidor is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris.

It dates back to 1895 and the interior decor hasn’t changed much since. This is one of those restaurants that only take cash, so have a few euros on you.

In Paris, it’s hard to find a truly casual restaurant. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that you’re dressed for the occasion. If you’re not sure what you could or should wear to a particular establishment, some will list their dress code online or you can always give them a call.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Harry’s New York Bar was actually once located in New York City. The entire bar, just as it was, was moved over to Paris in the early 1900s. This bar is credited with inventing some of the most popular cocktails we know today, including the Bloody Mary and the Sidecar.

Wine and champagne are something most Parisians are very proud of. If you’re looking for an upscale wine bar, you’ll want to try out Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels. You’ll be able to try nearly every wine and champagne local to Paris. However, there are wine bars located in nearly every corner of the city.

From backroom speakeasies to modern nightclubs, Paris has a little bit of everything for everybody when it comes to nighttime entertainment.

Getting Around

There’s no shortage of ways to get around in Paris. The most popular, effective, and affordable way is the Metro. You may find it a bit intimidating at first due to the sheer number of lines and routes, but after a few trips to an attraction or restaurant, you’ll be riding the Metro like a pro.

You can purchase single ride tickets or a batch of 10. If you’re going to be in Paris longer there are also ride passes.

While traditional taxis can be quite expensive in the city, Uber offers some fairly inexpensive ways to get around town if traveling by car is best.

Walking between destinations is very doable in Paris but if you’d like to ride a bike instead, there’s plenty of kiosks that rent them. In fact, this can be a great way to tour the city and do some sightseeing on your own.

Accommodations

You’ll find everything from small and inexpensive hostels too large, luxury resorts in Paris. There are even small boutique hotels with spas and other amenities. Where you decide to stay while visiting Paris will largely depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you wish to spoil yourselves, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa is perfectly located between restaurants, the Louvre Museum, and many tourist pick up spots. If you’re looking to meet other tourists, learn more about the city from those who’ve been here several times, and have a quieter stay, one of the many hostels around town are ideal. We recommend The Generator Hostel Paris.

On average, July is the warmest month in Paris. While the weather is much better during the summer months, there are usually more crowds. If you don’t want to have to fight the crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, traveling in late winter or early spring might just give you the blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds. January is the coldest month, on average, with temperatures in the low 40s Fahrenheit.

Attractions

Paris is full of attractions. The Louvre Museum is a popular stop for tourists. The Mona Lisa exhibit here can be quite busy, however. Use your limited time at this world-famous museum by taking in the many other exhibits, many of which are quite interesting and just as important to French history.

If you like to visit museums, you might want to try the Musee d’Histoire de la Medecine. You might just learn more about how modern medicine came to be. The Museum of Modern Art is a popular stop as well.

Thinking of taking some day trips?

If you enjoy Champagne, then do yourself a favor and take a day trip to Champagne and do some tastings while exploring the countryside.

Visiting the Palace of Versailles, exploring the Paris catacombs , taking a river cruise down the Seine River, and making it to the top of the Eiffel Tower usually top most tourist’s lists of attractions. Remember that traveling to or visiting these places can be much easier if you go as a group on a tour.

You may get priority access, free souvenir photos, and more, just for traveling with a tour group. This is often the most affordable way and makes it easier to plan the days you’re planning to spend in Paris.

Last but not least, while you are in the city of lights be sure to take a walking tour and do a wine tasting tour !

Tour Quality

The Bateaux Parisiens is our top choice for the best Seine River cruise with its combination of dinner, sites seen and quality of the tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 7 best paris walking tours [2024 reviews].

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Book Seine River Dinner Cruise Tickets

Select Your Experience

Among the most-visited cities in the world, Paris never fails to enchant. The City of Love is known for its historic monuments, charming avenues, lush parks, delectable bread and cheese, famous wines, and more. Among a hundred such experiences stands out one that is romance personified — the Seine River Dinner Cruise.

When on the Seine River cruise down the slow-flowing river, you will get to see Paris light up around you as you partake in delicious French cuisine and wine, and enjoy the soothing tones of the live band. Some of the famous Parisian monuments you will get to see in their glittering glory include the Eiffel Tower , Louvre Museum , and Arc de Triomphe , among others. Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan your Seine River Dinner Cruise.

