Barge Cruise: Panache
Cruise In Holland & In France In Champagne On The Marne River And In Alsace On The Canal de la Marne au Rhin Aboard The Deluxe Hotel-Barge PANACHE
BARGE CRUISES: SEVEN DAYS/SIX NIGHTS
The 12-passenger Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambiance designed for luxury, elegance and spaciousness. The accommodations offer a choice of six cabins, each with full en-suite bathroom including oversized showers with massage jets an double sinks. The sleeping quarters offer a choice of twin or queen size bed configurations. Both the salon and dining rooms feature comfortable sofas, books and music and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool, a perfect place to relax and appreciate the scenery. We have cruised on board the Panache several times on several different cruise routes both when it was called the Marjorie II and since it was renamed Panache in 2012. We most recently visited the Panache in May 2019 outside Amsterdam and found that it has never looked so good! The experienced and hospitable crew, who we first met on the barge in 2012 were still aboard, operating the meticulously preserved Panache. We think it's a beautiful deluxe barge with great accommodations and its diverse cruise routes provide a unique opportunity to explore Holland, Champagne and Alsace.
The Panache cruises in Holland from April to mid May for its Amsterdam tulip cruises, including excursions to the Keukenhof Gardens, working windmills and Delft pottery. At the end of May it cruises from Paris to Champagne, where it cruises until mid-July, visiting the Reims cathedral, Epernay, the home of many Champagne houses and Dormans, with its World War I memorial. The barge then cruises in Alsace for the rest of the season on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, traversing the Inclined Plane at Arzviller and visiting Strasbourg with its Gothic Cathedral.
Panache's highly professional crew is led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure that your cruise is more than memorable. Their knowledge of the region combined with the 12 bikes provided, will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.
Features
- Size of barge: 129 ft by 16 ft
- Number of Passengers: 12
- Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 6
- Crew: 6
- Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
- Salon: Large salon with 12 picture windows, large comfortable U-shaped sofa and two settees. Dining area with table for 12.
- Bar: Open bar
- Deck: Sundeck with Jacuzzi, chairs, dining table for alfresco dining, and umbrellas for shade.
- Spa Tub: Yes
- Cabin Features: Five cabins 150 sq ft each, one cabin 157 sq ft with two twins or queen bed and a large ensuite bathroom with oversized shower and double sinks. TV screen with DVD player
- Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Air-conditioned 9-seater long wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter minibus and 8-seater Mercedes Vito minibus
- Accessibility: 4 steps from salon to deck, 7 steps from salon to two cabins, 4 more steps to other cabins
- Bicycles: 12 all-terrain bicycles
- Wi-Fi: Yes - limited in some areas
Panache's Deck Plan
| PANACHE 2021 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 28 thru Apr 10 Jul 18 thru Aug 28 Oct 3 thru Oct 30 |
REGULAR Apr 11 thru May 15 May 23 thru Jul 3 Jul 11 thru Jul 17 Aug 29 thru Oct 2 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,650 |
$6,590 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$1,950 |
$2,250 |
| Charter for 8 |
$54,900 |
$63,300 |
| Charter for 9 |
$56,600 |
$65,400 |
| Charter for 10 |
$57,900 |
$67,100 |
| Charter for 11 |
$59,200 |
$68,800 |
| Charter for 12 |
$60,500 |
$70,500 |
| PANACHE 2022 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| TYPE | VALUE Mar 27 thru Apr 2 Jul 17 thru Aug 27 Oct 9 thru Oct 29 |
REGULAR Apr 3 thru May 14 May 22 thru Jul 2 Jul 10 thru Jul 16 Aug 28 thru Oct 8 |
| Cabin (per person, double occupancy) |
$5,950 |
$6,990 |
| Single Occupancy Supplement |
$2,050 |
$2,350 |
| Charter for 8 |
$58,400 |
$67,600 |
| Charter for 9 |
$60,200 |
$69,800 |
| Charter for 10 |
$61,600 |
$71,600 |
| Charter for 11 |
$63,000 |
$73,400 |
| Charter for 12 |
$64,400 |
$75,200 |
What's Included
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in a cabin with ensuite bathroom
- Transfers from Amsterdam, Paris or Strasbourg, depending on cruise route, to the barge and return. For charter groups on Alsace cruises transfers to/from Basil, Zurich or Frankfurt are also possible.
