Far from mega-liners, this first CFC (Compagnie Française de Croisières) boat marks the return of authentic sea travel, departing from French ports.
A ship on a human scale
At a time when cruise lines are racing towards gigantism, the CFC is positioning itself on significantly smaller ships. With the help of a British investment fund, two cruising professionals – Clément Mousset and Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat – have acquired a boat which will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary next November. After several months of work in Brest, this ship, only 219.15 meters long and 30.8 meters wide, was renamed Renaissance. Not exceeding a speed of 14 knots for ecological reasons, it has retained its soul while benefiting from the latest technologies. In a few weeks, she will sail under the French flag.
A premium quality vessel
With a capacity of 1,100 passengers, it represents a compromise between mass market and luxury units. A few more significant figures: the Renaissance has 629 cabins, 80% of which have a sea view. Of this total, 154 cabins have a balcony or even a terrace! On deck no. 10, the 28 suites cover 36 m2.
No wonder that on average the space ratio per passenger on this boat is 50 m3 compared to 37 m3 on the mass market.
On board, the French-speaking service is enhanced by the Mauritian smile, which pampers the passengers, 60% of whom are new.
came to the cruise. The warm, updated common areas retain traces of the past. With in particular the sumptuous library on deck no. 8, the Murano glass ceiling of the large Vatel Restaurant on two levels, the silver metal cutlery with the logo of the predecessor, teak deckchairs on deck no. 6…
Necessary improvements
In the four restaurants, three of which cost extra, the food is generally of high quality. If the breakfast buffet is very varied, the lunch buffet could be improved. On board, gentle entertainment. No climbing wall or loud music. But aquagym classes, walks on deck No. 6, line dancing classes…
Itineraries departing from Bordeaux
To differentiate itself from the competition, CFC has developed itineraries departing from Le Havre in summer and from Marseille from the end of September. With a return to the port of departure. Next year there will be additional departures from Bordeaux, near the Place de la Bourse, to sail towards Portugal and the Mediterranean.
For these land-oriented cruises with long stopovers, the duration is around 10 nights in 2024 compared to 14 nights this year. And when it is longer, it is offered in two segments like the end of year cruise to Israel. CFC has scheduled North Africa, with stopovers in Algeria.
A 32-night cruise departing from Marseille!
And above all West Africa, Cape Verde and the Fortunate Islands, early 2024. This cruise will lead south of the Tropic of Cancer to the Cape Verde Islands via Senegal, Morocco and the Gambia. The return to Le Havre will stop at the Canary Islands and Madeira. From January 28 to February 29, 2024, this itinerary will be accessible in two stays of 16 nights. A very long trip of 32 nights departing from Marseille. Never seen before on the French market.
Martine Denoune
text and images: Martine Denoune
