Rouen Boosts Cruise Tourism with Innovative Dual Fam-Trips

The historic city of Rouen is making a strategic push to become a premier cruise destination, leveraging its position as the "Ocean Port of Paris" through an innovative dual familiarization trip initiative.
On October 24, Rouen Tourisme hosted travel agents from the UK and Ireland, alongside a representative from Ambassador Cruise Lines, showcasing the city's attractions. Simultaneously, tourism officials embarked on Ambassador's ship Ambition to experience onboard amenities firsthand.
This parallel approach aimed to align Rouen's shore offerings with cruise operators' needs, enhancing overall passenger experiences. Jaco Seyffert, Ocean & River Cruises Promotion and Marketing Manager at Rouen Tourisme, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.

The onshore fam-trip highlighted Rouen's diverse appeal:
- An interactive tour of the city's Gothic cathedral
- A gourmet lunch at La Couronne, France's oldest inn, underscoring Rouen's UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status
- A historical re-enactment of Joan of Arc's final moments

Rouen's strategic advantages for cruise operators include:
- Proximity to Paris, just 130 km away
- Streamlined access through HAROPA Port of Rouen, with a single-entry fee covering multiple Seine Valley destinations, like The Seine Valley and Honfleur
- Plans for shore power facilities by 2026, demonstrating commitment to sustainable tourism

This initiative marks Rouen's efforts to capitalize on growing international visitor numbers and strengthen its position in Seine Valley tourism. The city aims to blend its rich historical heritage with modern amenities to meet the evolving demands of the cruise industry