This was our first river cruise, and we very much enjoyed the Avalon experience. The cabin design was a selling point. Service was excellent in all areas. Our Cruise Director Simona had her work cut out for her, as the day of our departure the River Lock workers were on a 1 day strike, so they had to adjust our departure to the next day and our excursions/transportation for the first few days. It all worked out, with missing only Les Andelys port/excursions. Loved the Port Talks each evening, and especially the historian Nigel Stewart who did a 1 hour lecture the evening before the Normandy Beach excursions.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We stayed one night at hotel through cruise company, and they transported our luggage to ship, no issues. We could have taken the bus to ship from hotel but decided to walk.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Great food, no specialty restaurants.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The main onboard activity is Happy Hour, which was always pleasant, and afternoon tea, where the cakes/sandwiches were great.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We enjoyed trivia night and the Can Can dancers/singer. also offered karaoke one night and a singer another night I think.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service was just excellent from everyone we encountered.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything was clean and well designed. Only issue was there are half set of stairs from 2nd and 3rd deck to dining room, and the small elevator was out of order a few days. didn't bother us but could be an issue for someone with mobility issues.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This is a very well designed ship cabin. The bathroom has plenty of storage and room to move around. Shower stall is roomy. The fact that there is a loveseat, small table and chair by the window is delightful. Also a chair for a desk if needed. Bed was very comfortable.
Ship tip
Enjoy the top deck as much as you can, weather permitting! And don't forget the lounge at the end of the 3rd deck, where there are snacks and a hot drink machine.
We did the Walking tour and although we did not enter the Louvre, we did learn a lot about the building itself. Then on to Ile de la Cite to see the progress on Notre Dame and finally ending in the Latin Quarter.
Did the Normandy Abbey's Route tour, enjoyed Jumièges Abbey and the St. Wandrille Rancon Abbey. Having Brother Lucien give you the tour at St. Wandrille Rancon was special!
We chose the bike tour, which was led by Pia. Felt safe and most of the time you were on side streets, not main roads. Enjoyed being able to return in the afternoon on our own to see the interior of the Rouen Cathedral.
The Chateau de Chantilly is amazing. My disappointment in this is how rushed it felt, as the Chateau doesn't open until 10 a.m., and we were supposed to be back at the boat by 12:15, which was an hour bus ride away. The guide picks up your tickets once the gates open, so you aren't really in the Chateau until 10:20 if you are lucky. Guide Emma did a good job with the time she had.
Paid for the ship transport, our van was on time and got us to the airport no problem. The driver even walked us to the elevator to get us to the Delta check in lines.
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