Europe and Mediterranean: Grand France Cruise

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored countries in the world. Experience France from north to south, sailing three rivers and embarking upon in-depth shore excursions. Walk through Monet's beloved Giverny, seeing the enchanting grounds that he made famous; travel back in time and enjoy a Village day in charming Viviers; visit Lyon's famous secret passageways, the Traboules; and have a chance to golf high above the cliffs of Étretat—one of the most spectacular courses in France. From the beaches of Normandy and the verve and romance of Paris to the sun-drenched vistas of Burgundy and Provence, this itinerary in France is truly sans pareil!

All-Inclusive Cruise

  • True All-Inclusive Boutique River Cruising™

  • All gratuities for onboard services

  • Unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages**

  • Shore excursions with local experts as your guide

  • Internet and Wi-Fi

  • All arrival and departure day transfers

Executive Member Benefit

  • Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,250, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  • Receive a $50 shipboard credit per person (maximum $100 per stateroom)♦

Digital Costco Shop Card

  • Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Uniworld® river cruise†

Sailing Itinerary

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.

Day 1 Paris

Overview

 
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Regarded as the most romantic city in the world, Paris is a wonderful place for couples to visit. It is also full of famous landmarks and museums, however, so even if you are going with some friends or on your own, you won't find it hard to fill your days. Paris was founded over 2000 years ago whenthe Gauls of the Parisii tribe set down there between 250 and 200 BC, making the French capital more than 2000 years old. They settled on an island in the River Seine that today is known as Ile de la Cité. It is from here that the city center developed. Lutetia (Lutece), as Paris was known in ancient times, was conquered by Julius Caesar in 52 BC making it a Roman center in the Middle Ages. It wasn’t until Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris, was crowned King of France that the city’s position as France’s capital became established. Under the leadership of Etienne Marcel between 1355 and 1358, Paris finally declared itself an independent commune. Then again in 1528, Paris was named the capital of the French monarchy under Francais I. It was he who reconstructed the fortress of the Louvre and also decided to build a city hall in Paris, as it was the capital. With a city steeped in so much history, it isn’t surprising that there is so much to see and do in this city. Paris’, and arguably France’, best-known landmark towers over the city, while the Champs Elysées is one of Europe’s most impressive boulevards. Above all Paris will never get rid of the stereotype that is the city of lovers. Indeed, many happy couples get engaged on the Eiffel Tower, and hundreds of others are joined at the hip for their weekends away, but it doesn’t take anything away from the time the budget traveler can have over the space of a few days in the French capital.

Day 2 Vernon/France

Overview

 
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Vernon is a very ancient town attested by prehistorical, Celtic, Gallo-Roman, and Merovingian remains. It became like Gisors an important military town after the foundation of the Duchy of Normandy. Richard de Reviers, Captain of Vernon, took part in the battle of Hastings in 1066 and settled down in England. Vernon played a political and military part during the long rivalry between the Capetians and Plantagenets. It was attached to the French kingdom by Philippe Auguste in 1196, even before the rest of Normandy (1204). Philippe Auguste had the castle of Vernon built, and the Keep and a tower remain.Saint-Louis often came to Vernon where he used to meet his friend Eudes Rigaud, archbishop of Rouen. He founded the Hotel-Dieu (the present Saint-Louis Hospital) and endowed it richly, as precious charters testify.In the 18th century, Vernon, like Gisors, Les Andelys, and Lyons-la-Forêt was transferred by Louis XV to the Count of Belle-Isle in exchange for the island of Belle-Isle-en-Mer. After his death, his properties passed back to the crown, then they were granted to the Duke of Bourbon-Penthièvre, grandson of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, and andgrandfatherr of Louis-Philippe.Vernon keeps the memory of the heroic battles fought in 1870 by the mobile troops of Ardeche.The town was partially destroyed in 1940 but it rose from its ruins. It is presently the second town in the department.

Day 3 Rouen

Overview

 
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Rouen is a must for anyone who loves the arts, fine foods, and long strolls through cobblestone streets. From the most classical to the most innovative, the city offers a wide array of cultural activities. Rouen's museums, theatres, art galleries,s and other attractions are amongst the richest and most dynamic in France outside of Paris. Its richly endowed museums include the Musee des Beaux-Arts (or Fine Arts Museum), where visitors can appreciate one of the finest art collections in France, with world-class masterpieces by Velasquez, Gericault, Monet, and others. The Theatre of the Arts/Normandy Opera House presents a vast program of lyrical music, as well as other forms from classical to rock and roll. Each year, more than 400 concerts are music to the ears of Rouen.Cultural activities and other festivities make their way onto the streets of Rouen during several popular events attended by thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people. Theatre, painting, dance, music, cinema, and architecture: the muses still grace the birthplace of Corneille and Flaubert.

