We chose this Emerald cruise (Sensations of Lyon & Provence) as it it covered the area we wanted to travel in France by river and fitted in perfectly with our extended vacation either side of the cruise. This was our first cruise, we had heard and read great reviews, but it was even better than we could have imagined. The entire crew were fabulous, so courteous, friendly and helpful right from boarding the ship to the final farewell. They made everyone feel so welcome and added greatly to overall experience. The itinerary was perfect, waking up in a different location along the Saone and Rhone every morning with spectacular scenery along the way made for a magical start to each day.

The services onboard were excellent, met everything we needed, plenty to do onboard including arranged activities at night. The daily excursions were also amazing, very informative tour guides and truly beautiful villages/towns and scenery, we loved every moment of each day. This history of the places we visited was impressive and well orated by the guides through each location. The balance between tours or leisurely walks on our own/resting in the sun on the top deck was spot on. The dinner cuisine was exquisite (with wines to match!), each meal had a flair of the local area produce......even included a special French chef onboard one evening to cook for us. The variety for breakfast and lunch was also impressive, in all the food quality and variety onboard was first rate (as was the attentive and friendly staff). Meeting people from all over the world was also enjoyable and dining with different people added to the charm of the cruise. The 'spaceship' was extremely clean and tidy, and you would not even know you were on the water such was the 'silence' of the motor. Our Cabin was lovely and provided all the space we needed (comfy bed and pillows!), the electric up/down panorama window was great! Kudos to the Captain and entire crew. We are already planning ahead for another Emerald cruise such was the positive experience.