Joie de Vivre Review

This ship is NOT comparable to other Uniworld Ships and services

Review for Europe Cruise on Joie de Vivre
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C Mauro
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: May 2022
Cabin: Suite with French Balcony

We have enjoyed all of our experiences with Uniworld until now. On the plus side: The ship was very clean and well attended. the Ports were as described and the local tour guides were excellent especially in Versailles and Normandy. (note that in Rouen the art museum is not open on Tuesdays...I brought it to the attention of the local tour guide, who recommended it, (even though it was closed) and the cruise manager, who didnt know.) The majority of the passengers were from the US traveling home upon disembarkation. It was VERY convenient and much appreciated, that the ship provided for COVID PCR test on board for a $50.00 fee. Our butler was good. Breakfast and lunch was very good, dinner was just ok.

On the negative side: The suite cabin was smaller than other suites we've enjoyed. The food, though plentiful, was NOT region specific. (except for 2 lunch options.... don't get the frog legs...it was just fried coatings with no meat) The serving staff in the dining room was just ok. I asked for BOTTLED sparkling water on numerous occasions only to be served sparkling TAP water. My husband asked for mustard and waited for at least 20 minutes continuously. We never felt a personal connection with any of the wait staff as we have in the past. The wine selection was also not up to Uniworld standards and the sommelier was more interested in telling jokes than discussing the wine being served in relationship to it's vineyard, region or food pairing. I know that all companies are trying to go 'Green" however, changing the bath towels two times on a 7 day cruise, or having your linens changes upon request, seems to be a great way for Uniworld to cut costs at the expense of the customer. The "local" entertainment was again, not up to what we have enjoyed in the past.

Last but not least, we sailed from 5/22 to 5/28 (7 nights)

Cabin Review

Suite with French Balcony

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