Changes to Uniworld Seine Cruise

[VAGuy]

I have been following with interest the postings regarding the changes to the Uniworld Seine cruise since we are scheduled for this cruise on Ocotber 21. Yesterday, we received an e-mail from Uniworld (forwarded by our TA) which notified us of the changes to the cruise.

 

Uniworld did not explain in any detail why the French did not approve their permit stating simply that they have been unable to resolve the situation. No mention was made of having to modify the boat to meet the French requirements. "Compensation" offered includes a Seine cruise in Paris as part of the daytime Paris city tour, free wine with two dinners, a one hour open bar, busing to Honfleur and Normandy,and 15 Euro for lunch in Honfleur.

 

So, we have been notified. Perhaps Uniworld took this action as a result of the various complaints made by members of this board and others individuals.

 

As an added point of interest, in Uniworld's 2008 catalogue these changes are incorporated into the tour description making me wonder if Uniworld intends to try to correct the situation with the boat at all.:cool:

[Coral]

I have a friend who was booked on this and they received this message after final payment (just recently):

 

Dear Valued Guests:

 

Thank you for choosing Uniworld for your Seine River Cruise holiday. We are very excited to share this remarkable and historic region of France with you.

 

We have been informed by the French river authorities that the River Baroness will be unable to sail from Rouen to Le Havre. The sailing distance between Rouen and Le Havre represents 80 miles out of a total cruise mileage of 480 miles.

 

To give you a bit of background information, the River Baroness has traditionally sailed on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers under the Dutch flag. For 2007, the ship was repositioned to the Seine River in France. We worked with the French authorities well ahead of time and delivered all required certifications, which included one that was issued by the Dutch authorities. However, the French authorities did not accept the permit issued by the Dutch authorities and we have not been able to rectify the permit issue which would have allowed us to travel from Rouen to Le Havre.

 

 

To ensure that you do not miss any of the sightseeing included in the itinerary, we will be visiting the Normandy Beaches and Honfleur via motor coach from Rouen rather than Le Havre. For the full-day tour to Le Havre & Honfleur, the motor coach ride will be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Rouen. A panoramic tour of Le Havre will be included. For the full-day excursion to the Normandy Beaches, the overall driving time to the Beaches is the same from Rouen as it would have been from Le Havre. Also, these modifications provide more sailing during day-time as well as more time in Rouen, the Capital of Normandy, and the picturesque villages of Les Andelys and Vernon.

 

Also, the cruise on the Seine originally scheduled for the evening of embarkation is now performed the morning after embarkation in connection with the Paris City Tour. The River Baroness cannot be used for this sightseeing cruise due to recently enacted regulations by the River Authority limiting the height of ships that are allowed to pass under the many historic bridges spanning the Seine within the city. Thus we have secured a private, smaller excursion boat for this purpose.

 

As a gesture of goodwill, we are pleased to provide complimentary wine with the Welcome and Farewell Dinners and one hour of an open bar during your stay onboard. In addition, while in Honfleur, each Guest will be given 15.00 Euro to purchase lunch with in one of the charming local cafes. Please be assured we are working very hard to ensure your comfort and convenience on this awe-inspiring tour.

 

Once again, thank you for choosing Uniworld, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. As always, your Cruise Manager and the onboard staff remain at your service to ensure your river cruise journey is a thoroughly pleasant and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard.

 

 

With kind regards,

 

THE UNIWORLD TEAM

 

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My friend is bummed that they waited until after final payment to notify people. They have known about this for months.