We thoroughly enjoyed our one-week river cruise on U by Uniworld from Paris to Rouen and then back to Paris. This cruise was very special because we met several new friends, traveled the beautiful Seine River, participated in many fun excursions, learned about several French artists (particularly Monet) and visited sobering Normandy (D-day) beaches. We enjoyed many new experiences and sights that we would have missed without taking this cruise. Our cruise hosts (Sabrina and Boris) were very knowledgeable and helpful. They organized the day-to-day activities and excursions, but they also served as individual concierges if you wanted to venture to a particular sight on your own. We enjoyed the diversity of people on the cruise coming from US, Canada, South Africa, Austria, New Zealand and many countries in Europe. We also enjoyed the age diversity ranging from twenty-somethings to over sixty-somethings. One of the best features of this particular cruise was that it was geared toward active people. Each day there was a bicycle trip or a long walk or a brisk hike. Some of the unexpected rewards on this Uniworld river cruise were: 1. We had a guided tour of the Normandy Beaches that we most likely would not have arranged if we were on our own. In addition, our tour guide previously interviewed people that participated in D-day landings so she could share their memories with us. 2. We had a guided tour of Claude Monet house and gardens as part of the cruise before we went to the Musse d’orsay, so we could really appreciate Monet’s paintings as well as the paintings of the other French artists during that period. 3. We went to (and enjoyed) Moulin Rouge show that we most likely would not have attended on our own. 4. Finally, our most memorable adventure was that we rode on vintage motorcycles with sidecars through the winding streets of Paris up to Sacre-Coeur. This was our first river cruise, so we were a little concerned about feeling motion on the boat. However, during the cruise we never felt any wave motion. We did feel a little vibration when the boat was under way, but it never disturbed our sleep. The room was smaller than a normal hotel room, but as most people will tell you, you don’t spend much time in your cabin. The cabin included a queen-size bed, several storage areas and closet, and a small bathroom including shower. Everything in the room worked well, and it was nice to have individual air conditioning controls in the room. We had a “French balcony”, but while we were on the boat, we spent most of our time on the roof deck with our new friends or in one of the enclosed lounges. The food was very good but not gourmet. The French pastries and home-made ice cream were wonderful. There was a variety of foods ranging from meats to fish to pasta to grilled vegetables to great salads. All the dinners except one were buffet so you could pick whatever and how much you wanted. A few people on the boat were vegetarians and they seemed to have many options at each meal. This was a perfect trip for us, because some of the day excursions and drinks were a-la-cart. You could buy a drink package, but if you are not a big drinker, the a-la-cart option works better. Having some of the day excursions a-la-cart allows you to decide what you want to do without feeling like you had to do everything. Read Less

Wow, greeted with champagne, h, ow good is that. My advice to travelers is get to Paris a day early so you are not stressed by the travel. They pick you up at the Airport, they take your luggage, bring you to a staging place ( Hotel Pullman) and you wait several hours to take the bus to the meals were( for a cruise ship) bathroom. Real live orchids, a window wall that opens to a French Balcony. A very comfortable bed. We went to the lounge to here Caty our cruise director, tell us about the ship, the one time emergency drill and other features. Everybody loved Caty, everyday and evening she was there for our concerns and questions, thank you. We found out that we had 95 people cruising on the Tapestry II, not a lot when we have been on cruise ships with thousands. Our dining experience was fantastic, Gabriel our server made sure our wine glasses were full, take a drink and he would top it off. Thank you Gabriel for taking such good care of us. Just to mention, when we came on board the Matrei d asked if anyone had allergies, my wife is allergic to shell fish, informed him and at every meal he stopped by to see what she ordered. Caring and considering the welfare of the guests made us feel we made the right choice. Hard to be on a very personal cruise and not make new friends, we were grateful to the many new ones we made. The tours are many and fun, from the American cemetery at Normandy, Van Gogh, Monet, Paris and the many others we took, very interesting and knowledgeable guides. Would do it again. Thanks to the Captain for his singing New York, New York in French. Read Less

We really wanted to see the American Memorial in .Normandy, France. Since Viking offered this cruise which included Paris, Monet's Giverny gardens, Rouen and most of the Normandy region. Also enjoyed great scenery in the Seine valley. The dining was great. Foods were fresh and beautifully prepared. Staff is very helpful and always make sure all of your needs are met. Excursions were so interesting and full of knowledgeable information. After the cruise ended, we opted to spend some post-cruise days in the Loire valley. Was so worth it!! We visited chateaus in fine places-Chenonceaux, Amboise and Chambord and the cities of Tours and Orleans. So much beauty, so many nice French folks and such history! This was our second Viking cruise-first was the Romantic Danube-and they have continued to impress us with their service. We've discussed it several times and may even book our next cruise with Viking within the next 2 months! Read Less

This was a chartered lesbian cruise by Olivia.com and we found all the facilities on the ship, the crew and the schedule was top notch. Our embarkation and disembarkation were seamless, the ship itself was an interesting part of the journey with tours of the wheel house and the galley. Our cabin was very suitable for all of our needs and had complimentary Ocetane luxury French toiletries (nice touch). Bed super-comfortable, we slept well throughout. The sailing was at an easy pace passing plenty of French countryside and villages and at one point rounding a bend in the Seine to see a castle appear before us. There were I think 120 of us on the ship yet it always felt spacious with lots of opportunity for seclusion and romantic moments as well as areas where people congregated and shared in the wider company of fellow travellers. The dining experience was advertised as 5 star and there was some discussion as to what 5 star actually means. Certainly the range and quality of food was extraordinary (and irresistible), the dining experience with paired wines was interesting and the service warm and friendly. Our only disappointment was that the vast range of French cuisine was not really represented in the main menu, this being a European menu rather than French, nevertheless, we were amply compensated by what was available. I'd have to lump together the entertainment, activities and excursions together and say these were predominantly provided by our charter company Olivia as this was a specialised trip. However the on-board tour guide was excellent and as we were looking for more intellectually stimulating trip, this was very satisfying. Our service was excellent throughout and we would not hesitate to use Oliva and Avalon again. Read Less

Never having been anywhere else in France besides Paris, we wanted to particularly see Normandy and all the history. Totally enjoyed the overnights in several ports and the included shore excursions. Paris to Normandy round trip was fabulous. From the start at embarkation, which there were no lines and only to show your passport and get your room key was out of the norm and greatly appreciated. The ship is new and well done in terms of layout and design and colors. The cabin was beautiful. Service on the entire cruise was outstanding. Food extraordinary, better than the last time we had sailed on Viking. They have upped their game. Entertainment was ok, nothing spectacular, but just enjoying dinner and the night air was enough for us. The only con I can think of is that a plunge pool would've been a nice touch. Even though the weather was slightly inclement, being able to take a quick dip would have been nice. Or even have a couple of hot tubs to ease those aching walking muscles. Definitely would recommend this to anyone who wants to see northern France and the WW2 history. Read Less