Paris & Normandy: Wine & Soulful Experiences

Featuring Carissa Stephens, Wine Host · AmaWaterways · 9 Nights · June 10-19, 2027

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Embark on a 9-Night Journey Through France's Wine Country and Soulful History

From the historic streets of Paris—where you'll explore the Black History of Paris and follow Josephine Baker's legendary footsteps—to the windswept cliffs of Normandy, this 9-night river cruise celebrates the Black and African diaspora while immersing you in world-class wine experiences, incredible cuisine, and artistic beauty. Drift along the Seine through ancient villages, golden vineyards, and storied coastlines with like-minded travelers, all from the comfort of a world-class luxury ship. Anticipate heritage lectures/cultural experiences, live performances, and a Juneteenth-inspired cultural dining event, designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Alexander Smalls.

9
9 Nights

Immersive journey through Northern France

2
2 Nights Pre-Cruise in Paris

Extend your Paris experience before embarkation

7
7-Night River Cruise Roundtrip

Classic Seine sailing through France

3
3 Optional Post Nights

Champagne Tasting and a Château Stay

Experience the Magic of Paris and Normandy Like Never Before

This isn't just a cruise — it's a curated sensory experience where world-class wine, soulful live music, and breathtaking French scenery converge into something extraordinary.

Paris, City of Light

Begin your journey in the world's most romantic city. Stroll along the Seine, visit world-renowned museums, and savor café culture before boarding your elegant river ship.

Normandy's Storied Shores

Walk the historic beaches of D-Day, explore medieval abbeys, and discover the dramatic chalk cliffs that have inspired artists and poets for centuries.

Wine & Gastronomy

Indulge in the finest Normandy ciders and wines, farm-to-table cuisine, and exclusive vineyard tastings curated by AmaWaterways' celebrated culinary team.

Sail with AmaWaterways: Where Luxury Meets Discovery

AmaWaterways is celebrated as the world's finest river cruise line — and for good reason. Every detail aboard is designed to elevate your experience, from the spacious sun deck to the regionally inspired menus and all-inclusive amenities that make every moment feel effortless.

All-Inclusive Dining

Farm-fresh regional cuisine and wine pairings with every meal

Intimate Ship Size

Just 164 guests — close-knit community, no crowds

Complimentary Excursions

Guided tours, bicycle rides, and cultural experiences included

The AmaWaterways Difference

French balcony staterooms, a dedicated wellness deck, world-class service, and a passionate crew committed to making every moment memorable — this is luxury without pretension.

Wine Host: Carissa Stephens
Certified Sommelier | Wine Educator | Vintner | Co-Owner, Pur Noire Urban Wineries

Carissa Stephens is a Houston native, certified sommelier, and visionary entrepreneur redefining the modern wine experience. With a background in Business Management, Marketing, and Tax Accounting, she began her career at a Fortune 100 global energy firm before a transformative trip to Italy in 2016 awakened her passion for wine.

Today, Carissa is WSET Level II certified and Co-Founder of Pur Noire Urban Wineries, which made history in 2021 as Houston's first Black-owned winery. Under her leadership, Pur Noire has received 50+ international wine awards, including Platinum, Double Gold, and 90+ point ratings. In 2022, the brand earned the Innovator of the Year Award from The Hue Society's Rosés & Rosé Awards.

Pur Noire produces 13+ premium wines and operates tasting rooms in Houston and Dallas, with distribution in fine dining establishments and luxury hotels. Featured on Good Morning America, ESSENCE, and Black Enterprise, Carissa continues to blend excellence, culture, and community—inspiring a new generation of wine lovers.

A Taste of Normandy: Wine, Cuisine & Unforgettable Flavors

Normandy is a land of extraordinary culinary heritage — from world-famous cheeses and artisan butters to crisp apple ciders and celebrated regional wines. This cruise pairs gourmet indulgence with scenic beauty at every turn.

Vineyard Tastings

Private visits to Normandy's most celebrated wine and cider producers, with expert-led tastings and cellar tours.