- All meals from dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday, including one lunch or dinner at a local restaurant
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- All escorted side-excursions (special excursions are extra)
- Use of bicycles
What's Not Included
- Overseas air transportation to Amsterdam, Paris or Strasbourg and return
- Suggested minimum 5% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent euros to the captain
- Trip cancellation insurance
|
Panache 2021 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 28 | Alkmaar-Delft | Value |
| Apr 4 | Delft-Alkmaar | Value |
| Apr 11 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| Apr 18 | Delft-Alkmaar | Regular |
| Apr 25 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| May 2 | Delft-Alkmaar | Regular |
| May 9 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| May 23 | Paris-Conde-sur-Marne | Regular |
| May 30 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 6 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 13 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 20 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 27 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jul 11 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Jul 18 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Jul 25 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Aug 1 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Aug 8 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Aug 15 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Aug 22 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Aug 29 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Sep 5 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Sep 12 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Sep 19 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Sep 26 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Oct 3 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Oct 10 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Oct 17 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Oct 24 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
|
Panache 2022 Season Cruise Schedule* |
||
|---|---|---|
| Week | Route (Or Reverse) | Season |
| Mar 27 | Delft-Alkmaar | Value |
| Apr 3 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| Apr 10 | Delft-Alkmaar | Regular |
| Apr 17 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| Apr 24 | Delft-Alkmaar | Regular |
| May 1 | Alkmaar-Delft | Regular |
| May 8 | Delft-Alkmaar | Regular |
| May 15 | Alkmaar-Paris | |
| May 22 | Paris-Conde-sur-Marne | Regular |
| May 29 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 5 | Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne | Regular |
| Jun 12 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jun 19 | Chateau Thierry-Chalons-en-Champagne | Regular |
| Jun 26 | Chalons-en-Champagne-Chateau Thierry | Regular |
| Jul 3 | Chateau Thierry-Niderviller | |
| Jul 10 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Jul 17 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Jul 24 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Jul 31 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Aug 7 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Aug 14 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Aug 21 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Aug 28 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Sep 4 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Sep 11 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Sep 18 | Niderviller-Krafft | Regular |
| Sep 25 | Krafft-Niderviller | Regular |
| Oct 2 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Oct 9 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
| Oct 16 | Niderviller-Krafft | Value |
| Oct 23 | Krafft-Niderviller | Value |
*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.
PANACHE'S ITINERARIES
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Holland: Alkmaar to Delft
Tulip Cruise 2023
Holland: Alkmaar to Delft
Tulip Cruise 2023
Zaanse Schans Village
Keukenhoff Gardens
Haarlem, Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Leiden
Famous Delft Pottery
Guests are met in Amsterdam and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache. Once on aboard, enjoy a champagne welcome and an introduction to your crew and hotel barge. Dinner on board.
Monday - Alkmaar to Zaanse Schans
Perhaps visit the Alkmaar cheese market, and enjoy a cheese tasting, before our first cruise to Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam, a place renowned for its wooden windmills, barns and houses built in the traditional Dutch style. After lunch on board, we take a tour of Zaanse Schans, an open air conservation area and museum, giving you a vivid impression of the Dutch way of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. This historical area consists of authentic houses and windmills, an historic shipyard, pewter factory, a cheese and dairy farm and an age-old grocery store dating back to the 1900's. Dinner on board
Tuesday - Zaanse Schans to Haarlem
We enjoy an early morning cruise to the historic city of Haarlem, dating back to the 13th century. After lunch on board, this afternoon marks a highlight of the week with a visit to the world famous Keukenhof Gardens, known as the 'Garden of Europe'. There are more than 100 acres filled with over 7 million flowering bulbs and we stroll through a breath-taking backdrop of color on this unforgettable half-day excursion. Dinner ashore this evening at a local restaurant.
