For my first cruise ever, I could not have done better than Uniworld's Provence and Burgundy cruise on the River Royale from April 29-May 6, 2012. (Please note: this review will not focus on shore excursions because I have detailed them on my travel blog at http://www.riverroyale.weebly.com.)

The ship was to leave from Arles, an hour west of Marseilles Airport. Uniworld offers a pre-cruise extension to Aix en Provence, but I thought three nights was too long and it was too expensive. So I went a day early and headed to Aix for one night. There is a shuttle bus from the Marseilles Airport to Aix that is very easy to find if you ask at the Information Desk; it's cheap and nice and only takes about 20 minutes. You buy the ticket on board from the bus driver, similar to a city bus only he will make change if need be. It cost seven euros and some odd cents. It leaves you off at the train station in Aix, which is within walking distance of the city center. I stayed at the Hotel Saint Christophe, and can recommend it as a moderately priced place with small but spotless rooms, updated bathrooms, and a terrific location.

For my transfer to Arles, our point of embarkation, I made my way back to Marseilles Airport on the bus. I was worried about finding the Uniworld representative, but had no problem. The bus makes two stops; you should get off at the second stop. Read more