Take a Mother-Daughter Cruise on the Seine

Couples seeking a romantic no-stress vacation are not, we discovered, the only family groups choosing river cruises. When we boarded Scenic Gem in Paris for a week on the Seine, we were not the only mother/daughter duo on the cruise. We also met two sisters traveling together and a grandmother traveling with an adult granddaughter, proving river cruises appeal to several different kinds of family groups.

The leisurely trip between Paris and Honfleur was filled not only with quality bonding time, but also with chances for everyone to pursue individual interests. Each day’s shore excursions offered multiple options to choose from, and we all shared our day’s experiences over dinner.

We especially appreciated the variety of choices. History and World War II buffs toured the Normandy D-Day landing beaches, while the rest of us marveled at the intricate embroidered story on the Bayeux Tapestry. A tour of coastal villages included tasting traditional local cheeses and Normandy’s famous Calvados, and I spent some time photographing architecture in the tiny town of Lyons la Forêt. I took the walking tour to get a sense of Rouen, then joined another passenger for an afternoon of shopping and a stop for Normandy’s famous crepes.

Nearly everyone chose to see Monet’s Garden in Giverny, and that entire day was a highlight, ending with an evening concert of classical music as guests of the owners of the opulent Chateau de la Boche Guyer. Each Scenic cruise offers at least one Enrich program, concert, performance or special event in a landmark setting, hosted exclusively for Scenic guests.

Mixing with fellow guests was informal; one nice aspect of small-ship cruising is the absence of formal events. Instead, we met and formed friendships with other passengers as we enjoyed activities and excursions with people of mutual interests.

While seeing new places and doing new things is, for me, the purpose of travel, I do appreciate traveling in a luxurious environment. So the many onboard luxuries of the Scenic cruise did not go unnoticed. Butler service was not only a welcoming touch, but it also meant we didn’t need to pack as many changes of clothes. We appreciate how when Scenic says “all inclusive,” they mean it. That includes all gratuities as well as wines and beverages at any time of day, not just at meals.

Suites are designed so they can be comfortably shared with someone other than a romantic partner; beds feature two mattresses with separate bedding, and the spacious bathroom is a private spot for changing. Plenty of storage space allows two guests to stow suitcases with room to spare.

The balcony doors of our 200-square-foot room folded back to create a comfortable seating area, but public areas of Scenic Gem are so inviting we spent most of our onboard time there. From the first day’s tours and experiences in Paris to the grand finale at Monet’s Garden and the chateau concert, it was the perfect choice for a mother/daughter getaway.