Wednesday - Haarlem to Oude Wetering
An optional very early morning tour to Aalsmeer flower auction, where some 17 million cut flowers from all over the world are traded each day. We return to the hotel barge for breakfast, then enjoy a tour of Haarlem. The city is home to the Frans Hals Museum founded in 1862 with its vast collection of Old Masters. Other highlights include St. Bavo's Cathedral on the main square, where both Handel and Mozart played the magnificent Muller organ or there is free time to visit a fine selection of boutique shops. After lunch on board, we cruise to our mooring at Oude Wetering where there is time to walk or cycle along the towpaths around the lake. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Oude Wetering to Leiden
After breakfast we cruise to Leiden. Home to one of the oldest universities in the country and the birthplace of Rembrandt, Leiden is an historical city full of charm and character, a perfect place to explore on a bicycle, or simply stroll the banks of the pretty tree-lined canals. This afternoon we take a tour of the city and a private boat trip, with your tour leader explaining the history that dates back to Roman times and more recent sites such as the church, St. Pieterskerk, from which the pilgrims departed for America. Free time to explore the many local cafes, boutique shops, markets and antique dealers. Dinner on board.
Friday - Leiden to Delft
Morning cruise arriving in Delft by lunchtime, our final mooring. Delft is renowned for its pottery ceramic products, which were styled on the imported Chinese porcelain of the 17th century. This beautiful, unspoiled town is more than 750 years old, and began as the home port of the Dutch East India Company. Following lunch, we visit the Royal Delft factory, just 5 minutes' walk from our mooring to learn how this world-famous porcelain is made. You will have time during the afternoon to explore Delft further. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Delft
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Amsterdam.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Alsace: Canal du Marne au Rhin
Krafft to Niderviller 2023
Alsace: Canal du Marne au Rhin
Krafft to Niderviller 2023
Strasbourg Cathedral
Alsace Vineyards
Chateau de Rohan a Saverne
Panache Cruising in Lutzelbourg
Arzviller Inclined Plane
Guests are met in Strasbourg and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache for a Champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Monday - Krafft to Strasbourg
Our day starts with a morning cruise, across the Gran Ried wetlands and home to an abundance of birdlife, to arrive at the historic city of Strasbourg. Later, we enjoy a tour of the beautiful "capital city of Europe" including, of course, a visit to the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and soaring spire. We visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Strasbourg to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, our cruise takes us past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on through the Brumath Forest to our picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. This afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, and a private tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines at a long-established winemaker, such as Domaine Pfister. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Wednesday - Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to Saverne
This morning we take a guided tour, with an optional beer tasting, at the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640 and the last privately-owned brewery in Alsace. Otherwise, Panache cruises further along the canal, with good walking and cycling opportunities, to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the "Versailles of Alsace". We take a walking tour of Saverne and drive up to Chateau Haut-Barr perched on the hillside and offering wonderful views. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Saverne to Lutzelbourg
This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne's market, we enjoy a cruise to our mooring in the pretty village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. In the afternoon, we visit the mountaintop village of La Petite Pierre with its medieval castle, then tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby Wingen-sur-Moder is also the World War II battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian "Flammekueche" prepared by your chef.
Friday - Lutzelbourg to Niderviller
For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations, before we cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside, visiting a fascinating glassworks en-route. We then ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes and enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to our final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, we set off on a tour of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall's remarkable stained-glass window and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artifacts. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Niderviller
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the opposite direction.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Alsace: Canal du Marne au Rhin
Krafft to Niderviller: Christmas Markets Cruise 2022
Alsace: Canal du Marne au Rhin
Krafft to Niderviller: Christmas Markets Cruise 2022
Discover the Magical Alsatian Christmas Markets aboard Panache
Highlights include Colmar's famous six Christmas markets and Strasbourg's 13 markets, plus lots more
Available for charter and cabin booking departing 26 November; 3 & 10 December 2023
Sunday - Krafft
Guests are met in Strasbourg** and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache for a Champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk along the canal before dark.