Why Take a Seine River Dinner Cruise?

• Explore the City of Lights - As part of your Seine River Dinner Cruise, you will get to see Paris from a completely different perspective. Watch as popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower start to glimmer gold against the dark night sky. 
• Enjoy the best of French cuisine as you sail - On your cruise, you will also get to taste some of the most mouth-watering French delicacies. You can also request a vegetarian meal in advance if need be.
• Enjoy the comforts and luxuries of a Seine River Cruise - Your boat is air-conditioned to ensure you can avoid any harsh weather conditions during your experience. To wrap up this romantic experience, your boat also comes with a glass canopy.

Things to Know Before Booking Your Dinner Cruise Tickets

• If you are looking to have a well-rounded Parisian experience, make sure to check out the different Seine River Dinner Cruise combos. They offer a mix of visiting the Eiffel Tower, watching a Moulin Rouge show, and dinner on a Seine River cruise.
• Only some of the Seine River Dinner Cruises offer free cancellation, so before you book your tickets, check the cancellation policy for your convenience. 
• For a fun and romantic experience, consider going for a Gourmet Dinner Cruise in Paris with Live Music & Dance Floor.
• Tripods may not be allowed onboard for some of the Cruise experiences. 
• Some of the Seine River Dinner Cruises do not allow you to book a preferred seat; it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to reach the boarding point early to secure your choice of seat. 

Which Seine River Dinner Cruise is Best for You?

If You Want a Classic Dining Experience

• Opt for a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris for a practical blend of a 3-course meal and scenic views.
• Cruise options include drink inclusions, depending on the ticket you pick.
• You can also choose your table, whether at the center, window, or front of the boat.
• This cruise option will help you combine sightseeing fun with a delicious meal, thus enhancing the experience of exploring Parisian landmarks along the tranquil waters of the Seine.

Recommended: 

• 3-Course Italian Seine River Dinner Cruise on THEO
• 3-Course Seine River Dinner Cruise on Bateaux Parisiens
• 3-Course Premium Seine River Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Le Diamant Bleu

If You Want Musical Ambience

• Experience a Seine River dinner cruise in Paris that combines practicality with enjoyment, featuring live music.
• These tickets offer a 3-course meal, a selection between soft drinks or alcohol, the option for a window seat (which can be guaranteed depending on the chosen ticket and individual preferences), and if preferred, an optional cheese selection.
• Some tickets even provide access to a dance floor, enhancing the lively ambiance of your scenic cruise.
• 3-Course Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music on Bateaux Mouches
• 3-Course Seine River Dinner Cruise with Live Music on Maxim's

If You Want an Immersive Parisien Adventure

• Explore the best of Paris with Seine River dinner cruise combo tickets, offering a comprehensive experience. Enjoy a 3-course meal, scenic views, and optional features like a window seat.
• Some tickets extend the adventure with dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a mesmerizing Moulin Rouge Show or include an Eiffel Tower ascent combined with the iconic cabaret performance, providing a multifaceted and memorable Parisian evening.
• Dinner at the Eiffel Tower with Seine River Cruise and Moulin Rouge Show
• Seine Dinner Cruise, Eiffel Tower Ascent & Moulin Rouge Show Tickets
• Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien with Optional Seine River Cruise

Landmarks Covered on Seine River Dinner Cruise

The following are some famous Parisian atractions that you will get to see as part of your Seine River Dinner Cruise experience.

This medieval Catholic cathedral is one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. It was completed in 1345, but after a fire in 2019, it is currently under renovation. It is also home to the Crown of Thorns and a sliver of the True Cross, making it an important place in Christendom.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the largest and best-known museums around the world. Opened in 1793, the museum was originally a royal palace, and the iconic glass pyramid was added in 1989. The museum has over 35,000 pieces of art and artifacts from around the world.

Conciergerie

Located to the west of Île de la Cité, the Conciergerie was once a prison. Today, it is used as Paris’ law courts. A popular tourist attraction in the city, a part of it is open to the public to explore.

