First Paddlewheel River Cruise on the Seine Offers Unique Parisian Journey
Embarking on the first paddlewheel river cruise ship to traverse the Seine felt like gliding through a living painting. Cruise editor Marc Shoffman was captivated by this unusual vessel during a recent trip through France's capital, describing it as a remarkable blend of historical charm and modern innovation.
A Tight Squeeze Under Parisian Bridges
As the river cruise ship approached a low bridge on the Seine, it appeared to be a tight squeeze. Passengers were advised to remain seated to avoid head injuries while the vessel glided through, close enough to touch the stone above. On the other side, the reward for this patience was a stunning close-up view of the Eiffel Tower illuminating the night sky.
Shoffman sailed on CroisiEurope's MS RE Waydelich, which the company proudly labels as the first paddlewheel ship ever to travel on the Seine. While a paddle steamer named Daphne journeyed on the river between Rouen and Paris in 1826, its propulsion methods differed slightly, allowing CroisiEurope to claim this unique title.
Innovative Propulsion and Design
At the rear of the MS RE Waydelich, a paddlewheel propulsion system provides the power to navigate all water levels, including narrow locks. Originally constructed in 2018 for the unpredictable waters of the Elbe and Vltava, the ship has been relocated to France to meet rising demand for river cruises in the region. The sensation of being rowed rather than rocked, as 30 paddles rotate to push through the Seine, adds to the immersive experience.
The ship is named after Raymond Émile Waydelich, an artist from Alsace and a close friend of CroisiEurope founder Gérard Schmitter. Inside, the lounge bar features vibrant splashes of lime green and yellow, a theme that extends across the 42 cabins spread over two decks. Although cabins are smaller than those on other river cruise lines, they impress with ample storage space and a variety of plug sockets—a feature often lacking on other vessels.
Exclusive Access and Scenic Views
One of the standout advantages of this cruise is the ability to open a Juliette balcony each morning onto a new part of the Seine, offering ever-changing scenic views as the ship navigates the waterway. This isn't a cruise for staying in your cabin; days are spent exploring ports or watching the scenery drift by from the sun deck. Each evening, a talk accompanied by the cocktail du jour outlines the daily itinerary, followed by a communal dinner.
Initially, the lack of snacks was surprising, with plenty of all-inclusive drinks but no afternoon cookies. However, this proved beneficial for waistlines, as lunch and dinner consisted of three to four courses, featuring delicious fish and pasta dishes that eliminated the need for extra treats. Breakfast offered a Gallic delight with baskets of croissants and cheeses welcoming passengers each morning.
Navigating Unique Waterways
The ship's compact size, with just two decks, provides a significant advantage over larger vessels. It can access parts of the Seine that others cannot, including navigating under low bridges during a Paris-by-night tour, where railings and canopy on the sun deck are removed for clearance. This VIP-like experience allows passengers to float past landmarks such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame without contending with land-based crowds.
Additionally, the paddlewheel design enables stops in the southerly, shallow sections of the Seine, inaccessible to other ships. This grants closer access to picturesque locations like the cobbled streets of medieval Saint-Mammes and the village of Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, long an inspiration for Impressionist painters.
A Photographer's Dream
The journey offers abundant photo opportunities, with Shoffman imagining that Raymond Waydelich would have cherished painting from the ship's perspective. Passers-by were equally enamored, snapping photos of the paddlewheel ship—a testament to its remarkable sight. For those interested, a six-day Gems of the Seine roundtrip from Paris starts from £1,109 per person, including meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