Monday - Krafft to Strasbourg
Our day starts with a morning cruise, across the Gran Ried wetlands and home to an abundance of birdlife, to arrive at the historic city of Strasbourg. After lunch onboard, we drive to Colmar to visit its famous six Christmas markets, including the gourmet foods section. Framed by fairytale half timbered houses with festive scenes and white Christmas trees on every corner, there is a magical atmosphere. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Strasbourg to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, our cruise takes us past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on through the Brumath Forest to our picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. This afternoon we return to nearby Strasbourg to further explore this beautiful city and its 13 Christmas markets, spread around its historic center. We visit the Musée du Chocolat and workshop to see seasonal candy being made and wander through Place Gutenberg and la Petite France with its cobbled streets, boutique shops and cafes. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
Wednesday - Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to Saverne
This morning, Panache cruises further along the canal, with good walking and cycling opportunities, to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the ‘Versailles of Alsace’. After lunch on board, we visit Haguenau Christmas market with its wooden chalets and 16 meter long nativity scene at its center. This evening, having returned to the barge, we take a walk through Saverne to soak up the atmosphere of the Xmas decorations and even take a turn on the ice rink if we wish. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Saverne to Lutzelbourg
Today, perhaps after an early visit to Saverne’s market, we enjoy a cruise to our mooring in the pretty village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. In the afternoon, we visit the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory, the original birthplace of this iconic Christmas decoration, to watch the glass blowers in action. On the way back to the barge, we can also visit the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian 'Flammekueche' prepared by your chef.
Friday - Lutzelbourg to Niderviller
For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations, before we cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside, visiting a fascinating local glassworks en route. We then ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes and enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to our final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, we set off for a walking tour of the ancient town of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artifacts. Time for some final Christmas shopping before Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday - Niderviller
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
**other locations available for Private Charter bookings
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Champagne: Marne River and Canal Lateral a La Marne
Chalons-en-Champagne to Chateau Thierry 2023
Champagne: Marne River and Canal Lateral a La Marne
Chalons-en-Champagne to Chateau Thierry 2023
Reims Cathedral
Chateau-les-Aulnois
Champagne Cellar
WWI American Cemetary
Guests are met early afternoon in Paris and transferred to the hotel barge moored in Châlons-en-Champagne. Enjoy a Champagne welcome while your captain introduces you to the crew. Dinner on board.
Monday - Châlons-en-Champagne to Tours-sur-Marne
This morning we cruise from Chalons-en-Champagne along the Canal Lateral a la Marne to our pretty mooring at Tours-sur-Marne. After lunch on board, we visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece where the Kings of France were crowned, before some free time perhaps to wander around this delightful city with its grand squares and elegant shopping arcades. Dinner on board.
Tuesday - Tours-sur-Marne to Dizy
This morning we visit one of the best known Champagne houses in the world, Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743, where we are guided through their vast underground cellars, the largest in the region, which were carved out of the chalk to offer the maturing wine the perfect temperature and humidity. This is followed by a tasting of some of Moët's renowned vintages in an elegant private salon, hosted by an experienced cellar master. Later we return to the barge for lunch and continue our cruise along the canal, with the opportunity to explore on foot or bicycle en route, and moor at Dizy, near Epernay. Dinner on board.
Wednesday - Dizy to Damery
After a leisurely breakfast, we visit the Domaine of Champagne Henriot, one of the oldest family owned houses in Champagne, originating in the late 1700s. En route, we stop at a Henriot vineyard on the hillside above Epernay where we are met by one of their viticulture experts who will explain how their selected grapes create the house style. We then move on to the beautiful Château Les Aulnois in the nearby village of Pierry where, after a private tour of this 18th Century manor, we enjoy an exclusive tasting of various Henriot champagnes before a gastronomic lunch in the chateau's dining room. Mid-afternoon we return to the barge and continue our cruise along the Marne to Damery. Dinner on board.
Thursday - Damery to Dormans
Today the hotel barge continues her cruise along the meandering Marne to moor at the pretty riverside town of Dormans, the site of a château, water mill and World War One memorial. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit the elegant Chateau-Thierry and the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, it was here that US forces fought one of their bloodiest battles during World War One. Dinner on board.
Friday - Dormans to Château-Thierry
This morning, we visit La Maison Pannier, a select champagne house with a labyrinth of medieval underground cellars, for a tour and a private tasting. After lunch on board, we cruise to our final mooring at Château-Thierry, an historic, strategically-situated town overlooking the river, surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the region’s famous sparkling wine. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board..
