Visit With Us (2025)

10/08/2025

ad|Yesterday we boarded the elegant Crystal Cruises Symphony in Piraeus for the start of our 11-night adventure around Greece and Turkey 🛳✨

From the moment we stepped aboard, Crystal’s legendary service lived up to its reputation — and then some. Lunch was a relaxed but much anticipated affair at Beefbar, where the menu is as tempting as the Aegean is blue. Our first dinner in the Waterside restaurant set the tone for the voyage: beautifully presented dishes, impeccable service, and that subtle “we could get used to this” feeling.

Today’s first port of call? The picture-perfect island of Hydra 🇬🇷. With no cars to disturb the peace, we wandered along the harbour past fishing boats and chic little boutiques, sipped homemade lemonade while people-watching in the sunshine, and even found Leonard Cohen’s old home tucked away in the backstreets. It’s the kind of place that feels like time stopped just for you.

Back on board we grabbed a burger at the Trident Grill before an afternoon relaxing around the pool, constantly plied with cold drinks and towels to keep us cool on a hot August day in Greece.

If the last 24 hours are anything to go by we’re in for a real treat over the next week or so, and we can’t wait to bring you along 😍🤩

Panache Cruises

07/08/2025

🚢✨ ad - Earlier this year we sailed the Moselle, Main, and Rhine Rivers on board AmaPrima, and it was not your average river cruise.

Think: medieval storybook towns, the world’s steepest vineyards and castles popping up so frequently we thought we were hallucinating on Riesling.

Oh, and our suite had TWO balconies — because apparently one just isn’t luxurious enough.

In this video, we’re sharing it all: the laughs, the locks, the local legends (one involves a Scottish ghost), plus plenty of food, wine, and unexpected moments that made this journey unforgettable.

🎬 WATCH THE FULL VOYAGE VLOG - OUT NOW ON (link in bio) for:
✔️ Castles with actual ghosts
✔️ Pretzel tutorials
✔️ Wine that requires mountaineering gear to harvest
✔️ River cruise life that’s equal parts luxury and ludicrous charm

This might just be the most German thing we’ve ever done — and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.

👉 Link in bio

Panache Cruises

31/07/2025

ad|And just like that, our week sailing on the beautiful Seine on board Avalon Waterways Tapestry II has come to an end – and what a finale it’s been! From peaceful mornings on deck watching mist rise over sleepy French villages, to kayaking through hidden tributaries, tasting creamy Normandy cheeses, and exploring the stunning city of Rouen, this cruise has been the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.

We ended our journey with one last day in Paris, leaving the ship and travelling by coach to an overnight staying in Le Meridien hotel - all included on this itinerary. Arriving at midday we strolled down the legendary Champs-Élysées, gazed up at the mighty Arc de Triomphe, and wandered past the shimmering glass roof of the Grand Palais. To toast the week, we tucked into a delicious dinner at Le Touring brasserie, complete with crusty bread, delicious and rich stewed beef, a succulent homemade burger and a bottle of velvety red St Emilion wine.

Here’s to Parisian sunsets, riverside charm, and a week we’ll never forget. 🥂

Panache Cruises

29/07/2025

🚲 Exploring Le Havre by Bike 🇫🇷

ad|Our final full day on board Avalon Waterways Tapestry II and we were docked in Le Havre. We had booked to do a guided bike ride through this fascinating port city.

First stop: the historic cathedral—one of the few pre-war buildings still standing after WWII devastation. From there, we cycled past a brilliant pop of colour in the form of a waterfront art installation made entirely of shipping containers before pedalling along the seafront to the wide, stony beach revealed by the morning’s low tide.

Next up: the utterly astonishing St Joseph’s Church. Don’t be fooled by the concrete exterior—step inside and you’ll find a kaleidoscope of stained glass light dancing across the interior, with each side of the tower casting tones to represent sunrise, daylight, sunset, and night. One of the most unexpectedly moving places we’ve visited.

We ended at Le Volcan, a bold, curving cultural hub designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Part library, part theatre, part sculpture— viewed from above, this dove-shaped marvel now stands as a symbol of peace in a city rebuilt from ashes.

📍Le Havre, France

Panache Cruises

28/07/2025

📍Normandie | A Day of Remembrance 🇫🇷

ad| Day 6 of our Avalon Waterways Seine cruise was one of quiet reflection and deep gratitude. We began at Ranville War Cemetery, the first village liberated after D-Day, where the rows of headstones told stories of sacrifice far beyond words.

From there, we crossed to Pegasus Bridge, where brave British paratroopers landed in gliders under the cover of night — a mission that changed the course of the war. The museum here brings their bravery vividly to life.

Next stop: the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer, peaceful and pristine, with maple leaves carved on so many young soldiers’ stones. A moving place of tribute to those who never made it home.

Lunch was at the charming Hôtel de La Marine in Arromanches, overlooking the remains of the Mulberry Harbour — a perfect pause to take in the history surrounding us.

We ended the day at the Juno Beach Centre, where stories of courage, heartbreak, and humanity are told through a uniquely Canadian lens.

A day we won’t forget. 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇫🇷

Panache Cruises

27/07/2025

🕰️ Exploring Rouen, Where History Shines Bright 🇫🇷

ad| Day 5 of our Avalon Waterways Waterways Seine cruise and we’re docked in the heart of Rouen so our walking tour was direct from the pier.

Led by our brilliant guide Amori, we explored the awe-inspiring cathedral, strolled down the historic Gros-Horloge (Clock Street), and paused at the market square and Joan of Arc’s monument—right where she was burned at the stake in 1431.

After the tour, we roamed on our own, wandering past the elaborate old courthouse, down medieval alleyways, café-filled squares, the local market and a couple more spectacular churches.

