Just returned  from a 13 day vacation on Avalon Scenery with 7 nite cruise, 2  nites in Paris, and 1 in Nice. Started in Paris with 2 nite stay at Le Meridian in Montparnese area.Nice rooms and close to Metro.Buffet breafast inc.Then on day 3 took a 3 hr. bus ride to Chalon du Sur on Saone River to board ship.They did stop for lunch at roadside restuarant with remarkably good food and facilities. The ship was spacious in cabin size, 170 sq.ft and it had a french balcony.The problem was it had a bad odor and lighting in bathroom was inadequate.Other passengers also complained about this and it did seem to get a little better after sailing.The food was average for breakfast with buffet,but coffee lukewarm.The lunch buffet was below average, little choice, food not warm enough and little choice for desserts.But dinner was better with more choices and taste was above average for most riverboats I ve been on.Ports of call inc. Avignon, wonderful city with Popes Palace to explore ,plus many cafes and shops.A wonderful train goes around town for 45 min.trip to get feel for city.Boat parked within 1 block of city entrance.Easy to see on your own,not necessary to join tour.Viviers was another lovely town, very old and historic areas.Went to a church were a wonderful organ recitial was held.Would have liked to stay longer, but only 3 hr.before ship left.Arles a great city, easy to walk around.Took bus ride to Nice, about 3 hrs.Stayed at Hotel Bosculo, nice rooms and great location.As far as entertainment, had it a2 nites on boat.A French singer and band called Gypsy Kings, nice but sort of hokey.Did have nightly dancing with piano bar.The people on board were all well traveled, professionals,,mostly 50 plus range.No facilities for children and would not bring them .The crew was very nice and fun,helpful,etc.Have been on many riverboats,but would not go on another Avalon because of above problems.