Day 4 Caudebec-en-Caux

Overview

 
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CAUX, a town in France, in the department of Seine-Inferieure. It is situated on the right bank of the Seine, the tidal wave of which (mascara) can be well seen at this point. The chief interest of the town lies in its church, a building of the 15th and the early 16th centuries. Round its top run balustrades formed of Gothic letters, which read as part of the Magnificent. Its west portal, the decoration of the spire of the tower. The town also possesses’ several old houses. Its industries include tanning and leather carrying and there is the grain trade The port has a small trade in coal, livestock, and farm produce.

Day 5 Rouen

Overview

 
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Rouen is a must for anyone who loves the arts, fine foods, and long strolls through cobblestone streets. From the most classical to the most innovative, the city offers a wide array of cultural activities. Rouen's museums, theatres, art galleries,s and other attractions are amongst the richest and most dynamic in France outside of Paris. Its richly endowed museums include the Musee des Beaux-Arts (or Fine Arts Museum), where visitors can appreciate one of the finest art collections in France, with world-class masterpieces by Velasquez, Gericault, Monet, and others. The Theatre of the Arts/Normandy Opera House presents a vast program of lyrical music, as well as other forms from classical to rock and roll. Each year, more than 400 concerts are music to the ears of Rouen.Cultural activities and other festivities make their way onto the streets of Rouen during several popular events attended by thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people. Theatre, painting, dance, music, cinema, and architecture: the muses still grace the birthplace of Corneille and Flaubert.

Day 6 Versailles

Overview

 
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Versailles is a commune in the department of the Yvelines, Île-de-France, known worldwide for the Château de Versailles and the gardens of Versailles, designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Day 7 Paris

Overview

 
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Regarded as the most romantic city in the world, Paris is a wonderful place for couples to visit. It is also full of famous landmarks and museums, however, so even if you are going with some friends or on your own, you won't find it hard to fill your days. Paris was founded over 2000 years ago whenthe Gauls of the Parisii tribe set down there between 250 and 200 BC, making the French capital more than 2000 years old. They settled on an island in the River Seine that today is known as Ile de la Cité. It is from here that the city center developed. Lutetia (Lutece), as Paris was known in ancient times, was conquered by Julius Caesar in 52 BC making it a Roman center in the Middle Ages. It wasn’t until Hugh Capet, the Count of Paris, was crowned King of France that the city’s position as France’s capital became established. Under the leadership of Etienne Marcel between 1355 and 1358, Paris finally declared itself an independent commune. Then again in 1528, Paris was named the capital of the French monarchy under Francais I. It was he who reconstructed the fortress of the Louvre and also decided to build a city hall in Paris, as it was the capital. With a city steeped in so much history, it isn’t surprising that there is so much to see and do in this city. Paris’, and arguably France’, best-known landmark towers over the city, while the Champs Elysées is one of Europe’s most impressive boulevards. Above all Paris will never get rid of the stereotype that is the city of lovers. Indeed, many happy couples get engaged on the Eiffel Tower, and hundreds of others are joined at the hip for their weekends away, but it doesn’t take anything away from the time the budget traveler can have over the space of a few days in the French capital.

Day 8 Lyon

Overview

 
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Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day 9 Lyon

Overview

 
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Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.

Day 10 Macon

Overview

 
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Situated downstream of Tournus, flower-bedecked Mâcon proudly displays the smiling character of Burgundy’s southernmost town. As one crosses the venerable Saint-Laurent bridge separating Mâcon from the flatlands of the Bresse one is greeted by a beautiful, spacious riverside townscape punctuated by several church spires.The town’s historical centre includes such treasures as the Municipal Museum, quartered in an old Ursuline convent, the Romanesque remains of the ancient cathedral of Saint-Vincent and the dispensary of the Hôtel-Dieu. Alphonse de Lamartine, French poet and statesman, was born in Mâcon in 1790. Although he travelled extensively in his career as a diplomat and politician, he remained very attached to his home town and took a personal interest in the wine harvests on his estates in the Mâconnais.The town possesses a museum exclusively devoted to the life and work of Lamartine, as well as a statue and a large mosaic wall. But perhaps the true attraction of Mâcon lies in the charm of its squares and side streets, especially the Place aux Herbes which during the summer months echoes the sounds of the daily vegetable and flower market under the windows of the Maison de Bois with its finely sculptured columns. The pleasant atmosphere is a foretaste of the nearby vineyards.The town also boasts a superbly equipped stretch of water on the Saône as well as a golf course.The Mâconnais Wine Centre (Maison Mâconnaise des Vins) is situated at the northern entrance to the town and is the point of departure for a journey to the Mâconnais vineyards.

Day 11 Tain-l'Hermitage

Overview

 
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Tain l’Hermitage is a little town with a well-established reputation for gastronomy. Leave noise far away on the charming and sunlit banks of the Rhône. For those who like walking, the paths on the hillside climb between the vineyards. Depending on the season, the surrounding countryside offers you orchards in full or laden with fruits, its « Route des Vins » and several pretty villages. You are at the gates of both the Ardčche and the Vercors. Tain l’Hermitage can be reached by train and A7 motorway.

Day 12 Viviers

Overview

 
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Viviers is a village in the department of Ardèche in southern France. It is known for its medieval cathedral and views over the Rhone river.

