CroisiEurope's MS Princesse d’Aquitaine was refurbished in 2011 and travels along the Gironde and Dordogne rivers through France’s Bordeaux region, stopping along the way to savor wine.
Inside, the staterooms on the 138-passenger ship are comfortable and not overdone, while the library, dining room, lounge, and sundeck make for inviting spaces to watch the pastoral landscapes and vineyards as you make your way to the next port.
Good Service: From assisting with your luggage to pouring your wines, the crew aboard the MS Princesse d’Aquitaine always seem to be generous with friendly smiles and careful attention throughout the cruise.
Value: Compared with other river cruises, the fares on MS Princesse d’Aquitaine are budget-friendly. Alcoholic beverages and shore excursions are included as is onboard Wi-Fi, though the connection is best in the library and public spaces closest to the main lobby.
Intimate Size: With just 138 passengers on board, it’s easy to get to know your fellow cruisers, or curl up into a cozy nook on the ship — either by yourself or as a couple.
Mature Cruisers: MS Princesse d’Aquitaine attracts retirees, couples, and singles of a certain age who are eager to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view — and the wine.
English-Speakers Are a Minority: MS Princesse d’Aquitaine’s parent company is French-based CroisiEurope, which means Americans and English-speaking passengers are not the majority on board.
Not Child-Friendly: Just as kids may not enjoy touring vineyards all day long, they may not find cruising aboard the MS Princesse d’Aquitaine to their liking. There are no dedicated family amenities on the ship.
Few Bells and Whistles: MS Princesse d’Aquitaine is designated one of CroisiEurope's "four-anchor" ships — which means that it's an older vessel, has smaller cabins than newer ships, and no step-out balconies.