Many years ago, I studied art history and my favourite painters were the Impressionists – particularly Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. Therefore, I was incredibly excited when I checked out the itinerary of Scenic Gem's new Seine cruise and discovered we would be visiting not only Monet's famous gardens at Giverny but also Rouen, which Monet painted many times, and the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where van Gogh spent his final two months.
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We have two whole days in Rouen. It is best known as the place where St Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, but you cannot miss the beautiful Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral that Monet painted 30 times between 1892 and 1893. He rented rooms above a shop in the rue Grand-Pont, opposite the cathedral, and there's still an easel set up at the window.
A guided tour of the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Rouen was next on my art trail. The imposing building dates back to the 1880s and it houses a superb collection of art from the 15th to 21st centuries, including some important Impressionist paintings. However, just wandering around the streets, markets and squares of this medieval city is a visual feast.
MuMa, the modern art gallery in Le Havre, was an unexpected treat; so was flying along the streets on the ship's electric bikes. Bikes (electric and regular) are available at any stop; several passengers cycled from where the ship was moored at Vernon to Monet's house and gardens at Giverny.
Seeing the gardens for the first time was a revelation. They are planted to reflect the colours of every season and in autumn they were simply stunning. Giverny is a major tourist attraction, but tours are fairly orderly, particularly around the house. This has been painstakingly restored and offers an insight into how the Impressionist master lived and worked for more than 40 years of his long and fruitful life.
Auvers-sur-Oise is not far from Giverny and attracted many noted artists in the 19th century. Van Gogh lived in the Auberge Ravoux, which is now a museum (with restored dining room – if only there was enough time to do everything, including have lunch there). The tragedy of his story is brought home when you visit the tiny attic room where he worked and died as a pauper; his paintings of the local church, town hall and surrounding countryside, which remain the same today, sell for millions. Heart-rending, but somehow the highlight of a truly memorable cruise.
The writer was a guest of Scenic Tours.
MEET THE CREW
NAME Matt Roland, from Joondalup, Western Australia.
POSITION Production show dancer, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess.
MY JOB I'm a cast member in the two different shows we present (and which debuted on Regal), Fiera and Bravo. I also dance in "bumpers" (four-minute shows around the ship), and longer performances by the fountains on the top deck.
MY TYPICAL DAY As I'm a night worker, my day starts with a late (light) lunch followed by a session in the gym and rehearsals. I do two to three different shows a day and it's usually midnight by the time I leave the dressing room. The crew mess is open until 1am, so I head there for dinner – and then it's bedtime.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT I've been lucky enough to do two inaugural cruises, on Royal and then Regal Princess; bringing a brand-new show to an enthusiastic audience is a huge buzz.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS In Europe, it's Venice, then Mykonos; in the States, I fell in love with the atmosphere and architecture of Boston.
TIP FOR PASSENGERS Different cruise lines appeal to different people, so make sure you pick one that suits you. Then leave your problems at home – and have a chat with the crew; we love interacting with our guests.
TIP Take some local currency for each port you visit – more remote spots might not have a handy ATM and cash is always useful for taxis, a cup of tea or coffee, or tips.
NEWS
Godmother Kathy Lette
Kathy Lette, the famous wisecracking Aussie author (11 bestsellers including Puberty Blues), is taking on the role of godmother to the new Scenic "space-ship", Scenic Jasper. Lette will christen the 169-passenger river ship in Vienna in April. "I am thrilled to be smashing the champers over the bow of this luxurious Aussie vessel and to be unveiling my leopard mini-skirted figurehead," she says. "Yes, now I can finally say that I have prowess!" Scenic Jasper will sail a variety of cruises on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. scenictours.com.au.
Win a Royal Caribbean cruise
Rhapsody of the Seas, one of the most popular ships to call Australia home, leaves our shores for the last time on Friday, April 17. To mark the occasion, Cruise Express is hosting a special bon voyage party at the Cruise Bar, Circular Quay. The event, which costs $99 a person, will include drinks, canapes, entertainment, exclusive offers and the chance to win a seven-night Explorer of the Seas cruise. Funds raised will benefit the Learning Links Charity, which helps children with learning difficulties. For bookings, go to cruiseexpress.com.au.
Baby-boomer travel insurance
If you are over 50, you might have had problems getting travel insurance, simply because of your age – but now there's a dedicated online travel insurer for baby boomers and retirees. Boomers Travel Insurance (underwritten by Allianz) was developed specifically for this age group and has no upper age limit for general policies. It provides a simple online service with automatic cover for more than 30 of the most common pre-existing medical conditions, which bypasses the tedious business of approval processes and visiting a doctor. boomerstravelinsurance.com.au.
DEALS
OFFER OF THE WEEK
Azamara Quest is coming to Australia for the first time in January 2016 and you could be on board. Ecruising travel's 17-night Bali, Komodo and the Great Barrier Reef package starts with a flight to Bali and three nights at the Banyan Tree Ungasan before the 14-night cruise to Cairns. Flights from Cairns to your capital city are included in the fare, which starts at $6759. Book by March 31 for up to $1000 onboard credit. Phone 1300 369 848, see ecruising.travel.
ADVENTURE CANADA specialises in adventure cruising in Canada's Arctic and east coast regions and until March 14 is offering deals for solo cruisers on three itineraries: 12-day Newfoundland and Wild Labrador (July), 10-day Mighty St Lawrence (June) and 12-day Heart of the Antarctic (July). From $US4695 ($6000); see adventurecanada.com.
JOIN CARNIVAL LEGEND on its 19-night trip from Honolulu to Sydney, departing September 25. Book now and save up to $792 a person and receive a $100 credit to spend onboard. Savings fares from $2197. Phone 131303, see cruiseguru.com.au.
