A ship registered under the French flag with Marseille as its home port is an event in itself in the maritime world, and it has not happened for almost 40 years. Mermoz is the last cruise ship to have a home port in mainland France. In 1984, the Paquet company chose the flag of the Bahamas and Nassau, saying goodbye to a long maritime tradition.
Renowned players in the world of sailing for over twenty-five years, Clément Musset and Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat, co-founders of the fleet. French Cruise Company (CFC), want to give the national flag a place in this growing marine tourism market. When the main players mass market now build only structures for more than 5,000 passengers, Renaissance is already hailed internationally as a “small ship”. Clément Mousset and Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat have been perfecting their project for four years with one philosophy: to modernize the tradition of long-distance travel without reaching the prices of luxury cruises. But not at any cost. ” Our customers are asking us for smaller ships and slightly new itineraries. Imagine cruise passengers departing from Marseille have been offered the same itineraries since 1996. From Marseille, we offer ten different itineraries “. For that, the right ship was needed – it will be Renaissance.
The chimney is blue, white, red is there to remember the flag of France. it also occupies the same inclination as France (became NorwayEd). This ship 219 m long which can accommodate up to 1100 passengers, in its medium size, reunites with the legendary aircraft that accompanied the growth of sea travel in the last century. Most cruises will be longer voyages of more than 12 nights, deviating from the “8 days / 7 nights” format that often has ships frequenting the same ports on the same schedules.
on Renaissance
In terms of comfort and life on board, on 629 chambers154 have their own balcony or terrace, 80% of which are outdoor with good proportions, the rest are indoor cabins. On this ship, which is neither too big nor too small, there is no zipline or glacier, but a sharp selection of speakers who will discuss the countries and places visited in the theater (600 seats, on two levels at the front of the ship). without missing out on the history, culture or more modern aspects. Well-being enthusiasts can rest assured, the ship also has a spa, fitness center and two swimming pools (one outside aft, the other in the center of the ship under a glass dome that retracts depending on the weather). Classes of yoga, pilates, dance and soft sports will be held.
French gastronomy and quality products will be served on the table “with an average food budget per passenger four times higher than in some other companies”, the press release states. Naturally, tea will be offered every afternoon from 4pm with its little sandwiches and cakes, not to mention the 11am broth served in great tradition on days at sea in the Nordic countries. midnight buffet on long cruises.
For whom:
Because of the length of its routes Renaissance will be a “child-free” ship. However, seven of the 31 sailings in the 2023 – 2024 program will be open to families, with all dedicated crew and kids’ clubs. It seems clear that solo travelers will be welcome on board, as if prices are maintained on a double basis, then the lonely ones will not pay a surcharge (for some categories).
Green boat?
Besides that Renaissance (Maasdam under its former name) was completely renovated in 2018, it is equipped with stabilizers, bow thrusters, solid engines… CFC also selected a ship that was originally intended for sailing in Alaska in the summer (specifically in Glacier Bay). However, it is one of the strictest places in the world in terms of pollution control and various emissions. The ship also has scrubbers (exhaust gas washing system), but we are going to improve it by creating a closed circuit. The remaining emissions will be unloaded at ports that will be able to process them. And we will, of course, only use desulfurized, desulfurized fuel oil in our daily operations, including offshore. “, the press release explains. Otherwise, Renaissance already equipped for electric connection to the dock (already mandated in Juneau, Seattle or Vancouver) and in a few years mandatory in Toulon, Marseille and Le Havre. The ESG protocol (Environmental, Social, Governance) is being finalized.
How much will the cruise cost? Renaissance ?
The ship will begin its career in February 2023, departing from Le Havre, where Marseille will be its home port. The average price is announced at €240/day and per person. Some 7-night cruises start at less than €800. A 15-night cruise can cost less than €1,500. Two 16-night, 15-day Aurora Borealis cruises from 10 February to 25 February 2023 and 25 February to 12 March 2023 start at €1,489 per person including tax (inside cabin), €2,269 per person: outside cabin. blocked view (lifeboat) and €2559 with sea view Available.
cfc-croisieres.fr.
Source: Le Figaro
