bcrcornet

When one says that the "Commonwealth" D-day tour is an option, does that mean it's a paid extra?

Not paid. The "Normandy Beaches" included tour has two options - "American" beaches or "Commonwealth" beaches. Either is no charge.

 

Well, if it was me, I'd send my husband off to the beaches and I'd do the other tour! Nothing to say you need to do the same excursions.

 

Absolutely - you can and should each take whichever excursion you prefer, even if you "split up" for the day.

I see no signs that Avalon offers an excursion to the Canadian D-Day beaches as an alternative. Can someone confirm that this is true? (Not sure I'd even do this, but might--

Avalon offers two choices of "Normandy Beaches" excursion - American beaches, and Commonwealth beaches (primarily the Canadian Juno beach). There is some overlap (e.g., "Pegasus Bridge") between the two choices, but you'd be happy with the Canadian beaches choice.

I'm considering Tauck, AMA and Avalon for this trip in 2017--Uniworld cabins are just too small and prices seem out of whack.) It also seems to me that many excursions on Avalon are "optional extras", is this perception correct?

There are approximately equal numbers of "included" and "optional" excursions. It's possible to take only "included" excursions and have a full schedule.

We'd love to know when the Captain's/Farewell Dinner is served. It is usually the last night on board so do many skip it and go to the Moulin Rouge or is it held a different night?

The Farewell Dinner is held on the second last night so that the Moulin Rouge, etc. tours can take place on the last night aboard.

Also, is the first night's dinner a special dinner or just regular?

The first night's dinner is labeled "Embarkation Dinner", with "Dress code: smart casual, long trousers for the gentlemen."

Have a great cruise!

We are confirmed on the Tapestry II on Oct 17 to Normandy. We are excited as it is our first river cruise. ...

I did a quick roll call search for this sailing, and so far, you're the only one I've found on this sailing.

We've done three previous river cruises, all on Uniworld, so Avalon is new to us and I've never been to Paris or Normandy before, so I'm looking forward to this cruise.