Your host, Joanie Madden, the charismatic world renown flute and whistle player invites you to join her on the iconic Seine River for a full ship charter where she has assembled a line up of world class entertainers for your enjoyment. 

This week-long cruise aboard the Amadeus Diamond, begins and ends in Paris - the city of light. Combining the most romantic city in the world with a fascinating journey into the past of the Impressionist masters. 

Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gaugin while winding along the Seine River into the beautiful Normandy region to Le Havre on the rugged Atlantic Coast. Normandy, once the stage of the one of the most pivotal military operations in history: D-Day during World War II.

Idyllic Normandy villages, the "museum town" of Rouen and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur are among the wonders to be explored during the cruise. 

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime aboard the AMADEUS Diamond as we begin and end our cruise in Paris, the City of Light, traveling exclusively along the Seine. 

Fully renovated in 2019, AMADEUS Diamond sparkles, combining smart technologies and modern designs with the utmost in comfort. From the lower decks to the open-air River Terrace, you’ll find countless ways to spend the day. Indulge and unwind with a massage before relaxing in front of the French balcony in your suite. Keep active in the fitness studio or challenge your shipmates to a putting contest on the Sun Deck. Cruising along the Seine offers an intimate view of France, from the picturesque villages to the soaring white chalk cliffs and natural arches of Normandy. Experience our impeccable Austrian hospitality as you take in all the charms of northern France aboard the AMADEUS Diamond.

🌙 Set Sail for a Magical Paris Evening!

Kick off your Seine River adventure with a pre-cruise dinner cruise aboard the DiamontBleu. Glide past the sparkling lights of Paris as you enjoy a three-course gourmet meal, complete with a half bottle of water per guest.

Sip, savor, and soak in the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the bridges of the Seine while enjoying a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Wine and cocktails are available to purchase onboard if you’d like to toast the start of your journey.

Cost: $99 per person
Experience: A romantic, scenic, and delicious way to start your Paris adventure before your main cruise.

Reserve your spot and let the magic of Paris set the tone for your voyage!

Please Note: This option is not available to book yet but will be announced to all booked guests once available.

✨ Embark on Your Paris Adventure

Embark on the Amadeus Queen this afternoon in Paris, the romantic City of Light, starting at 4:00 PM. If you’d like to explore the city before boarding, you have the option to drop off your luggage early and enjoy some sightseeing. Be sure to sign up ahead of time for popular experiences such as visiting the Louvre, ascending the Eiffel Tower, or hopping on a Hop-On/Hop-Off tour.

After settling into your cabin, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. The evening culminates with a captivating opening concert by Joanie Madden and Cherish the Ladies, guaranteed to lift your spirits and set the perfect tone for your Paris Seine River Cruise adventure.

 We arrive early in the morning in Conflans-St.-Honorine, at the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine.  It is not hard to see why the town was an inspiration to many Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro and Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh, whose final resting place is here. Join us as we head to the Versailles Garden where you can take a self-guided tour among this stunning scenery.

We will depart to depart later this afternoon to Rouen, France.

The capital of Normandy is where the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet and home to the modern Church of Joan of Arc with magnificent 16th century stained-glass windows. Today we will not have an excursion and instead encourage our guests to wander Rouen at their own pace. Grab a map before you get off the ship and check out this charming city and feel like you are walking through history, from the Middle Ages to the Impressionist era.

Le Havre, a vibrant port city on the Normandy coast, is a fascinating blend of modern architecture and maritime history. Known for its UNESCO-listed post-war architecture by Auguste Perret, the city offers striking buildings and wide boulevards. Visitors can explore the charming harbor, enjoy local seafood, or wander through cultural gems like the MuMa (Museum of Modern Art). A perfect stop on your river cruise, Le Havre offers a unique mix of contemporary art, history, and coastal beauty.

Later in the afternoon, we will head to Étretat that's well-known for its coastal scenery, in particular its white cliffs. Both the cliffs and the village are scenic highlights of the region and should not be missed. Join us to feel the magic of this place, full of history and legends. This exceptional natural site will take your breath away. Begin with stunning views of the cliffs and rock formations from the clifftop path. A popular seaside resort during the 19th century and made even more popular by the large number of famous artists and authors who were inspired by these magnificent cliffs.  Monet, Maupassant, Victor Hugo and Flaubert were all lovers of the region around the town. Monet painted several well-known pictures of the coast and cliffs around Étretat. It is an attractive, small town where you will have some leisure time, allowing you to browse through the shops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. From the pebble beach and the promenade you can enjoy the cliffs on either side once more. 

The closest harbor linked with the liberation of Western Europe after D-Day, the city of Arromanches with it's remnants of World War II Mulberries. 

We will arrive in Vernon in the morning where you are free to roam the nearby town or join us as we head to Giverny, to visit the home of Impressionist Claude Monet and the beautiful gardens which were inspiration for several works of art.

After you rejoin the ship in Mantes-la-Jolie later this afternoon, your ship

Our overnight stay in Paris gives you enough time to visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre, all beautifully illuminated by the city’s enchanting glow. Stroll through charming neighborhoods like Le Marais, indulge in world-class dining, or admire the stunning architecture that defines this romantic city. Whether you're savoring a croissant or exploring its rich history, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. 

