Paris & Normandy River Cruise, August 2012

[SRQtravelqueen]

We've cruised the big cruise ships over 40 times but want to try a river cruise this August for something different. Interested in Viking and also Uniworld. They both have a similar intiniary we have interest in. Need feedback on both lines as far as food and cabins. Know there's no casinos, spas and pools.

[brandy6060]

Can't speak to the Viking cruise line, but, took Uniworld last year and it was fabulous. It was our first river cruise and we will cruise with them again.

We did the Paris/Normandy in June. In Paris and Northern France during July/August many of the shops, cafes, & restaurants are closed because the local people take their very long vacations for the summer.

[swamp1sg]

We have traveled on both lines and in fact did the cruise that you are considering this past November on Viking.

 

Our Uniworld cruise was our first cruise so there definitely was the "first time" effect. Plus it was a Christmas cruise which we have found out to be something that we really love.

 

I would say that the main difference was in the dining room. Uniworld had more choices and more staff. Viking may have an edge on their tours staff. They were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The Viking reps on the ship were friendly and concerned--love you Kathie.

 

I would book either of them. We chose Viking for the Normandy cruise because of a very aggressive booking price. It was several hundred dollars less and Uniworld.

 

You will be moved at the American Cemetery.

[franski]

Paris & Normandy was our 1st river cruise - with Uniworld - and we are hooked.

 

I just looked at both itineraries, and there are some differences. Uniworld's trip is a bit longer - with 2 nights in a hotel before you board the Baroness. The higher price does reflect the longer tour.

 

Also - with Uniworld, you do get to Honfleur. We loved our visit there - with the half-timbered houses, the Vieux Basin. Loved wandering after our tour was finished, eating lunch at a little cafe overlooking the town...

 

If length of tour and/or price is an option, then Viking might be a better bet. But, it is isn't - then I would say to look closely and decide on price and availability. One thing that Uniworld does - that Viking does not - is to included transfers to and from the boat on the day the tour begins and ends even if you don't book air with them.

 

It is a beautiful part of the world... I am sure you will enjoy.

 

Fran

[brandy6060]

When we took Uniworld's Paris/Normandy the precruise stay in Paris was optional. Now they include it. However, it is my understanding that you can call Uniworld (they are very good at answering questions) and ask what the cruise would cost without the precruise stay in Paris. That will bring down the cost.

We chose to go to Paris on our own for 3 days & 3 nights prior to the boat cruise. We stayed at a great hotel (Hotel Eiffel Seine) and had a great 3 days on our own. And the total cost of doing Paris on our own was half of what Uniworld was charging.

You will love the Paris/Normandy cruise should you go with Uniworld.

[SRQtravelqueen]

Thanks for you advice and experiences. Since I posted this new string, I've been told that the age group on rivers cruises are quite old. We are both "young" upper 50's so don't want to be the young ones on board. Please reply!

[brandy6060]

As "young 50's" you will be with many other "young 50's".

Age is all relative. But the age group was between 40 and 70.

You will have a wonderful experience.

[franski]

DH and I are 57 (he) and 55 (me). Although we tend to be on the younger end - age wise - of river cruise passengers, we do not feel out of place. We have found river cruisers to be (for the most part) well-traveled and interesting.

 

You will not get gambling, glitzy entertainment or significant on-board shopping. But, we didn't enjoy any of that on our one "big ship" cruise - so river cruising is perfect for us.

 

Fran