Compagnie Française de Croisières’ Renaissance offers a delightful blend of French sophistication and modern comfort. This mid-sized ship, accommodating up to 1,100 passengers, caters primarily to French-speaking guests but accommodates English-speaking travellers with some basic French knowledge. With its stylish reception areas, diverse dining options, engaging entertainment, comfortable accommodations, and attentive hospitality, Renaissance delivers a holiday that balances relaxation and cultural enrichment.
The guest experience on Renaissance is defined by its French-inspired charm and modern amenities. Passengers appreciate the spacious all-outside cabins and attentive service, though some note limited English-language services. The ship’s design, with a teak promenade deck and glass-filled atrium, encourages relaxation and socialising. A 2023 refurbishment updated cabins and public spaces, keeping the ship fresh, though some areas retain a classic 1993-built aesthetic. Guests enjoy the balance of lively entertainment and quiet spaces like the library or Salon Hector B. The focus on French gastronomy and culture creates a sense of community, with 75% occupancy reported for summer cruises.
Guests aboard Renaissance can anticipate a holiday that blends French elegance with leisurely exploration. Expect days lounging by the Moana Pool, participating in petanque or cooking classes, or relaxing in the spa. Dining ranges from casual buffets to refined speciality meals, with entertainment filling evenings with theatre shows, live music, or quiet drinks. The ship’s mid-sized design allows access to unique ports, and no-fly cruises from Le Havre and Marseille add convenience. The French-speaking focus means menus and announcements are primarily in French, but the crew’s attentiveness ensures English-speaking guests feel included.
Reception Areas: A Chic Welcome
The reception area, located in Le Grand Foyer, a three-deck-high atrium on Deck 6, greets guests with an elegant design featuring a glass sculpture by Luciano Vistosi with over 2,000 pieces. The space is open and inviting, with a central desk staffed by multilingual crew members ready to assist with bookings, queries, or excursion planning. Adjacent to the atrium, Le Décanteur wine bar offers a relaxed spot for a glass of wine or a light snack, with plush seating and sea views. The nearby Promenade de l’Esplanade, an outdoor walking track, provides a scenic space for strolls. The atrium serves as a social hub, with occasional live music adding a warm atmosphere.
Dining: A Culinary Delight
Renaissance’s dining options cater to diverse tastes across four venues. The Grand Restaurant Vatel on Deck 7, seating 792, offers open-seating breakfast and lunch with multi-course menus featuring French and international dishes, complemented by complimentary table wine. The Belle-Île Buffet on Deck 11 serves casual breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner with global flavours like Asian stir-fries and Italian pastas. Speciality dining includes Saigon, an Asian restaurant with dishes like pho and sushi, and Louchebem Grill, offering premium steaks and seafood, both with a supplement. Le Table du Chef, a Chef’s Table experience on Deck 7, provides an exclusive multi-course meal with wine pairings for a fee. Eight bars, including Le Fou Chantant piano bar and Bar Moana, enhance the culinary experience. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.
Entertainment: A Mix of Fun and Culture
Renaissance’s entertainment programme keeps guests engaged with a range of activities. La Belle Époque Theatre, a 600-seat venue on Decks 7 and 8, hosts nightly shows with live music, production shows, and performances by comedians and magicians, alongside daily lectures and trivia games. Le Panoramique Lounge on Deck 11 offers cabaret and late-night discos, while Salon Hector B provides a serene space for classical music. Daytime activities include petanque, deck games, and cooking classes at Le Grand Auditorium, a 210-seat cinema and demonstration kitchen. The C@nnexions internet area and card room cater to quieter pursuits. Two pools, including the Moana Pool with a retractable roof, two whirlpools, and a big screen for outdoor movies on Deck 11 add to the leisure options.
Accommodation: Spacious and Modern
Renaissance’s 629 all-outside cabins, spread across four decks, include 140 with private balconies and 29 suites with a dedicated concierge lounge. Cabins range from 15–20 square metres for standard oceanview rooms to 40-square-metre suites, all featuring new carpets, minibars, air conditioning, en-suite showers, safes, and flat-screen TVs following a 2023 refurbishment. Nearly 100 solo cabins are offered without a supplement, ideal for single travellers. Lanai cabins provide direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck via sliding glass doors. Suites include binoculars and bathrobes, with De-Luxe Suites offering separate living areas. Thirteen wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity. A 2025 drydock added environmental upgrades, including shore power capability.
Hospitality: Warm and Attentive
The crew of 560 on Renaissance delivers professional, French-inspired service, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Cabin stewards provide daily cleaning and evening turndown, with complimentary 24-hour room service. Bar and restaurant staff engage guests with friendly conversation, though some note occasional language barriers for non-French speakers. The Guest Services team handles dietary requests and queries promptly, with a dedicated meeting for special diets. Les Events Spa on Deck 11 offers over 50 treatments, including hot stone massages and seaweed wraps, for a fee. The onboard infirmary, staffed by a doctor, provides medical services for a fee. The All Aboard app provides digital access to daily programmes and accounts. An automatic gratuity supports the crew, adjustable at Guest Services.
Standout Features
Renaissance’s standout features include its intimate size, enabling visits to smaller ports, and its all-outside cabins, ensuring every guest enjoys a sea view. La Belle Époque Theatre’s high-quality shows and Le Grand Auditorium’s cooking classes offer unique entertainment. Speciality dining at Saigon and Louchebem Grill provides refined culinary experiences, while the Chef’s Table delivers an exclusive multi-course meal. Les Events Spa and the Moana Pool with its retractable roof offer relaxation, and the 2023 refurbishment, including 17,000 square metres of new carpets, enhances onboard comfort. The teak promenade deck and glass sculpture atrium add a touch of classic elegance.
