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

Nothing Compares to Paris in the spring. My sister and I had planned a different cruise the year before but due to an accident we cancelled the trip. (A word of advice BUY insurance). This cruise meant so much to both of us. I cannot praise the crew enough. From the moment we landed we were treated like VIP’s. The ship was beautifully decorated,the food outstanding,the staff excellent. A special shout out to Mimi our cruise director, Nicky who sang and played every evening. The tours were delightful,especially the Giverny where the home of Monet gardens are located. Words cannot begin to describe the beauty there. After the cruise my sister and I spent 5days in Paris, we arranged this on our own. Paris,what’s not to love about Paris, it pulses life, culture , architecture,history, the people were very kind and friendly. Viva la France. Ship come and ship go, there are large ships and small ships but friendship is the best ship of all. Thank you for a memorable time. Read Less

Friends who have had very positive experiences with Avalon Waterways, highly recommended it to us. It was our first and all our experiences exceeded our expectations. The crew, each one, was extremely efficient, courteous, and especially friendly to the guests which, I must say, were a delight to meet and great to become friends and socialize with. A plus was the knowledgeable cruise director and his meticulous attention to detail, schedules, and in simply directing everyone to where they should be at any given time and in a timely way. What a guy he is! Also, the tour guides were knowledgeable about the various venues we visited. The food served in the lounge and in the dining room was excellent, as well as the friendly ship's company who cooked and served the guests. No complaint or mistake, if any, went uncorrected as far as we know. I might add that the musical entertainment that was presented on the vessel was a pleasant and unexpected plus. The berthing was perfecto. Comfortable, very accommodating, and with marvelous riverside scenery. We are looking forward our booking another river cruise with Avalon Waterways. Our big and heart-felt thanks for making our vacation one of the best ever. Read Less

I am on the last night of the Seine cruise and I'm so sorry to have it end. A ship that met all my expectations, a friendly crew, good food, enchanting small French towns: who could ask for more?I can hardly wait to rebook this cruise. Embarkation was a snap. The cabin was small but the floor to ceiling windows on the Juliette balcony made the room seem larger. Nice touches like a table that can be rolled over to serve as a working place lying in bed. Air conditioning always function perfectly in my cabin as well as in the rest of the ship. Crew I met were mainly from Slovakia and Hungary. All were capable of communicating in German as well as English and willing to try their hand at any other language they knew. Les Andelys and Caudebec -- I had never heard of them but what a joy to discover their charming old towns, churches and castles. Excursions were available but I only took the one to Monets museum and garden in Vernon, well worth the money. We usually docked only a few steps from the middle of the old towns and it was a joy to walk off the ship and into the center of town to explore. I found the amount of preparation for each town by the crew adequate. I booked basic tarif with full board. There was Always plenty to eat and most of it quite good. The cooking inspired from the French atmosphere also contained Italian and Indian elements that were welcome. The desserts were not the High Point. Restaurant manager Frank ran the restaurant efficiently and always trying to please at least this customer. Waiters and waitresses always professional and friendly. I booked this cruise due to the spa on the ship and it didn't fail to live up to my expectations. Although small there was enough room for exercise classes in the mornings and masseuse Leila gave a wonderful full body massage while her colleague Daniela a wonderful manicure. Both were always polite and cheerful. The sauna with the glass panorama window was piping hot, and the Jacuzzi at the bow of the ship was wonderful to sit in while sailing along. Unfortunately there was a problem controlling the temperature of the Jacuzzi that needs working on. There were only two cross trainers and one bike but at no time were all three occupied. Plenty of fresh towels. Prices for massage and manicure were extremely reasonable. Fellow guests were German and English, a few Americans and Russians; mostly the older crowd but a few families with younger children. The atmosphere on the ship was relaxed casual and friendly. I have a criticism of their advertising: what is advertised as cake at coffee and tea time does not include coffee or tea. I found this misleading. I'm looking forward to booking another cruise with a Rosa perhaps even again on the Seine. Read Less

Had a friend who had taken a river cruise in Germany. Very impressed with Viking and taking another ocean cruise in May 2017. This river cruise was after a 7 day cruise on the Delling. Enjoyed Delling more mostly because of the place visited in southern France. Staff and facilities on both ships were excellent. Staff seemed to anticipate guest needs. The food was superb and chef and staff very friendly and helpful. The cabins were comfortable and bathroom and shower were above average. Enjoyed Normandy the most even though it was a long bus trip. Gave us enough time to see all the sites and do any shopping we wished to do. Paris was so large and could only do a limited number of tours but feel received best value for tours I was on. Also Paris was very crowded. Loved Notre Dame and had the best shopping. The guides on the tours were all very knowledgeable and very friendly. Overall a very wonderful vacation. Impressed with Viking so am on another ocean cruise in May 2017. Read Less

I was apprehensive about taking this solo cruise, especially as I'd read an adverse review from someone who found dinner seating a real problem. However, from start to finish the cruise was wonderful - brilliantly organised on a very personal level, with staff falling over themselves to make the trip thoroughly enjoyable and pampering gusts. This beautiful ship has exellent facilities and a range of dining options and the cuisine is of the highest order of skill. I am a vegetarian and sometimes 'veggie alternatives' can be rather boring and limiting - but not here! Each day dinner (and even the snack lunches I opted for by choice) was imaginative, delicious and exquisitely presented - a total culinary delight. The included excursions were well chosen and offered scope for passengers' tastes. Local guides were good and very knowledgable and the cruise director even organised an extra one in Rouen for those who wanted to see the out-of-this-world son et lumiere projeccted onto the Cathedral facade. Do not miss this totally amazing display! I've done many river cruises previously on different lines and enjoyed them all - but this one is in a class of its own and i can''t wait to try some of their other cruises in due course. Read Less

This was the most enjoyable, stress-free international vacation that we have ever taken. The communication between the program director and guests gave you a complete, day-to-day understanding of the opportunities and adventures provided. Staff were always friendly and accommodating. If you did not have a wonderful time on this trip, it was your own fault. Meals were superb, with a casual option for lunch. Guided tours provided guests with excellent access to top sites, often timing the visit to avoid huge crowds. The local guides were wonderful and able to answer all of the guests' questions. Prior to the guided tours the program director or other local expert provided guests with the historical context of the site being visited. This greatly enhanced the tour experience. The accommodations were cleaned at least twice a day and were spotless. Returning from an excursion guests were handed a delightful refreshment. The lounge and decks were also spotless. We had an on-board musician and on our last night were treated to some local talent providing us a musical journey through France. Hence, from breakfast until bedtime we were cared for and entertained. Neptune staff were always highly professional and cordial; their attitude made an important difference in the overall enjoyment of this trip. I would highly recommend Paris and the Heart of Normandy, as well as the Neptune. Read Less