MS River Chanson

At the end of 2014, the cruise ship River Chanson was transferred to Grand Circle Cruise Line (GCCL). The riverboat (ENI number 04800450) was originally named "River Cloud II". The vessel commenced cruising under its new name (River Chanson) from March 2015. GCCL bought the 90-passenger River Cloud 2 from Sea Cloud Cruises for an undisclosed sum.

The ship River Chanson cruises on a new 13-day itinerary leaving from homeport Bordeaux France, which includes Paris, Amboise, Chartres, La Rochelle, Cadillac, Blaye, Pauillac, Libourne, and Saint Emilion.

Cabins

All River Chanson staterooms are outside and contemporary decorated. All the 44 passenger cabins offer as standard (complimentary) amenities either double bed (Queen-size) or 2 twins (single beds / non-convertible to double), bedside tables with lamps, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with stool, wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), minibar, flat TV (satellite reception, ship info channel with daily scheduled events, real-time bow camera views), 220 V power sockets, en-suite bathroom (washbasin, WC, shower, hairdryer, shaver socket), individually controlled air-conditioning. Junior Suites additionally have 2-seater sofa and 3x floor-ceiling windows.

Cabin categories include:

• Junior Suites ("Panorama Cabin" category A, room numbers 2 through 14) are on Promenade Deck and sized 14 m2 (150 ft2). Each cabin has three large windows and Queen-size double bed (with 2 separate mattresses, non-convertible to twins).
• Double Bed Cabins (category B, room numbers 26 through 45) are located midship on Cabin Deck and sized 11 m2 (120 ft2). Each cabin has 2 round-shaped Portholes (small non-opening windows) and 2 single beds (convertible to double).
• Two Bed Cabins (category C, room numbers 16 through 25) are located on forward Cabin Deck and sized 11 m2 (120 ft2). Each cabin has 2 round-shaped Portholes (small non-opening windows) and 2 single beds (non-convertible to double / can't be pushed together).
• For disabled passengers is available one wheelchair-accessible handicap cabin. The disabled cabin is located midship-starboard on Deck 2. It is sized 14 m2 (150 ft2) and has 1 lower single bed, 1 upper bunk bed (wall-mounted), coffee table with 2 armchairs, 3x floor-ceiling windows, larger bathroom (with grab rail, lower angled sink, raised the toilet seat, hand-held shower).

In each cabin are provided Welcome champagne (on embarkation day), bottled water and fresh fruits (replenished daily throughout the voyage). Room service is available twice a day.

Shipboard facilities

Popular for its friendly staff and informal atmosphere, the riverboat is ideal for first-timers as it offers an intimate and most relaxed travel experience. The boat has a stylish Salon-Bar (forward on Promenade Deck) with comfortable seating (low tables with leather armchairs and sofas), floor-ceiling windows and grand piano (Steinway) for live performances in the afternoons and evenings. In the Lounge are held daily media presentations, lectures, live concerts, Afternoon Tea service.

Dining Room Restaurant (midship-aft on Promenade Deck) has large windows and is operated with an open-seating arrangement. Dining tables are with capacity 2-4-6-8 seats. Here are offered buffet breakfast, 3-course lunch and 4-course dinner. Lunches and dinners are served with complimentary local beers and high-quality regional wines. At all meals are provided for free soft drinks (juices, sodas, tea, coffee).

The Lobby area (midship on Promenade Deck / at Lounge's entrance) houses ship's Reception Desk (24-hour guest services, information, assistance, purser), Tour Office (Cruise Director), Boutique Shop and Library (midship-starboard reading room with books, popular board games, Internet, laptop).

The boat has 2 bars (indoor Lounge Bar and outdoor Lido Bar). It doesn't have a swimming pool or jacuzzi (whirlpool), Spa (massage rooms), speciality restaurant or elevator. Midship on Cabin Deck is located Beauty Salon (hairdresser-barber services) and Fitness (Gym Room) and Sauna. On Sun Deck are available deck games area (with Giant Chess Set and Shuffleboard), sunbathing area (with sun loungers, 4-seat teak tables and deckchairs), shaded seating areas (covered by retractable awnings) and bar service by dedicated staff. Al-fresco dining options (on Sundeck) include lunch buffets and evening barbecues.

The ship has First Aid emergency equipment. On select cruises is also available resident doctor. Smoking is allowed only at designated outdoor areas. Aft on Deck 2 is mounted a motorized rescue boat with launching crane.

During the summer months, dinners are 4-course. Food is prepared by ship's chef and with freshest, locally sourced products supplied from markets and suppliers in the visited river ports along the cruise tour itinerary. A special event is Captain's Gala Dinner (once per voyage). The ship also has 24-hour tea-coffee station with complimentary beverages (coffee, tea, mineral water, juices), fruits and light snacks (cakes, pastries). In the Salon-bar are served daily morning coffee and Afternoon Tea.