I had a very brief visit to Paris on a work visit many years ago. This was a chance to experience Paris up close -- with all its art museums, historic architecture and modern city life. A big plus of this voyage was the trip up the Seine to see classic French country towns and the beaches of Normandy.

The included tours were enlightening and interesting. The tour guides were well informed, noting interesting highlights of the city surroundings. Occasionally they editorialized the historic events, but it is always good to hear another opinion from what was learned in school many years ago. The tours did seem long at times. I loved the self-guided tours because they offered an enjoyable foray into life in the towns visited, and at our own pace.

Accommodations on the ship were excellent. Rooms were compact, but adequate, with all the necessities. Realistically your only spend time in your cabin to sleep and change clothes, and don't need the space you are used to at home. The rest of the ship has lounge areas, bar, outdoor dining, library, and activity area. All of those areas were beautifully done with elegant Scandinavian simplicity. Read more