Culinary Demonstrations

Hands-on cooking classes with AmaWaterways' executive chefs, featuring local ingredients and classic Norman recipes.

Artisan Market Visits

Browse centuries-old open-air markets brimming with Camembert, fresh produce, and handcrafted local delicacies.

Gourmet Dinners Aboard

Each evening, enjoy regionally inspired four-course dinners with perfectly curated wine pairings by our sommelier.

Your Exclusive Itinerary: A Journey of the Senses

Ten days of discovery, culture, and soulful music — every moment purposefully crafted for wonder.

1
Day 1 · Paris

Hotel check-in

2
Day 2 · Paris

Black History of Paris tour

3
Day 3 · Paris

Josephine Baker tour, then River Cruise Embarkation

4
Day 4 · Les Andelys

Château Gaillard tour, hike, or bike tour; scenic cruising

5
Day 5 · Le Havre

Honfleur excursion; Le Havre city tour, market tasting, or bike tour

6
Day 6 · Le Havre / Normandy Beaches / Caudebec-en-Caux

U.S. Landing Beaches or British/Canadian Beaches or Pays d'Auge with calvados tasting; Seine Museum

7
Day 7 · Rouen

Medieval walking tour, bike tour, or Tastes of Normandy; Château de Bonnemare

8
Day 8 · Vernon

Monet's Gardens in Giverny or Château de Bizy with cider tasting or Giverny bike tour

9
Day 9 · Paris

City tour & Musée du Vin or Paris bike tour

10
Day 10 · Paris

River Cruise Disembarkation

Book Your Dream Cruise
9 Nights · June 2027 · $1,000 off per person by July 31, 2026
Pricing Grid

Prices include 2 nights pre-cruise in Paris, port fees, and are based on double occupancy. $1,000 off per person promotion valid through June 30, 2026.

Why Act Now?

This special 9-night themed sailing featuring Carissa Stephens is a once-in-a-voyage experience. Cabins are strictly limited to 164 guests, and early reservations receive priority stateroom selection. Cabins are filling fast, secure your spot today!

  • Single Supplement Fee: 50% of double occupancy price; 100% of double occupancy price for A+ and Suites. Single occupancy is limited to 20% of the total cabins booked in the group.
  • Optional Post-Cruise package: $1770 DBL / $2310 SGL
Room Categories

Gliding along the phenomenally beautiful Seine River, AmaDante is a study in understated elegance, adorned in a regal theme of blues and golds that enhance the natural beauty of the landscapes just outside your stateroom. Most accommodations include a French balcony, so you’ll never miss a vineyard, steeple or castle, even when relaxing in your elegantly-appointed stateroom. Every moment at leisure is a treat on AmaDante, whether you’re rejuvenating in the sauna or whirlpool, indulging in a massage or haircut, meeting new friends in the inviting Main Lounge, working out in the fitness room, taking a lap on the sun-deck walking track or crafting your daily java at the specialty coffee station. As the premier cruise line to offer a fleet of complimentary bikes, we’re pleased to offer the same on AmaDante, so you’ll enjoy exhilarating guided biking tours from ship to shore throughout Europe.