Day 13 Avignon

Overview

 
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Avignon, a city in southeastern France’s Provence region, is set on the Rhône River. From 1309 to 1377, it was the seat of the Catholic popes. It remained under papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791. This legacy can be seen in the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) in the city center, which is surrounded by medieval stone ramparts.

Day 14 Arles

Overview

 
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Arles is a city on the Rhône River in the Provence region of southern France. It's famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which influenced the contemporary art displayed at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also known for many remains from that era, including Arles Amphitheatre (les Arènes d'Arles), now hosting plays, concerts and bullfights.

Day 15 Arles

Overview

 
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Arles is a city on the Rhône River in the Provence region of southern France. It's famed for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh, which influenced the contemporary art displayed at the Fondation Vincent Van Gogh. Once a provincial capital of ancient Rome, Arles is also known for many remains from that era, including Arles Amphitheatre (les Arènes d'Arles), now hosting plays, concerts and bullfights.

Onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre

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Costco Member Reviews

Uniworld’s newest Super Ship—S.S. Joie de Vivre—is designed to reflect the “joy of living” as it cruises the Seine River in northern France. This luxurious 128-passenger vessel is a showcase for handcrafted furniture, sumptuous fabrics, beautiful antiques, gilded accents and every modern convenience. The Salon de Toulouse features a full-service bar and curated antiques from renowned auction houses. Enticing dining venues include Le Restaurant Pigalle, Bistro Saint-Germain and Café Flore. Intimately scaled so it can dock in the heart of Paris, the Joie de Vivre features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms, all with made-to-order Savoir® of England beds and marble-lined bathrooms.

Onboard Activities

Activities & Services (included in cruise)

Fitness Center

  • Fitness Center
  • Guest Lecturers
  • Pool - Indoor/Covered
  • Bars/Lounges
  • Concierge Desk
  • Elevators
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Self-Service Laundromat

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Spa

  • Spa Services/Massage
  • Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service

Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the cruise line without notice. Staterooms designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Dining

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Restaurant (open seating): This seating option allows you to choose when and with whom you dine. Menus are a blend of classic cuisine with a touch of contemporary elegance, and are created using only the finest and freshest ingredients often brought onboard from local ports of call. You'll be surrounded by the beauty of passing riverbank towns and villages.


Times, costs and other specifics are outside the control of Costco Travel. All information is at the sole discretion of the cruise line and is subject to change without notice. Dining time and table size preferences are submitted to the cruise line on a first-come, first-served request basis and are confirmed aboard ship. Questions, concerns and/or special needs regarding dining arrangements must be addressed with the maitre d' hotel aboard ship. Every effort is made to accommodate travelers' preferences; however, Costco Travel cannot guarantee dining arrangements. In specialty restaurants, space is limited and reservations are recommended. A cover charge and dress code may apply.

Staterooms

  • Classic Stateroom with Window (Category: CL)

    Category: CL

  • Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: FB)

    Category: FB

  • Deluxe Stateroom with French Balcony (Category: DF)

    Category: DF

  • Suite with French Balcony (Category: S)

    Category: S

  • Grand Suite with French Balcony (Category: GS)

    Category: GS

Deck Plan

Cruise Ship
Victor Hugo Deck
Key to Symbols
SymbolDescription
ElevatorElevator
Triple accommodation availableTriple accommodation available

Ship Facts

S.S. Joie de Vivre ship image
  • Ship Name: S.S. Joie de Vivre
  • Year Built: 2016
  • Year Entered Present Fleet: 2017
  • Ship Class: River "Super Ship"
  • Maximum Capacity: 128
  • Number of Passenger Decks: 3
  • Number of Crew: 54
  • Officers' Nationality: International
  • Ocean-View without Balcony: 9
  • Ocean-View with Balcony: 45
  • Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 108
  • Country of Registry: The Netherlands
  • Total Staterooms: 64
  • Suites with Balcony: 10
  • Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Travel makes every effort to verify the accuracy of all information provided. Additional fees for amenities or services may be charged by the hotel, resort or cruise line. Amenities or services may be discontinued or revised by the provider without notice. Hotels, resorts, ships or accommodations designated as wheelchair-accessible do not necessarily meet ADA requirements. Costco Travel is not responsible for inaccuracies or provider modifications.

Costco Member Reviews

Available Dates & Prices

Departure Date

Inside Stateroom

River-View Stateroom

Balcony Stateroom

Suite Stateroom

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for select stateroom categories only, and does not include government taxes/fees and gratuities. Click on Terms & Conditions link below for details.

**Unlimited beverages include premium wine and premium spirits. Diamond List of wine and spirits is available at an additional cost.

♦Executive Members receive a $50 shipboard credit per person, maximum $100 per stateroom. Executive Member benefit is valid for primary cardholder only. Shipboard credit is per stateroom based on double occupancy. Shipboard credit will be applied to your onboard account. Any unused portion of the credit is nontransferable, nonrefundable and may not be redeemed for cash.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's registry: The Netherlands

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    Package ID: UNIJOIEUR20260322