I’m not sure what’s we expected from Rouen but it was surprisingly charming with its historic half timbered houses, ornate cathedral and cobbled streets.

Back on the ship we had a fascinating lecture from war historian Nigel Stewart on the Normandy beaches, in preparation for our visit there the following day.

But we saved the best till last: at 11pm we joined the crowds outside the cathedral for Les Illuminations de la Cathédrale—a dazzling half-hour light show projected onto the facade. Vikings, colours, history, music—it was pure magic ✨

Panache Cruises

26/07/2025

Day 4 on the Seine with and this ‘Active & Discovery’ cruise is certainly living up to its name!

| We kicked off the morning in Vernon with a proper adventure — kayaking on the River Epte, a fast-flowing little tributary of the Seine made even wilder by last week’s rain. Joined by five fellow thrill-seekers (and the ever-enthusiastic Hristo, our activities manager), we ducked branches, paddled like mad, and emerged triumphantly… absolutely drenched. Worth it? Absolutely 😂

Back in Vernon, we squeezed in a quick visit to the ancient bridge house before heading back to the ship — just in time for a culinary treat. Local award-winning chef Julian from joined us onboard to whip up some mouthwatering Norman buckwheat galettes, followed by a live demo (and tasting!) of a Paris-Brest. Yes, we’re still thinking about that pastry 😋

To justify a second helping, we took on the afternoon hiking excursion in Les Andelys. Sunshine and spectacular views greeted us as we climbed to the ruins of Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s impressive cliff-top fortress. Sweaty, breathless, but wow — what a view!

We wrapped up with a wander through town and a local Richard the Lionheart beer at the café by the church (because hydration is important 😉), before sailing off toward Rouen.

Topping the night off with sunset views from the top deck as we cruised into Normandy’s capital it was the end of another brilliant day on the Seine on board Avalon Tapestry II!

24/07/2025

ad|A lovely day for a bike ride along the Seine from Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to Maison Laffette and back again. Over 27kms cycled and a little piece of our hearts now belonging to this gorgeous part of France ❤️🇫🇷

Avalon Waterways
Panache Cruises

23/07/2025

Bonjour from Paris!

ad|We’ve been invited by on a week-long Seine river cruise aboard the oh-so-chic Avalon Tapestry II. Boarding the ship straight from our flight out of London yesterday we headed straight out again for a stroll along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, enjoying the view and the tourist busyness from the Pont d’Iéna.

After settling into our stateroom, we kicked things off with a welcome cocktail party and dinner onboard, followed by a stroll around the top deck, just in time to watch the Eiffel Tower’s light show glitter into the night. Paris, you absolute show-off.

This morning? A walking foodie tour through Saint-Germaine des Prés that can only be described as gloriously edible. 🥐 First stop: Le Hibou cafe, perfectly adorned with stuffed owls (hibou means owl in French), for deliciously buttery croissants and dangerously moreish cheese served with traditional French baguettes, the likes of which you can only get in France 🥖 ❤️

Then onto Ladurée for one of Helen’s favourites, a French macaron - choosing the original almond flavour, the base recipe upon which all other Ladurée macaron flavours are built.

Our final foodie stop was Aux Merveilleux! This boutique pâtisserie specialises in one thing and does it magnificently: the Merveilleux, a delicate French dessert made from feather-light meringue, generously slathered in whipped cream, then rolled in all manner of delightful things — shaved chocolate, caramelised nuts, or crystallised sugar.

Before leaving Saint Germaine we wandered down the quaint Cour du Commerce Saint-André, one of Panache CruisesobEating Europe 🍴 Food Tourseeling smug, full, and slightly meringue-dusted.

This cruise has only just begun, but what a start. 🚢💙🇫🇷

20/07/2025

NEW VIDEO!
🍁 Canada & New England in the Fall🍁
(link to YouTube video in comments)

ad|After years of dreaming about this itinerary, we finally set sail with Holland America Line aboard the lovely MS Zuiderdam, cruising from Quebec City to Boston — and it did not disappoint.

Think: lobster rolls in Prince Edward Island, lighthouse-hopping in Nova Scotia, jazz-filled nights at sea, and a ship that knows how to throw a proper Gala. We may have been a couple of weeks early for peak foliage, but this voyage still delivered unforgettable ports, crisp autumn air, and a whole lot of orange (thanks, Orange Party!).

🎥 Watch the full vlog now for travel inspiration, cruise tips, scenic shots, and foodie heaven.

10/07/2025

And just like that… our time Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur has come to an end 😢🚢

ad|After a week of pure indulgence sailing from Liverpool to Southampton via Cork and Dublin, we’re home with thousands of video clips to sort through, a pound or two of excess weight to lose and a desire to repeat it all again as soon as possible 😂

Grandeur seriously lived up to her name – elegant, beautifully designed, and somehow both incredibly luxurious and wonderfully relaxed.

Thank you to the amazing crew who made everything seamless (and brought us cocktails before we even realised we wanted one). Until next time… 🛳️💙🤞

Panache Cruises

09/07/2025

✨NEW VIDEO out now on YouTube ✨

ad| 🚢 Is this Holland America Line’s most underrated cruise ship? Step aboard MS Zuiderdam – the grand dame of the Vista Class – for a full ship guide like no other. We’re talking crystal seahorses, pickleball courts, top-tier burgers, mystery piano absences, and some questionable art choices.

This isn’t your average cruise video. It’s a deck-by-deck, bite-by-bite, lounge-by-lounge guide to everything Zuiderdam does best – and a few quirks we still haven’t quite figured out. Whether you’re booked to sail or just fancy a nosy around a ship with a suspicious number of polar bear statues, you’ll want to watch this (link to YouTube video in comments)

Visit With Us

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