FAQs
  1. What is included in the fare? 2 nights in Paris with daily breakfast and a guided excursion, 7 nights river cruise with all port charges, taxes, and fees, daily shore excursions and curated experiences, a professional cruise manager throughout your journey, all dining, wine/beer with lunch and dinner, and "Sip and Sail" cocktail hours are included. Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
  1. What is the dress code? Daytime is casual, while evenings are "casually elegant" (dresses/skirts or slacks/blazers).
  1. How are gratuities handled? Gratuities are left to your discretion, but we provide general itinerary and destination-specific guidelines in the My Cruise section under “Prepare Your Cruise” within “Life On Board.” This will be available to you after final payment is made.
  1. What happens if water levels are low or high? With over 20 years of river cruise experience, AmaWaterways closely monitors river conditions and has contingency plans in place should water levels affect navigation. Adjustments may include alternate docking locations, modified excursions, or ship swaps, ensuring your journey continues smoothly.
  1. Are dietary restrictions accommodated? AmaWaterways will do its best to accommodate most dietary requests when notified in advance. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and other preferences can typically be arranged; however, kosher meals cannot be provided due to onboard preparation limitations. Please email these to your travel advisor.
  1. How are meals served on board? All meals on our European ships are served à la carte with full table service. Breakfast also includes a small buffet and select items from live culinary stations, such as breakfast bowls. The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant—available on all ships except those in Portugal—is included in your river cruise fare. Dining throughout is open seating, allowing you to dine where and with whom you choose.
  1. Is Wi-Fi included? Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship in Europe.
  1. What to pack? Layering is advised, along with comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions.
  1. Do I need to bring a power adapter or converter? Electricity on board all AmaWaterways ships is 220 volts with two-pin outlets. Depending on your devices, you may need a plug adapter or voltage converter. For safety reasons, personal curling irons, hair straighteners, kettles, and heating pads are not permitted on board; however, a limited number of safety-approved curling irons and straighteners are available to borrow at reception.
  1. What mobility equipment can I bring onboard? You can bring scooters and collapsable wheelchairs. Please note there is an elevator on the Ama Dante that connects the main passenger decks, specifically serving the Main Restaurant, Lobby/Main Lounge, and staterooms on the Violin and Cello Decks. Note that the elevator does not reach the Piano Deck or the Sun Deck.
  1. Do I need a passport? Yes, a passport valid for at least six months after the return date is required.
  1. Do I need a visa waiver? Yes, travel in 2027 will require a ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). It is a mandatory, digital pre-travel screening for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). This is expected to launch in late 2026. It will cost approximately €20, link to your passport, and last for three years. As of January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a requirement for travelers to enter or transit through the UK. All guests transiting through the UK (changing planes or airports) enroute to an AmaWaterways river cruise are required to hold an ETA. Travelers will need to apply online at least three days before departure. All guests are required to obtain and complete their own visa documentation prior to travel.
  1. What is the EES? The EES (Entry/Exit System) is a new automated IT system, fully operational as of April 10, 2026, that records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals traveling to the Schengen Area for short stays. It replaces manual passport stamping with digital recording of facial images and fingerprints, enhancing border security, identifying overstayers, and enforcing the 90-day maximum stay rule.
  1. Is there free time in each destination? Yes. Every itinerary includes free time to explore at your own pace, whether that means visiting a local café, shopping in a market, or strolling through town. Your Cruise Manager and local guides are always happy to offer recommendations.
  1. What time is disembarkation? Europe: Official disembarkation is at 9 a.m. Early disembarkation may be possible if the ship is moored at your final port. Guests with AmaWaterways transfers should follow the instructions in their travel documents.
  1. How do I reserve my room? Through the provided website, click on Reserve My Room and fill in all your details. Please remember that your name needs to appear exactly as it is on your passport. You may hold a certain room type with providing just your name, but you will need to put down a deposit within 7 days to secure your reservation. Your deposit amount is $400 per person, and 50% of that becomes instantly non-refundable.
  1. How do I put down a deposit? To make a deposit, click on Ready to Make Payment above. Here you provide your card details and your travel advisor will make the payment on your behalf.
  1. When is final payment due? Final payment is due on or before 3/12/2027. To make your final payment, click on Ready to Make Payment above.
