real quick question - I want to purchase our Seine River cruise tickets before we depart and there are several companies to choose from.....are they all about the 'same'? if I understood correctly, you can purchase the tickets in advance and then you just show up with the tickets in hand whenever it is convenient for you. there is no set date or time. I also realize this means you might need to wait a bit for a boat.
is it better to cruise during the day or night? do all of the boats have covered areas and open decks?
thanks so much. we leave in june and suddenly I am feeling woefully under-prepared.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1441 posts
From most of the postings I have read, folks prefer/enjoy the Vedettes du Pont Neuf, http://vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/, more over the Bateaux Parisians. Also, more are in favor at night to see the sites & buildings lit up as well as the bridges. Yes you can purchase the tickets a head of time, I currently have a pair from my rental agency that has a 1-year expiration date on it that I will be using this coming May. The recommendations from the sites say to show up about 20 minutes before the time you wish to depart. Each site has specific hours and the hours are seasonal, some depart every 30 minutes and other times/months depart every hour.
Posted by
OP
57 posts
awesome - thank you! this is exactly what I needed. I just went and purchased my tickets so that is one more thing that is done. appreciated greatly!!!
Posted by
California
1625 posts
We pre-purchased tickets for Vedettes du Pont Neuf and had to go to the window and show the paper copy and they stamped it I think. Anyway, we went at sunset so we got to see building slowly light up, couples picnicking along the river, details on the bridges and of course the Eifel Tower all lit up. They also take photos of you so bring cash to purchase, we loved ours and a they are a neat memento! It was COLD (October). They also have a small window were you can purchase drinks before the cruise.
Posted by
Chicago
8553 posts
This is easy to do on the spot; you don't need to buy tickets in advance unless you want to save a couple of Euros with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. Whether you want a big flat boat where you can move around easily or a smaller boat is a matter of personal preference.
Posted by
Atlanta
5196 posts
We've done them during the day and at night. Night is definitely better. Have also used a couple of different companies. Definitely recommend Vedettes du Pont Neuf -- and sit on top to get the best experience.
Posted by
freelton, ont, canada
183 posts
We did a night cruise last September, Bought tickets in the afternoon then came back for for the cruise at 10 o'clock. I forget the cruise boat we went on but we were able to see all the lights along the seine . Then we enjoyed a glass of wine sitting on the steps along the seine at midnight.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7803 posts
I see you've purchased your tickets. Try to time the night cruise so you're going by the Eiffel Tower at the top of the hour. The twinkling lights from the water are especially beautiful.