Luxury superyacht cruises in France: SS Joie de Vivre sails from Paris boasting onboard cinema and spa lifts
All aboard for a sightseeing tour to explore Monet’s picture-perfect home in Giverny, Versailles, or delve into history at the medieval capital of Rouen
A luxuryĀ superyacht designed as an opulent floatingĀ hotelĀ has launched on the Seine in Paris, as the rich person’s version of the ubiquitous sightseeing cruise.
Aboard the SS Joie de Vivre ā which translates to “Joy of Living”Ā ā there is no queueing like herd animals orĀ jockeying for the best seat against selfie stick-toting touristsĀ on the open-air deck.
Instead, guests boardĀ a luxury yacht equipped with a spa and wellnessĀ centre,Ā onboard cinema,Ā gourmet restaurant and opulent rooms decorated with handcrafted furniture, antiques and original artwork.
The vessel, which accommodates 128 guests,Ā wasĀ christened in Paris this week by actress Joan Collins.
After sailing past Parisian landmarks alongside sightseeing cruises on the Seine, the SS Joie de VivreĀ continues its journey outside the city, to regions like Normandy, Bordeaux and Avignon in eight to 15-day cruise itineraries.
Guests slumber in sumptuous cabins that featureĀ custom-designed Savoir of England beds, tufted velvet headboards, heavy drapes, Egyptian cotton sheets andĀ marble-lined bathrooms stocked with luxury HermĆØs andĀ L’OccitaneĀ bath and body products.
The Normandy cruiseĀ is pitched as the dream holiday for history buffs,Ā as the itinerary takesĀ guests through the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s postcard-perfect home inĀ Giverny, Versailles and the famed Normandy beaches.
The 15-day Paris-to-Bordeaux cruise is pitched for oenophiles and gastronomes, with an itinerary that includes wine tastings and gourmet epicurean experiences.