Les Invalides

A complex of buildings, museums, and monuments related to the French military, Les Invalides was completed in 1793. It is also home to The Dôme des Invalides, the tallest church in the city at 107 meters.

Grand Palais

Right in the heart of the famous Champs-Élysées, this massive complex was established during the Universal Exposition of 1900. Built in the Beaux-Arts architecture style, this monument is of historical importance, and is visited by over a million people each year.  

Institut de France

In a city with beautiful buildings all around, the Institut de France is one of the jewels. Constructed in Classique architectural style, this learned society consists of five académies and manages over 1000 foundations.

Plan Your Seine River Dinner Cruise

Bateaux Parisiens offers four levels of service:

• Etoile Service: Starter, main, and dessert.
• Decouverte Service: A glass of champagne, starter, main, and dessert.
• Privilege Service: Window table seating. A glass of champagne, starter, main, cheese, dessert, and fine wine.
• Premier Service: Table at the front. 2 glasses of champagne (one at welcome and one at dessert), appetizer, starter, main, cheese, dessert, and fine wine.

Bateaux Mouches offers two menu sets: The Prestige Menu and the Excellence Menu .

Operated Daily

• Boarding time -  8 pm to 8:30 pm
• Departure -  8:30 pm
• Return to dock -  10:45 pm
• Duration -  Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Departure -  6:15 pm Return to dock -  7:30 pm
• Departure -  8:30 pm Return to dock -  11 pm

Meet at Bateaux Parisiens port, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The address is: Port de la Bourdonnais - 75007 Paris.

• Metro: Métro ligne 6 - Bir-Hakeim and Métro ligne 9 -  Trocadéro
• RER: RER C: station Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel
• Bus: Buses 42 and 92

Meet at Pont de l'Alma - Paris, district 8, for boarding.

• Metro: Métro ligne 9 - Alma-Marceau and Métro ligne 1 - Franklin Roosevelt
• RER: RER C: station Pont de l’Alma
• Bus: Buses 28, 42, 49, 63, 72, 80, 83, 92

Visitor Tips

• As this is a highly popular Parisian experience, book your Seine River Cruises online and in advance to ensure you get tickets for the date of your choice.
• Do ensure you dress appropriately and elegantly. Passengers in sportswear, flip-flops, shorts, and baseball caps will not be allowed on board.
• Bateaux Mouches offers discounted Seine River Dinner Cruise tickets to children under the age of 11.
• Get to the boarding point at least twenty minutes prior to departure.
• Ensure you carry along a cardigan or jacket as it can get chilly at night.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seine River Dinner Cruises

While you can buy tickets in person, it is recommended you purchase your Seine River Cruises tickets online since slots are booked months in advance.

Both the Bateaux Mouches Late Evening Seine River Dinner Cruise With Live Music and Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise with Optional Champagne are incredible dinner cruises in Paris by the two best Seine River Cruise companies.

There are usually no guides on your Paris dinner cruise.

This depends on the Seine River Dinner Cruise tickets you book. Some offer cancellation up to 72 hours in advance, while some cannot be rescheduled. It is recommended that you check the cancellation policy before buying your tickets.

Your Seine River Dinner Cruise ticket is valid only for the day it was booked for.

Your Seine River Dinner Cruise takes a little over 2 hours.

Yes, your Seine Cruise Dinner offers vegetarian options.

Alcoholic drinks can be substituted for soft drinks upon request.

About Seine River

Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

T wenty-four years ago, we spent nine days in Paris, working out of a Frommer’s Guidebook. That self-guided trip worked, but about half the time, we were either confused about our whereabouts or lost. This time, we were in France for two weeks, where our river cruise would include 5 days in Paris and 10 days cruising the Seine River to Normandy. All our days would be directed by professional guides, something new to treasure at this stage in our lives. 

From this trip, I’ve tried to outline a first-time Paris visitor’s guide. It’s wise for travelers to outline their key targets in advance - is your trip devoted to seeing the sights, touring the museums, fine arts and fashion, food and wine, sports, or the Parisian laid-back lifestyle?