Saturday - Château-Thierry
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to our drop-off location in Paris.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the Panache cruises in the opposite direction.
Dining Aboard The Panache:
SAMPLE MENU
BREAKFASTOur Continental & hot breakfast offerings include pancakes, Belgian waffles, eggs, bacon, fresh breads,
pastries, cereals, fresh fruits and yogurt.
LUNCH
- Flammekueche tart filled with cream, bacon and onions
- Quiche Lorraine
- Alsatian potato salad
- Pfluten (potato and leek quenelles)
- Grilled Strasbourg sausages
- Traditional Alsatian fried carp
DINNER
- Cheese tartlet with mesclun salad
- Local foie gras terrine, riesling jelly and homemade brioche
- Rhine River matelote (traditional fish stew with pike, perch and zander) and steamed vegetables
- Roasted duck breast with red cabbage, apples & sweet chestnuts served with a
red
wine
and Alsatian cherry reduction - Coq au Vin Sylvaner served with the spaetzle
- Deboned frog legs vol au vent (baked puff pastry shells) with garlic and herb sauce
- Choucroute garnie (pickled white cabbage, finely sliced and macerated)
served with a
selection
of salted and smoked meats - Pears poached in Gewürztraminer wine, gingerbread ice cream
- Mirabelle plum crème brûlée
- Traditional Alsatian vacherin (fresh fruits and whipped cream meringue cake)
- Molten chocolate cake with coffee custard
SAMPLE CHEESE BOARD
Mont d'Or, Bleu de Gex, Camembert, Sainte Maure de Touraine, Comté, Saint Félicien, Roquefort, Beaufort
SAMPLE WINE LIST
Riesling Grand Cru, Chassagne-Montrachet, Chablis Premier Cru Pouilly Fuisse, Gewurztraminer, Cremant d'Alsace, Florimont Riesling
Passenger Comments:
We thoroughly enjoyed our time on Le Panache. The accommodations were comfortable and the crew was friendly and always eager to please and make the passengers feel at home away from home. What made the trip pleasurable was the fact that the passengers bonded as a group with many similar interests; amazing when you think of a small number of travelers from varying backgrounds coming together in a small space. We also enjoyed the side excursions. Weather could have been sunnier! The service was enthusiastic and friendly and catered to everyone's needs. Loved Kim's "throwing of the Tulips" ceremony on the last night. Florian's "herding of his cats [the passengers]" on our shore trips was exceptional. Helen's skill with napkin folding provided an amusing touch to our meals! The food and wine and cheeses were superb and the Chef Jim's presentation of the dinners was wonderful. A pleasant way to gain weight for sure. High points were the people, both the crew and our fellow passengers we met. Loved the Keukenhof Gardens and the Flower Auction in Haarlem.M&A. K. NY USA (Holland Cruise)
The Panache was beautiful and the staff was gracious and accommodating. The rooms were a nice size and had plenty of storage. The bathroom was a nice size. The water pressure and hot water was very good. The a/c worked well and was appreciated since the temperature rose into the 80s. The bed was very comfortable and the room was very quiet at night. The food was good and the portions were a reasonable size rather than huge. The chef was British. The wines were very good. Occasionally we mentioned desiring something like a crepe suzette and the next day it would appear on the menu. Going through the two tunnels and down the elevator were high points.
B.& J.S., MD, USA
The service was at a very high level and always courteous and cheerful. The best part of the voyage was the cuisine. Fresh bread purchased at a local village every morning. Fine wines were paired with each course of each meal. A fabulous chef who described each course with incredible enthusiasm and determined each passenger's likes and dislikes in advance.
B & H W., TX, USA
I think overall the staff did their best to make sure we had a good experience. I was especially impressed with Magda's knowledgeable and delightful daily presentations of the wines and cheese. Both she and Rachel always made an effort to make sure we had drinks, snacks etc, whenever we were at leisure in the salon. Florian did a great job our last evening filling in for the presentation of wine and cheese.
G.M. CA USA
Over the top AMAZING! High points were the staff, the food, the location. It didn’t hurt that the weather was amazing and we got on well with the other guests.
F.C. MA USA
LINKS to Panache Information
This page last updated December 25, 2023