Emerald Cruises has announced its 2027 President’s Cruise, an exclusive eight-day journey along the Seine hosted by Ken Muskat, President USA & LATAM of Scenic Group. Scheduled to depart from Paris on August 14, 2027, the special sailing will operate as a dedicated edition of the Sensations of the Seine & Normandy itinerary aboard Emerald Lumi, the line’s brand-new Star-Ship debuting in 2027.
The cruise is designed to offer guests a more personal way to experience northern France, combining the traditional appeal of river cruising with special access, curated activities and opportunities to spend time with Muskat throughout the voyage. The format reflects Scenic Group’s focus on creating deeper connections between guests, destinations and the people behind the brand.
“River cruising has always been about creating a deeper connection to the destinations we visit, and the President’s Cruise gives us an opportunity to make that experience even more personal,” said Muskat. “I’m especially excited to host this journey aboard Emerald Lumi, our brand new ship for 2027, and spend time with our guests as we experience one of France’s most fascinating regions together.” The itinerary follows the Seine through some of Normandy’s most significant cultural, artistic and historic destinations. After departing from Paris, Emerald Lumi will visit Vernon, Rouen, Honfleur, Les Andelys and La Roche-Guyon before returning to the French capital on August 21. One of the central themes of the journey will be the artistic heritage of the region. Guests will have the opportunity to discover places closely associated with Claude Monet and the Impressionist movement, exploring the landscapes and towns that inspired some of the most recognizable works in European art.
Rouen provides another major highlight of the itinerary. Known for its remarkable Gothic cathedral, medieval streets and centuries of history, the city offers a strong contrast between architecture, culture and everyday French life. Its association with Joan of Arc and its important role in Normandy’s past make it one of the most historically significant stops on the Seine. Further downstream, Honfleur introduces a different side of the region. The picturesque harbor town has long attracted painters, writers and travelers thanks to its waterfront setting, traditional architecture and maritime atmosphere. Its historic Vieux Bassin remains one of Normandy’s most recognizable scenes and gives guests the opportunity to experience the coastal character of northern France. History will also play an important role during the sailing, with opportunities to visit sites connected to the D-Day landings and the events of the Second World War. These experiences add another layer to the itinerary, allowing guests to better understand Normandy’s significance in modern European history.
Alongside traditional sightseeing, the President’s Cruise will also showcase Emerald Cruises’ increasingly immersive approach to river travel. Guests will be able to choose from cultural excursions, historical visits and EmeraldACTIVE experiences designed for travelers who prefer a more dynamic way of exploring a destination. The itinerary will also highlight local cuisine, landscapes and communities, offering a broader perspective on the region beyond its best-known landmarks. This combination of cultural discovery and active exploration has become an important part of the Emerald Cruises product, particularly on European rivers where smaller towns and local traditions are a key element of the experience. A major attraction of the sailing will be Emerald Lumi itself. Purpose-built for the Seine, the new Star-Ship is scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and will be tailored specifically to the characteristics of the river and the destinations along its route.
The ship will feature the contemporary design language associated with Emerald Cruises, together with the brand’s relaxed interpretation of luxury. Rather than emphasizing formality, the onboard experience is intended to focus on comfort, modern surroundings and an intimate atmosphere, creating a suitable base for exploring the towns and landscapes of Normandy. The launch of Emerald Lumi also gives the President’s Cruise additional significance, as guests will be among the early travelers to experience the new vessel during its inaugural season. For Emerald Cruises, the sailing therefore combines two important elements: the introduction of a new ship and a special hosted departure led by one of Scenic Group’s senior executives.
President’s Cruises are particularly distinctive because they create direct interaction between guests and company leadership. Beyond the itinerary itself, passengers have the opportunity to engage with Muskat, share their impressions of the cruise experience and gain a closer look at the vision behind the brand. This type of hosted sailing also adds a social element to the journey, creating a sense of community among guests while offering a more informal setting for conversations about river cruising, future developments and the evolution of the travel experience. For Scenic Group, the 2027 sailing reinforces the strategic importance of the Seine and France within its river portfolio. Normandy remains one of Europe’s most appealing river cruise regions thanks to the variety of experiences available within a relatively compact itinerary, ranging from art and gastronomy to wartime history, medieval heritage and coastal landscapes.
The roundtrip Paris format also adds convenience, allowing guests to begin and end their journey in one of Europe’s major international gateways while still reaching smaller destinations that are difficult to experience in the same way on a traditional land itinerary. The 2027 Sensations of the Seine & Normandy with President Ken Muskat will depart from Paris on August 14 and return on August 21. Current fares for the special departure start from $3,936 per person, with pricing, promotions and terms subject to change. With a newly launched ship, a carefully designed Normandy itinerary and the presence of Ken Muskat throughout the journey, the 2027 President’s Cruise aims to offer a more personal interpretation of river cruising while showcasing the cultural depth and diversity of the Seine.
Gabriele Bassi
