Avalon Creativity Review

4.5 / 5.0
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Tried It, And Liked It!

Review for Europe River Cruise on Avalon Creativity
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INSIDERS CABIN
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2015
Cabin: Deluxe Stateroom with French Balcony

As an ocean cruiser with a couple hundred days of cruise travel, (most on HAL), I embarked on the Normandy River Cruise adventure to see if it would be a mode of travel my husband and I would enjoy. The answer is yes- and maybe! To succeed as a river cruiser, I learned one must above all embrace promptness as a way of life for 7 days, and, one must be sociable every day, all day, with fellow passengers and crew, because all meals and activities are shared with this same small group. Also, one must plan to be active. Most shore trips are walking events- and there are no blissful sea days spent reading on a balcony or having a massage in the spa!

River cruising, although more expensive per person than a European ocean cruise, is probably less than a comparable stay at an American style hotel in a European capital, enjoying upscale dining and touring. The ambience on board is low key. Touring, up to 3 tours a day, is one focus and group dining is another. There was a Normandy lecture, as well as a couple of chef demos on board, a bridge and galley tour.....evening entertainment featured the on board pianist as well as a crew show. Happy hour, with discounted drink prices, was offered almost daily.

Passengers were probably 70% American; rest were adventuresome Australians and Canadians. Staff and Crew were international, but English speaking. Dress is generally casual, although ladies were very dressy on 2 special nights (2nd night and next to last night). Most important items to pack are walking shoes! I wore my dark urban clothes everywhere! Laundry service offered on ship for less than hotel prices!

Cabin Review

Deluxe Stateroom with French Balcony

Cabin B

Good storage space. Sliding doors to view the Seine. Safe. Refrigerator. Shower only; no tub. Modern decor. Good lighting. Cabin mid deck, quiet, not close to public rooms.

Port Reviews

Paris

Go with a tour and guide- or wait for tickets in endless queue. Nice way to start the River cruise experience with an orientation of Paris view from level 2 of the Tower'

Paris

Good guided tour. Manageable crowds. If you enjoy Monet, by all means, visit his home and gardens- haystacks on view too!

Paris

Walking tour of Montmartre and exterior of sacre coeur. I would not brave the crowd on my own, so having the option of tour worked well for me.

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