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See France’s Splendor on the Rhône and Saône

Life On Board

Among the best aspects of cruising on the Emerald Liberté is that passengers can customize their experience in a dozen different ways. Every day, guests have the option to participate in organized onboard activities such as dances, wine tastings, trivia contests, cheese tastings and movie viewings in the cinema. There are also guided Emerald Active programs like yoga classes, bike excursions and vineyard hikes. The bicycles are available for passengers to take out on their own as well.

The Emerald Liberté typically remains docked in each destination for most of the day, and groups can choose to explore the city on their own or join a guided walking tour led by local professionals. This gives people the freedom to wander around at their own pace and discover lesser-known shops, restaurants and historic sites, though in other situations, they may prefer to hit the top attractions and learn about local lore from a trained guide.

The ship passes through several locks throughout the journey, and it was fascinating to witness one of the world’s oldest engineering achievements in action. On some mornings, passengers might raise their cabin shades to find dark concrete walls blocking their view. One of the best spots to observe this passage is from the terrace outside the Horizon Bar and Lounge.

The dining experience at Reflections Restaurant, which is open during select hours of the day, is second to none. Breakfast and lunch consist of opulent buffets, and dinner features a rotating menu with regionally inspired cuisine. Vegetarian options are included in each selection. Ship staff generally service the cabins in the evening while guests are at dinner and leave a program schedule for the following day so passengers can plan accordingly.

In the morning, the Horizon Bar and Lounge offers a light breakfast for those who prefer to avoid the crowd in the main restaurant, followed by an assortment of light refreshments in the afternoon.

Thanks to the beauty of southern France, the hospitality of the Emerald Waterways staff and the intimate design of the Emerald Liberté, many passengers left the cruise with a love of France and new friendships with crew members and fellow travelers.

For more information on booking this trip contact Emerald Waterways at 833-571-9845 or go to www.emeraldwaterways.com.