Following breakfast, we are sad that our journey has ended.  We will bid you "adieu"  and wish you safe travels with the hope that you join us again on another one of Joanie Madden's Adventures!  Thank you for adding your magic to the trip and trusting us with your vacation!  

🌤️Weather & Packing

• Mild to Warm Temps: Early June in Paris and Normandy is usually pleasant, with highs around 68–75°F (20–24°C). Nights can be cooler, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

• Rain is Possible: Bring a compact umbrella or rain jacket, as Paris and Normandy can have sudden showers.

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking on cobblestone streets and historic sites—pack supportive footwear.

🧳 What to Pack

• Layers: Lightweight tops with a cardigan or light jacket for evenings.

• Smart Casual Attire: Daytime is casual, but dinners onboard lean toward smart casual. Consider one or two slightly dressier outfits for special evenings.

• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a hat for sunny deck time and excursions.

• Scarf or Shawl: Stylish, practical, and handy for cooler evenings or churches with modesty requirements.

🚢 Onboard Tips

• Arrive Early to Paris: Consider arriving at least one day before embarkation to adjust, avoid travel stress, and enjoy more of Paris.

• Use the Sun Deck: Early morning coffee or evening views of the Seine from the top deck are unforgettable.

• Excursion Choices: If you want a balance, mix the guided excursions with some free exploration. The ship usually docks near walkable town centers.

🏰 Excursions & Highlights

• Rouen: Visit the Rouen Cathedral and the Joan of Arc sites.

• Giverny: Claude Monet’s gardens should be in full bloom in June—a must-see.

• Normandy: If your cruise includes the D-Day beaches, bring comfortable shoes and tissues—moving and historic.

• Paris (Roundtrip): Even though you’ll begin and end here, consider planning time to explore beyond the cruise itinerary—Montmartre, the Marais, or an evening Seine riverboat ride for another perspective.

🍷 Food & Drink

• Local Flavors: Try Normandy cider, Calvados (apple brandy), and creamy cheeses like Camembert.

• Wine Pairings: The Amadeus Diamond often highlights local wines onboard—don’t miss the tastings.

• Café Culture: If you have free time in Paris or Rouen, enjoy a café stop like a local.

📸 Pro Traveler Tips

• Morning Light: Best for photos in the quaint towns along the Seine.

• Cash: Have a little euros in coins and small bills for cafés, markets, or tipping guides.

• Stay Connected: Many ships offer Wi-Fi, but coverage can be spotty. Download maps or guides in advance.

🥖 Paris

• Croissants & Pain au Chocolat – Best enjoyed fresh from a local boulangerie in the morning.

• Duck Confit or Coq au Vin – Traditional French classics.

• Steak Frites – Simple, delicious bistro fare.

• Macarons & Pâtisseries – Try Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.

• Cheese & Wine – Brie de Meaux, Comté, paired with a glass of Burgundy or Bordeaux.

🌉 Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (near Auvers-sur-Oise)

• Rustic French Country Fare – Think hearty stews and roasted meats.

• Goat Cheese – Often served with honey or walnuts.

• Absinthe or Pastis – Famous artists like Van Gogh enjoyed these anise-flavored spirits in Auvers.

⛪ Rouen

• Duck à la Rouennaise (Caneton Rouennaise) – A rich duck dish with a famous local recipe.

• Teurgoule – A cinnamon rice pudding from Normandy.

• Seafood – Fresh oysters and mussels from the nearby coast.

• Cider – Rouen markets are great for tasting local cider.

⚓ Le Havre & Normandy Region (Caudebec, Honfleur, or D-Day Beaches Excursion)

• Moules à la Crème Normande – Mussels in cream and cider, a Normandy classic.

• Marmite Dieppoise – A creamy seafood stew with fish, mussels, and shrimp.

• Camembert & Pont-l’Évêque – Local cheeses full of Norman character.

• Brioche from Honfleur – Sweet and buttery, often found in bakeries.

• Tarte Normande – Apple tart with cream and almonds.

• Cidre & Calvados – Sparkling cider or apple brandy to pair with your meal.

🌸 Vernon / Giverny

• Apple-based treats – Normandy is famous for apples: try apple tarts or cider.

• Camembert Cheese – Originating in Normandy, creamy and best enjoyed with a baguette.

• Calvados – A strong apple brandy, often served as a digestif.

• Fresh Garden Produce – Reflecting Monet’s gardens, many local restaurants serve light, seasonal dishes.

Book Your Paris & Normandy Excursions

Make the most of your Seine River Cruise by adding shore excursions! From Monet’s Gardens in Giverny to the historic streets of Rouen, you can reserve your spots through your WeTravel reservation:

1. Log in to your reservation by visiting wetravel.com and entering your email as your username and a magic link will be sent to your email to access your booking.

2. Log in using your magic link.

3. Go to “Add-Ons” or “Optional Excursions.”

4. Select your excursions and complete your booking.

✨ Tip: If you and the person you are sharing a cabin with don't want to go on all the same shore excursions, no problem! WeTravel now gives you the ability to assign each shore excursion added to each passenger.

Questions? Call us anytime—we’re happy to help.

We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:

Phone: 305-600-8147 or 800-263-2789

Trisha WhatsApp: 1-954-612-2834
Trisha Email: trisha@elitecruisers.com

Carlotta WhatsApp: 1-954-655-4637
Carlotta Email: carlotta@elitecruisers.com