Before our Grand Circle Cruise (from Paris down the Seine River to Normandy and the D-Day beaches), we had booked the pre-trip tour of Paris. So, off we went, flying from Sacramento to Atlanta, then on to Charles DeGault Airport, and then shuttled to the Citadines Center Saint Germain Hotel. Just blocks down the Seine River from Notre Dame Cathedral; only a few blocks further downriver is the Louvre Museum.   From this location on the river, we could virtually walk to about 80% of the critical destinations we wanted to revisit.

Paris, with an estimated population of almost 2.2 million and a metro area of approximately 12 million, makes up 20% of the total French population. The city is the fifth most populated in the European Union and one of the more densely populated cities in the world. With scores and scores of major attractions, many are within short walking distance. The city was among the first to electrify and expand its street lights, earning it the title “City of Light.”

For centuries, Paris has been a center of the world’s finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, gastronomy and culture. We have seen many of the key attractions the City of Light offers, spread amongst the city's 20 arrondissements (districts). The city’s Metro (subway), the second largest in Europe, will get you quickly around the city within a few blocks of your destination, all hours of the day.

On our first evening of our Paris pre-trip, some of our fellow travelers booked dinner and a cabaret show at the famous Moulin Rouge, quite a stunning performance. We chose to explore restaurants blocks from our hotel, choosing a lovely sidewalk café near a Metro entrance/exit, allowing us to people-watch Parisians; all in all, it was a lovely evening.

Museums? It’s said you could do a different museum every day for a year and not run out of destinations to visit. Start with the Louvre or the d’Orsay Museum. If fine arts or museum experience is your primary focus, it helps to build a target list in advance with so many choices. The Trip Advisor app is always helpful, as is the Paris official website.

At the Louvre, the largest and most visited museum in the world, take the time to home in on the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s statue of David. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in the early 1500s by an Italian noblewoman, eventually acquired by the French nation and permanently displayed in the Louvre since 1797.

Musée d'Orsay is found on the Left Bank of the Seine. Sited in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built 1898-1900, the museum holds mainly French impressionist and post-impressionist art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. While still a vast museum, it feels more intimate than the Louvre.

With one full day in Paris, we took in the Louvre (briefly), the Musee d'Orsay,  the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Luxenberg and Luxenberg Gardens, though we hiked over 10 miles that day. With lovely sidewalk cafés at almost every intersection, there is no lack of libation stops along your way.

The Eiffel tower is visible from many locations in the city. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair and designed to last just 20 years, the tower was so famous and profitable that it was never removed. Take an evening stroll along the river (or a river cruise) and admire the Eiffel Tower with sparkling, twinkling lights at night for a truly memorable experience.

Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral (meaning "Our Lady of Paris"), referred to simply as Notre Dame, is a medieval Catholic cathedral built on an island in the Seine River, a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Attributes such as the pioneering use of ribbed vault ceilings and flying buttresses, beautiful rose windows, and over-achieving sculpture set it apart from other cathedrals nationwide.

A devastating fire in April 2019 has closed the cathedral to a complicated and expensive renovation, not to be completed until sometime late in 2024. One can still circle the cathedral to see the construction work progressing.

On another full day, we visited the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the summit of the  butte  of  Montmartre . This beautiful church is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the city, while the Montmartre District offers intriguing shops and restaurants circling the hills.

Once again, first-time visitors should organize their thoughts and plans before venturing into this lovely City of Light - and plan a series of stops for food and drink to enjoy the laid-back Parisian lifestyle so closely aligned with hundreds of outdoor sidewalk cafés.

For more information

Grand Circle Cruises,  GCT.com ; Paris official visitor site,  parisjetaime.com ; TripAdvisor travel app.

Contact Tim, [email protected]; where are you traveling?

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Paris for beginners; a basic visitors guide for the City of Light

10 hot river cruises to book this year

There are classic river itineraries — the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Nile — that anyone who appreciates the ease and camaraderie of river cruising can book with most of the top cruise lines. But those aren't your only options.

The most exciting river cruises to book this year are the new offerings that go off the beaten path, explore an unsung river or combine a standard seven-night sailing with a novel land tour.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are 10 new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that are taking river cruising beyond the familiar, including several on recently launched or soon-to-debut river ships.

AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia

Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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