Something we never thought we would recommend is a river cruise, but it goes to show, never say never. We’re not talking about a stale river cruise either. Instead, think all you can drink Champagne on Belmond and Dior spa on water. Here are the boats that you want to cruise in around the world.
If you’ve found yourself having FOMO as the Alain Ducasse boat cruises by you on the Seine at night, you’re not the only one. It’s not necessarily an indication either that you’re becoming more like your parents, though if it was, it’s not such a bad thing. Mom and Dad may be onto something, especially when it comes to these boats cruising the rivers around the world.
The Cruise: Ducasse Sur Seine
The Location: Paris, France
Alain Ducasse hosts Seine River Lunch and Dinner cruises – a self-proclaimed “Parisian floating restaurant”. As the name suggests this two-hour cruise is an unconventional culinary experience. This boat ride is doable with that friend who’s not too fond of being off-land. It’s a shorter excursion and the excellent food becomes a foolproof distraction. You can choose between a lunch or dinner and have fresh contemporary Parisian food. Starters like Greek-style artichokes with yogurt and bergamot mint and strawberries infused in spiced wine are menu options. Don’t even get us started on the wine list.
A line of 36 cooks and pastry chefs create three to five fresh courses on the lower deck. What’s more, boat inconveniences are eliminated aboard the Ducasse sur Seine. The electric model keeps things silent and ecological. You’ll start at Port Debilly and make your rounds through Paris’s most iconic monuments while eating the meal of a lifetime.
The Cruise: Belmond Coquelicot
The Location: Champagne, France
Now that you know about the floating restaurant in Paris, how about a buoyant villa? Les Bateaux Belmond presents Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, as your new home for seven days in Champagne France. It shouldn’t be a surprise that lots of champagne consumption happens in its birthplace. So, you’ll get to drink the goods, but also see historic champagne houses and gothic towns along the way.
The most exclusive offering of the trip is a tour through the home of Ruinart Champagne – the oldest champagne house in the world. Ruinart’s private chef will prepare a five-course lunch paired with the perfect vintages. When not exploring on land, there’s plenty to look at out on the water. Views of the countryside likely won’t get old, but fluted walls, antique lighting fixtures, and stained glass are all up for viewing just in case. This boat oozes affluence and with only six passengers aboard intimacy makes it even better.
The Cruise: Destination Haus Boat
The Location: Montauk, New York
Speaking of unforgettable boats, Destination Haus offers a private six-person pontoon ride through the inlets of Montauk. They specialize in curating stylistic experiences whether that be a beachside picnic or a sunset cruise. If the feeling of summer could be reincarnated as a boat it would be the Sundowner. The pontoon is decked out in stripes and summer designs that are Italian-inspired. To elevate the curated experience, local fishermen are hired as captains, so they know the backends of the area well. You can people-watch as you pass by restaurants with dancing and live music or admire the Hampton homes. Light bites and cocktails are expected and planned according to your preferences before setting sail. Essentially it’s like sitting in a beautifully decorated living room on the water.
The Cruise: Dior Spa Cruise
The Location: Paris, France
You can take pampering to the next level on The Dior Spa Cruise this summer; relaxation is a given, but its emphasis on wellness sets this cruise apart. The Dior Spa Cruise docks at Port Henri IV from the end of July to Aug. 11. There are three cruise options to choose from: (1) The Spa Treatment Cruise for two hours, (2) The Fitness Cruise for two hours, and (3) is The Treatment & Fitness Cruise, which is a four-hour excursion. While the cruises offer similar itineraries, each option tailors to your choice of wellness practice.
Chef Jean Imbert prepares a gourmet dining menu aboard the ship at the Monsieur Dior sur Seine cafe, including an afternoon tea service. As for restoration, five Dior luxury spa cabins offer treatments like Dior Sculpt Therapy to tone tissue and lift your skin and Dior Skin-Nutrition for glowy skin. If you find the fitness option most intriguing, open-air yoga and pilates sessions are available. Don’t worry; there will be time to lounge. The Relaxation Deck has a cold plunge, and the chairs you’ll be lounging on have the iconic Dior Toile de Jouy pattern in a summery coral. You can count on this fashion powerhouse to deliver a taste of an equally luxurious lifestyle.
The Cruise: Amantaka’s Private Boat
The Location: Luang Prabang, Laos
Amantaka offers a private Mekong River cruise daily, starting in the Tibetan Plateau and making its way to the South China Sea. You can expect to stop at the Pak Ou Caves and see the religious shrines tucked away. Another option is a picnic stop with your choice of a backdrop, like forested mountains. They provide cocktails and canapés with sunset hours for a serene ride with plenty of boats and people watching from the waters to witness daily life in Laos.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Where To Stay In Tokyo Now
Marbella
Aman Sibling Janu Opens Flagship Hotel
