Our Travel Suite Designer Insider Review – Jasmine Hamdan
I recently returned from an unforgettable journey aboard the Riverside Ravel, a luxurious river cruise ship in Southern France. My adventure began with a morning landing in Marseille, where I was warmly greeted by a friendly French driver. With a big smile, he escorted me to a luxurious 7-seater minivan for the scenic drive to Avignon, about 110 km away.
Upon arrival at the ship, I received a heartfelt welcome from the Captain, co-captain and the entire crew. They greeted me with a glass of fine French champagne and a refreshing cold towel. One of the team members then showed me to my suite, setting the tone for the impeccable service I experienced throughout the cruise.
The Riverside Ravel is a sleek, modern river cruise ship with refreshed décor and a luxurious ambiance. With 55 suites, it accommodates between 110 and 169 passengers, ensuring a spacious and comfortable experience. The ship features four decks: Harmony Deck, Seahorse Deck, Riverside Deck and Vista Sundeck.
The Vista Sundeck, the ship’s popular sundeck, offers three retractable seating areas, a bar serving snacks and drinks and hosts BBQ lunches. The Harmony Deck, reserved for crew quarters, also includes a self-serve laundry, fitness centre and spa treatment room. The Riverside Deck houses an indoor pool, guest staterooms, a spiral staircase, central elevator, bistro and café and the Palm Court Lounge—the ship’s main meeting area. The Seahorse Deck features guest staterooms, the reception area and the Waterside Dining Room, which offers a buffet-style breakfast and lunch, along with à la carte options.
Every suite on the Riverside Ravel boasts a panoramic balcony window, luxurious king-size beds (convertible to twins) and a host of amenities including electrical outlets, USB ports, a Nespresso coffee maker, a minibar, cozy bathrobes, slippers and binoculars. The elegant bathrooms are equipped with marble and glass rain showers, quality toiletries and ample lighting. Each suite also includes a 40-inch TV with WiFi and personalised butler service available via WhatsApp.
The Palm Court Lounge, located on Deck 3, is the ship’s entertainment hub, featuring a small stage, piano, dance floor and a large bar. This airy space, with its light-coloured furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a comfortable setting for socialising and enjoying performances.
For a late breakfast or evening tapas, guests can visit the Bistro, a charming dining area that transforms into a coffee house in the evenings. The food onboard is a highlight, with meals themed around the regions the ship sails through. The Vintage Room offers an exclusive, intimate dining experience with a long dining table and cozy seating.
The Riverside Ravel also provides a fleet of electric bikes, two-person kayaks and jet skis for complimentary passenger use on guided or individual excursions. Guests can book various excursions tailored to their interests, whether in design, art, cuisine, history or nature.
Excursions Highlights:
Arles: A guided walking tour of the historical city centre, Roman ruins, the famous Venus of Arles and Van Gogh’s footsteps.
Aix-En-Provence: Known as the City of a Thousand Fountains, this university city offers stunning architecture, charming shops and a rich art heritage linked to Cezanne.
Avignon: Famous for the Popes’ Palace, elegant squares, tree-lined boulevards and narrow cobblestone alleyways.
What’s Included:
- Main dining room and Bistro for breakfast and lunch
- Room service
- Unlimited beverages (with all-inclusive package)
- Shore excursions (with all-inclusive package)
- Gratuities
- Wi-Fi
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Self-service laundry
Additional Services (Not Included):
- Spa services
- Vintage Room dining
- Bistro dinner
Embarking on the Riverside Ravel was an extraordinary experience, combining luxurious accommodations, exceptional service and fascinating excursions. If you’re seeking a blend of elegance and adventure on the rivers of Southern France, this river cruise is an excellent choice.
Contributed by exclusive Journalist to The Travel Suite, Yvonne Reddin.
