US river cruise line French America Line is introducing “a new era of boutique US river experiences” this summer with the launch of its 75-stateroom flagship Louisiane.
Formerly the Columbia Queen, the Louisiane is undergoing a multimillion dollar refurbishment and will be ready to sail out of her home port of New Orleans on August 22nd, with a crew of 64 taking care of 150 guests.
“We designed Louisiane to embody superby river experiences, including exploring many diverse traditions on our country’s waterways that were influenced by la belle France during the colonization of America,” said Christopher Kyte, chairman, French America Line. “It’s a wonderful narrative and quite unique to what’s currently available, offering the highest level of service and amenities comparable to that found on the rivers of Europe.”
Itineraries for the Louisiane range from five to 10 days. The ship will travel along the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Red rivers as well as the waterways of the Gulf Coast.
The 75 suites and staterooms are divided into seven categories and many have private verandas or French balconies for optimal river viewing. Located on the top three of the ship’s four decks, the staterooms have individual climate control, makeup mirror, deluxe mattresses clad in luxurious linens and duvets, private bathroom, in-room safe, direct dial telephone, flat screen LED TV and more.
Other features and amenities of the Louisiane include:
- Size that allows her to access historic ports on five American rivers that larger ships cannot reach
- fine regional French, Southern and continental cuisine courtesy of award-winning Chef de Cuisine Regina Charbonneau
- healthy Currents Cuisine selections under 400 calories for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 24-hour room service
- full-service Currents Spa
- Hermès bath amenities in the Richelieu Suites
- L’Occitaine en Provence products in all staterooms
- fresh macaroons from the House of Ladurée upon embarkation
- nightly entertainment
- nightly gourmet Vosges chocolates at turndown
- complimentary WiFi in all public areas
- in-room iPads pre-loaded with e-books, daily shore excursion programs and menus for onboard dining and entertainment
- free onboard enrichment talks covering an array of topics such as the nuances of barbeque styles, the history of classic American cocktails, the origins of Zydeco, the blues or bluegrass music traditions, the religious underpinnings of Mardi Gras and facets of the regional politics and history
Group charters and incentive travel programs are available.
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