Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Optional excursion for both packages:

This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Honfleur. Honfleur is one of the most popular cities to visit in France. What began as a harbor built for trade evolved into the birthplace of Impressionism and more. Take your time to visit the picturesque port, historic museums, and timeless cafés during our stay.

This afternoon, we’ll set out on an optional trip to the Côte Fleuri. The Côte Fleurie runs from Honfleur to Deauville, with each beach, cliff, and seaside resort in between more charming than the other. This small corner of paradise has inspired many an artist in the past, and the regional Calvados brandy inspires us even today! On this excursion, we'll see Trouville and Deauville and visit a Calvados distillery.

Optional excursion for both packages: we’ll set out on a guided tour of Rouen. The “City of 100 Bell Towers” has been the center stage to many events in French History. Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, Claude Monet, and William the Conqueror have all left their marks throughout the history of the city. In addition to the civil and religious monuments spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to modern times, Rouen is now known for its street art.

After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to our next stop. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: A visit to the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny. Monet lived in his home in Giverny for 43 years. In the garden surrounding the house, Monet created a colorful study of volume and perspectives with his flower beds. The garden became his muse as he forged his name into history as the founder of French Impressionism. This tour lets you visit his famous studio up to his magical water garden, and everything in between.

During this afternoon’s cruise, you’ll see the landscape slowly change from countryside to urban as we approach the City of Lights. Our ship will cruise by the impressive futuristic business district of La Defense. Towards the evening, we’ll arrive in Paris in all its lighted splendor. We’ll cruise along the Seine to take in the city by night (water level permitting).

Optional excursions proposed:

CLASSIC package: Join us for a panoramic tour of Paris to see the most emblematic sites in the French capital: Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, La Bastille, the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, the Louvre and its Pyramid, Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Trocadéro and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

DISCOVERY package: Explore Paris on an urban trek along the banks of the Seine and across the city bridges. The romantic banks of the Seine conjure up images of Robert Doisneau, Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly, and the kiss between Mr. Big and Carrie. Take a stroll and see where it all happened.

We’ll begin our cruise to Melun this afternoon.

Join us for an optional excursion for both packages: A visit to the palace in Fontainebleau(2)(only on pre-booking before departure), the residence of 34 kings and two emperors over eight centuries. The palace has 1,500 rooms and is the most furnished château in the country. Its magnificent gardens are a contrast between the English and French styles of horticulture.

We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.