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S.S Joie de Vivre
Rivers of France

Sailing the romantic Seine River, S.S. Joie de Vivre offers one of the most natural ways to experience northern France. Intimately sized to dock in the heart of Paris, the ship journeys through some of France's most celebrated landscapes, from the grand boulevards of Paris to the historic towns and picturesque countryside of Normandy. Guests sail past charming riverside villages, rolling farmland and elegant châteaux while enjoying a uniquely French atmosphere on board.

The excursions are among the highlights of the journey. Guests can stroll through Monet's Gardens in Giverny, explore the medieval streets and cathedral of Rouen, visit the poignant D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, or enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. These carefully curated experiences bring France's art, history and culture vividly to life.

Designed as a floating Parisian boutique hotel, S.S. Joie de Vivre captures the spirit of 20th-century France through handcrafted furnishings, fine antiques, original artwork and elegant public spaces inspired by the Golden Twenties and beyond. Whether relaxing in the stylish Salon Toulouse, enjoying a drink at Le Bar, or spending time in the beautifully appointed lounges, the ship feels quintessentially French from bow to stern.

  • Luxurious hotel lobby with a grand staircase, marble flooring, ornate wrought iron railings, a large gold chandelier, and plants at the base of the staircase.
  • A hotel bathroom with a double sink vanity, wooden cabinetry, marble walls, and a large mirror.
  • Luxurious hotel room with blue floral wallpaper, a bed with a tufted headboard, a side table with a flower vase, a blue sofa with patterned cushions, a small round stool, a mirror, and a projector screen with the word 'UNIWORLD' displayed.
  • Elegant restaurant with a round table set for dinner, surrounded by white chairs with black trim, pink banquette seating, and large pink and yellow lamps. A large framed painting of a city scene with trees and outdoor market is on the wall behind the table.
  • A hotel room featuring a large bed with a floral-patterned bedspread, a gray upholstered headboard, and matching pillows. There's a side table with a floral arrangement. Opposite the bed, a small sitting area includes a gray sofa adorned with a flower pillow, a glass coffee table with books and a plant, and a mirror on the wall. A wooden wardrobe and a small vanity with a stool are also visible.
  • Elegant restaurant dining area with round tables set with white tablecloths, wine glasses, and napkins, illuminated by yellow and red lamps, with plush white chairs, a large mirror, and window views of a bridge and cityscape at sunset.
  • A cozy indoor space featuring a wooden privacy divider with a mirror, a marble countertop with a vase of orchids, a lantern with a candle, and a tray with flowers and a pestle. A bowl of floating flower petals is visible on the right side.
  • Interior view of a French-themed restaurant with red and white checkered tablecloths, red leather booths, wooden chairs, and Paris-themed decor including a large Moulin Rouge poster. Large windows reveal a river and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
  • An elegant bar with a gold countertop, red leather bar stools, and mirrored walls in a luxurious setting.
  • Luxurious bathroom with wooden cabinetry, marble countertops, and a large mirror. A white bathrobe hangs on a hook on a wooden door. Small bottles of toiletries are arranged on the counter, and a vase with white flowers is placed beside the sink.
  • Interior of a stylish lounge or cafe with a long patterned sofa, red chairs, and glass tables, overlooking a river and historic bridge through large windows.
  • A hotel room with pink curtains, a large window showing the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, a bed with white and pink striped bedding, pink chairs, and a marble-topped dresser with flowers and books.
  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, featuring a sink with a wooden cabinet, purple flowers in a glass vase, towel hooks, two white towels, a bathtub, and a shower area with silver fixtures and shampoo bottles.
  • Indoor gym with exercise equipment, including a stationary bike, facing large windows with a view of water and city buildings outside.
  • Elegant dining table set in a luxurious restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower through large windows. The table has white linens, wine glasses, rolled napkins, and a single yellow flower in a vase. Small lamps with yellow and pink shades provide warm lighting. The decor features wooden panels with palm tree designs and a striped awning.
  • A luxurious hotel room with large windows overlooking a river, a comfortable gray armchair with a small pillow, a side table with grapes, a glass coffee table with a vase of flowers and books, patterned wallpaper, wood-paneled sliding doors with mirrored panels, and framed black-and-white artwork.
  • A bedroom with floral wallpaper, a large bed with a red and cream floral patterned bedspread, a matching headboard, a nightstand with a black lamp and a yellow flower arrangement, framed pictures on the wall, a mirror, and a window through which the Eiffel Tower is visible.
  • A tropical-themed indoor lounge area with two wicker armchairs with floral cushions, large green plants, and a wall with a leafy pattern mural. There is a small glass table with a lamp and a bowl of lemons between the chairs, and large windows with a view of a deck outside. The ceiling has a starry sky mural, and the room has green accent lighting.
  • A cozy restaurant booth with a red bench and a small round table covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth, set for a meal with glasses, napkins, and utensils. There is a potted plant on the table and a vintage poster on the window reading 'Le Bistro'. Outside, a river with a bridge and historic buildings are visible.
  • A luxurious bathroom with marble walls, a walk-in shower with glass door, a towel rack with a white towel, a vanity with a sink and flowers, a mirror, and a robe hanging on a wooden door.
  • Indoor lounge area with wicker chairs, a bar in the background with liquor bottles, large windows overlooking a river and cityscape, and a ceiling painted to resemble the night sky with stars.
  • Indoor restaurant with moonlit water view, decorated with star-like ceiling lights, small table lamps, and candlelit tables, featuring wicker chairs with floral cushions.
  • Hotel room with a bed, curtains, a window view, a small table with chairs, and a wall-mounted TV.

Dining is a true celebration of French gastronomy. Le Restaurant Pigalle serves beautifully crafted cuisine inspired by the regions visited along the Seine, while Le Bistrot offers a more relaxed dining experience. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings in La Cave des Vins, and throughout the voyage guests can savour exceptional French wines, regional specialities and classic Parisian flavours that reflect the destinations visited.

When not exploring ashore, guests can unwind in Club L'Esprit, the ship's wellness area, which includes fitness and spa facilities, or simply enjoy a glass of Champagne as the Seine drifts past.

Combining the romance of Paris, the history of Normandy and the finest traditions of French food and wine, S.S. Joie de Vivre perfectly embodies its name: the joy of living.

The River Cruises featured here represent just a small selection of the remarkable experiences available through Virtuoso Luxury Travel. Schedule a personal consultation with Karen Harrington to discover the options best suited to you.

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