Luftner – MS Amadeus Provence River Ship Review

The MS Amadeus Provence the newest ship in the Luftner fleet launched this year, in April 2017.  Sailing the Rhône and Saône rivers in Southern France, as well as selling this ship directly through our relationship with Amadeus, other operators such as “Great Rail Journeys” and “Saga” are also using the ship for the UK market.  View our latest offers here.

Here is our review of this 5 star  luxury ship. MS Amadeus Provence

The unparalleled natural beauty of the South of France in the peak summer season has always had immense appeal and this holiday takes you on a fascinating journey to the sun drenched vineyards, ancient cities and tranquil villages of France’s fabled wine country.

This delightful cruise takes you on a seven-night voyage on the Saône and Rhône Rivers, meandering past the vineyards of Burgundy and the lavender-scented hills of Provence.

What is the MS Amadeus Provence like?

A modern ship taking a maximum of 140 passengers in 62 staterooms 172-188 sq.ft  and 8 suites (284 sq.ft). It is slightly smaller than the Silver II or III in the Amadeus fleet, but no less luxurious and comfortable.  Fine dining using fresh local ingredients, allows you to choose between classical haute cusine, regional dishes or the vegetarian alternative.  Included with lunch and dinner are a selection of quality wines, beer and soft drinks, along with a 24 hour tea and coffee station.  In the afternoon a selection of cakes and pastries are available.

But don’t take our word for it , here is the latest review one of our returning customer’s have just left for Amadeus Provence:

Customer review of the MS Amadeus Provence

“The Amadeus Provence is beautiful and a new ship in the Luftner Fleet launched in April 2017.

Slightly fewer passengers and a little smaller than the Silver II and Silver III, but never felt crowded.  The nice addition is the small infinity pool (only large enough to stand in, not swim) with a couple of loungers, settee along one side and a few tables and chairs in front of a small bar which is open in Summer (but closed in October when we were on board) is a lovely peaceful place to sit at the back of the ship and relax.

The sun deck and the river terrace at the front is also available to enjoy the views and fresh air.  Then the Amadeus Club inside which tends to be a quiet spot.  24/7 tea and coffee is available there together with a small library and board games.

The Luxurious Suites of which we believe there are 8, are the same size as on the Silver II or III are very comfortable with high quality fittings and toiletries.  The only disappointment is the narrow balcony (same as the Silver II and III) with only one backless chair to sit on and no room for a table, – however it was adequate for our needs.

The crew was happy, hard working and nothing was too much trouble for their passengers.  We had met some of the crew and Hotel and Restaurant Managers on previous trips on the Silver II and III, Felt like coming home !

The food was as always, excellent too.

This was the last cruise before the Christmas season starts and the crew are ready for a well earned break once the ship has been closed down.

The actual cruise from Lyon north wards and then south to Avignon was very enjoyable.  A lot of cruising is done overnight, but this is not the Rhine, and there is little to see other than the odd bird and local village, so we didn’t miss much.  As usual, the excursions were expensive.  It was a nice touch from the Tour Director Andreea- Who was excellent- to enclose a detailed sheet along with the Daily Programe advising what to see, and how to see it, if you wanted to explore ports of call on your own , rather than trailing along with loads of other people.

Visit the Photographic Museum in Charlons Sur Saone and then have a delightful walking tour,  visit the tourist office for a walking map and follow the brass triangles in the pavements so your don’t miss anything.  Lovely place to walk around.

The center of Avignon is quite a walk from where we were docked, but we found parked outside the ship a golf buggy offering tours of the city for 25 euro.  We jumped on (only room for 2) and enjoyed a 2 hour guided tour in french.  fabulous and a boo for my husband who is disabled.  there is also a little “Train” which carried about 20-30 people, which you can reach by taxi and does a similar tour.  But be prepared for the Mistral winds – it was 40km and hour strong during our buggy ride and quiet chilly.  So all in all, it was a great trip.  Our private taxis and transfers worked a treat and worth every penny.

The next ship, the Amadeus Queen launches next year.  We will be keeping an eye open for a possible cruise on her next year.”

Mr & Mrs M – Traveled in October 2017 on Amadeus Provence

Fancy experiencing the same cruise on the Amadeus Provence, Treasures of Burgundy & Provence, sailing from March to October and with prices starting at just £840pp cruise only,  you can choose to fly to Lyon or why not take the scenic route by train from London St Pancras to Lyon (approx 5 hrs).  A beautiful ship which also offers the ability to combine the journey with round trip return rail from the UK to Lyon.  Call us for a quote.

Or if like Mr & Mrs M you fancy trying the new ship Amadeus Queen,  it will tour the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers as well as Dutch and Belgian waterways from spring 2018.

Coming soon, the MS Amadeus Queen

This new vessel follows the award-winning model of the AMADEUS Silver ships. The  spaciousness has been maintained, with generous public areas but also spacious cabins: 12 large suites impress with an outdoor balcony and a cozy reading corner whilst the 69 standard cabins mainly have panoramic window fronts which can be automatically lowered and luxurious bathrooms. A new highlight is the indoor pool, the roof of which can be opened in fine weather. In the evenings, this area may also be used for informative talks, functions and cinema showings.