Korimako

And another thing. There are non-US based airlines who fly transatlantic. One of our return flights from Europe via the US was Aer Lingus Dublin to Boston. Also Air France, British Airways, TAP, Lufthansa to name a few.

Just a small caveat. We are frequent longhaul international fliers ( New Zealand to Europe) and would never choose a bulkhead seat (my husband is also 6ft plus), not in premium economy (or whatever it's called) nor business class. On many airlines the bulkhead seats are designated as bassinets. Long haul with a screaming baby next to us, or across the aisle is not my idea of fun!! Check on Seatguru with whichever airline you decide to go with, for advice on choosing a seat. Happy travels!!

Is this any use?? https://mercadoplazalugo.com/es/

Thank you for this information. I have read through all the Ponant reviews and agree that a cruise which has a North American charter element is definitely not what I'm looking for as it wouldn't necessarily have the French ambience that I AM looking for. So I'll keep looking and cross check for charters. I wonder if they advertise the Smithsonian/Tauck cruises on the French website? There's a new French cruising company starting up, might have a look at that. Thank you all for your help.

Thank you for the very speedy reply!! I wasn't really too bothered about replicating the Crystal experience - maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it and just been a 'cruise newbie'. I don't have the expectations that someone who is a frequent cruiser would have or expect, so the lack of dining choices for example, isn't something I'd notice was different. I noticed that on another post someone mentioned a 'Tauck charter'? I have no idea what they meant!

Mauibabes - could you maybe explain why you think Ponant wouldn't suit me? I have almost zero cruising experience (only done one trans-Pacific many years ago) so I have very little basis for any sort of comparison. I had thought that being a smaller ship and French would be a plus???

Thank you soooooo much for this heads-up! I'm tentatively planning a trip to Europe - including a river cruise in France - in 2024, so knowing when the Olympics are on will make a difference to the dates I choose. I'll probably go later than I had originally thought, when it's all over and hotel rooms won't be horrendously expensive (if available). I did check on the official site after reading your post - there's a link to the timetable of events although not the venues yet - and it appears the surfing will be in Tahiti - so another destination to possibly avoid at that time! Thanks again. K

Or this...... www.phare-de-cordouan.com

This might help. There's a drop-down button to change to English if your French isn't up to it. www.medoc-atlantique.com

This sounds like my sort of thing. I'm interested in the historic ports of the Baltic and don't have St Petersburg as a 'must-see'. I also note that Viking ships are smaller and are European-based, which also appeals to me.

Thank you - I'll have a good look at this.

I'm considering a Ponant cruise. How can I find out if it's for me? What do you consider their pluses (or minuses)? I've only cruised with Crystal. TIA

What did you like/dislike about them??

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I sort of thought I'd get only positives if I did that, but I'll give it a go.

I'm considering a Ponant cruise. Any comments or advice?? TIA

Thank you for the speedy response! I have read somewhere that St Petersburg is no longer on any itinerary? I wouldn't need a UK departure, as I'll be flying to Europe (anywhere, but hopefully a Baltic port) from NZ. I suppose what I ought to say is my preference for a smaller ship - Crystal had just over 800 and that was lovely - and without all the facilities I would never use, like ziplines, climbing walls etc. And tipping included!!

I would like to do a Baltic cruise next year, but have no idea where to start looking! Which cruise lines should I be looking at? I'm thinking only Baltic, not Norwegian fjords, coastline or midnight sun. We have only cruised once before on a repositioning cruise San Diego to Auckland with (the now defunct) Crystal, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Not everyone who cruises lives in N America ! 😺😺😺😺