Scylla Welcomes Hybrid River Cruise Ship Lumière: A New Era in Sustainable Travel

Swiss transport operator Scylla recently took delivery of its latest river cruise vessel, Lumière, from Vahali Shipyards in Serbia. This significant addition to the fleet at 135 metres long, was developed in partnership with the luxury travel company Tauck and is designed for cruising along the Rhône River in France.

Lumière is tailored to provide an intimate cruising experience with a capacity of 130 passengers. The ship offers 68 staterooms, including 22 spacious suites of approximately 28 m², 34 cabins of 21 m², and 12 smaller cabins of 17 m². The interiors boast floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies, giving guests spectacular views of the French countryside as they travel.

The vessel operates with a crew of around 50 members, reflecting one of the best guest-to-crew ratios in the European inland waterways sector. The staff includes a cruise director and various local guides to enhance the onboard experience while ensuring safety and security throughout the journey.

Public amenities on Lumière include two dining venues, a sun deck with a pool and bar, as well as fitness facilities like a gym and yoga studio. The ship incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting throughout.

To facilitate superior navigation in the narrow channels of the Rhône, the navigation bridge is positioned as far forward as possible. The ship is powered by a hybrid system featuring two 1,000 HP diesel engines, complemented by generators and battery packs. This unique propulsion system allows limited operation on electric power alone for roughly 45 minutes, enabling assistance during maneuvering or when main engines are not in use.

Lumière is equipped with advanced navigation technology, including Furuno radar systems for enhanced safety. Additionally, the vessel has been used to test autonomous navigation technologies, successfully completing a trial in the Netherlands where an automated system managed steering and propulsion under real conditions, even in challenging weather.

Now entering service as part of Scylla’s charter fleet, Lumière will operate Tauck’s river cruise program along the Rhône, offering a unique blend of luxury and technological innovation for its guests.

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