Sebastien Leroy, Product Manager with AmaWaterways
Photos courtesy of AmaWaterways, used with permission.
Sebastien Leroy grew up in Normandy, France where he spent many weekends during his first 10 years on his dad’s boat. He joined AmaWaterways as a cruise manager in 2012, and ten years later became the company’s Product Manager for France, Iberia and the golf program. Sebastien was instrumental in creating the itinerary for AMA’s Flavors of Burgundy wine river cruise, which is the focus of this interview. In June 2025, Ellensburg Travel and I will be helping to host this cruise, and are recruiting now for this exciting opportunity. The flavors of Burgundy are renown, including France’s finest beef (Charolais), finest chicken (Bresse), gooiest cheese (Époisses) and most sought-after wines. The cruise begins in France’s food capital, Lyon, and travels the Saone River for 7 days to Dijon, capital city of Burgundy. With the exception of Chablis, it stops in all of Burgundy’s wine regions: Beaujolais, Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise, and Côte d’Or.
“Oceans take you to countries, Rivers take you through them,” and AmaWaterways specializes in luxury river cruises all over the world. They set the standard for river cruising, offering all-inclusive packages (excluding bargain air fare and insurance) for a wide variety of interests. In addition, there are perks for booking with Ellensburg Travel. Included in your fare will be Burgundy wine tastings/talks by group leader Marji Morgan before the cruise even begins, as well as brief presentations on ship for those interested. Marji will also provide a printed guide focusing on excursion destinations. Here are just a few words wine experts have used to describe Burgundy wines: spiritual, complex, endlessly layered, spellbinding, and deliriously delicious. Let’s explore together in this interview and on the cruise!!
Listen to the Interview: