You’ve heard of boutique hotels- now, with the impending launch of the MS Jewel Imperial Blue, the world’s first all-suite river cruise ship, get ready for “boutique luxury” cruising. In this case, “boutique” means a capacity of only 80 guests and a quite civilized 2:1 guest to crew ratio, so really it’s more like yachting than boarding a cruise ship. And as for luxury, well, guests can expect to be spoiled on their journey up the Seine River from Paris to Rouen, home to the famous cathedral, passing by Versailles and Giverny in addition to the de rigueur charming villages and splendid chateaux.
In terms of activities and entertainment, no shuffleboard contests and lounge singers here: instead, Jewel’s luxury partners provide guests with access to exclusive and decadent “lifestyle experiences” such as private tours of the Louvre and the Opera Bastille, a cooking class with a Michelin 3-star chef, helicopter rides over vineyards in the Champagne region, vintage wine tasting, and scenic drives in classic cabriolets. Mealtimes on the MS Jewel Imperial Blue will feature open seating in multiple onboard restaurants, with a wine bar and cigar lounge as the après-dinner amusement of choice.
As for the aforementioned luxury suites on board, they range from 215 to 473 square feet, massive by river cruise standards. Cabin fever seems unlikely under these conditions, but should it arise, a soothing massage at the MS Jewel Imperial Blue’s onboard wellness spa should be just the thing.
Seven and ten day voyages will run from August to November 2008.
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