  1. Can I make partial payments? Yes! Partial payments can be made, the time of payment and the amount of payment is determined by the passenger, as long as full payment is made by 3/12/2027. Please note that a separate credit card form needs to be filled out with every payment. Reach out to your travel advisor.
  1. What forms of payment and currencies are accepted on board? Onboard payments vary by region. In Europe, charges are in euros and may be paid in cash or by credit card.
  1. Can I cancel my cruise without penalty? AmaWaterways cancellation policy is a tiered structure where fees increase as the departure date approaches (121 days or more: $200 per person, 120–90 days: $400 per person, 89–60 days: 35% of cruise/land price, 59–30 days: 50% of cruise/land price, 29–7 days: 80% of cruise/land price, 6 days or less: 100% of cruise/land price). For added flexibility, guests may choose to purchase the Travel Waiver Plus, which allows cancellations for any reason up to 31 days before the start of AmaWaterways-purchased services. For full details, visit Travel Waiver Plus.
  1. What is the difference between the Cruise Protection Plan and Travel Waiver Plus? The Cruise Protection Plan, offered through Allianz, provides a monetary refund for cancellations due to covered reasons and includes coverage for emergencies during travel, including COVID-19. It is available only to U.S. residents. Travel Waiver Plus, offered directly by AmaWaterways, allows guests to cancel for any reason 31 days or more before the start of AmaWaterways-purchased services and receive a Future Cruise Credit valid for two years. Travel Waiver Plus is available to guests worldwide.
  1. Is there a single supplement fee if I am traveling solo? Single Supplement: 50% of double occupancy price; 100% of double occupancy price for A+ and Suites. Single occupancy is limited to 20% of the total cabins booked in the group.
  1. What can I book with Amawaterways? You can book international flights, airport transfers, post-cruise, and travel insurance through Amawaterways, esentially creating a seamless experience. Please reach out to your travel advisor.
  1. When will I receive my final E-documents? E-documents will be issued approximately 3 – 4 weeks prior to departure.
  1. How do I get to and from the hotel/ship? Guests that purchased AmaWaterways airfare will receive transfers (if offered) provided there are no deviations from the published cruise only or cruise and land program dates. Transfers for deviated air schedules may be available for an additional charge. Guests with independent air arrangements may be able to purchase airport transfers on our standard program dates (no deviation). Any requests for transfers, whether included or otherwise, must be added at least 30 days prior to departure.
  1. What happens after I make final payment? After final payment, typically due 90 days before departure, you can complete your online check-in, select shore excursions, and receive final travel documents (around 30 days prior) all through the Amawaterways website directly.
  1. Is laundry service available on board? Yes. Laundry services are available on all AmaWaterways ships for an additional fee, with price lists provided in your stateroom. Please note that dry cleaning is not available on board.
  1. Does AmaWaterways provide telecoil induction loops for guests with hearing aids to use with QuietVox devices? Yes, we can provide induction loops (also known as telecoil neck loops) for guests that have hearing aids, provided that the hearing aid has a "T" or "telecoil" receiver. Please note that you would like to request an induction loop during the reservation process, or inform your travel advisor of this request.
  1. Are audio headsets provided during excursions? Guided shore excursions in Europe and on Mekong River cruises in Vietnam & Camobida include a personal audio headset system, allowing you to clearly hear your tour guide while exploring or taking photos.
  1. Are there medical facilities on board? AmaWaterways ships do not have onboard medical facilities or medical staff. In the event that assistance is needed, appropriate medical services can be contacted from shore, though response times may vary depending on the ship’s location. In Europe, medical services can easily be called from shore if required. Response times elsewhere can vary. Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical treatment and evacuation while overseas.
  1. Is smoking allowed on board? Smoking is not permitted inside any AmaWaterways ship. It is only allowed in designated areas located at the aft of the Sun Deck. For the comfort and safety of all guests, we kindly ask that you observe this no-smoking policy while on board.
  1. Is there an elevator on board? All AmaWaterways ships have an elevator reaching the main passenger decks. Elevators do not extend to the Sun Deck.
  1. What should I do if I left something on board after my cruise? All lost and found inquiries are handled online through our claim form. Once submitted, our team will review your request and contact you if the item is located. Guests are responsible for shipping costs, which are processed directly through the courier. Certain items, such as alcohol, tobacco, batteries, medication, and food, cannot be shipped. Please allow time for review and delivery, as ships return items only from major docking cities.

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Discover luxury river cruises with AmaWaterways.

  • Itinerary may be subject to change
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