I was lucky enough to be invited to experience a River Cruise along the Seine on board the Avalon Tapestry recently, and I didn’t need to be asked twice!
So off I set to Bristol Airport for my early morning flight to Charles De Gaulle, and upon arrival met my fellow travellers.
We boarded our bus and travelled to Rouen where we met the ship and first impression of her were very good – classy and modern.
After being met by our host Paul we were shown to our French Balcony cabins to settle in. Waiting for us was a very welcome snack which after almost a 3 hour transfer was very well received! (Bus driver couldn’t access the airport exit as the barrier was stuck – had to wait to be rescued!) Then after a quick freshen up it was off to the lounge for a safety talk with a complimentary glass of bubbly!
Next stop and a regular feature on River cruises is a daily talk on the local surroundings. This time it was Normandy Cheeses. Now, I have to say at this point my heart sank just a tad.. Cheeses? really? do I have to? Yes, it was all part of the experience I had been invited to ‘experience’. We were given a plate of 3 different regional french cheeses with the obligatory grape for decoration, and a complimentary glass of red wine (now we’re talking!…) I think I may have ended up with three glasses, one for each of the 3 different cheeses I tasted.. :-).
Our Host Jean Luc was very knowledgeable on the cheeses which he had personally chosen and bought earlier in the day. The Lounge was at full capacity with Canadian & American passengers plus us Travel Agents, eagerly waiting to see how he could make a talk on cheeses interesting!
Well, I have to say Jean Luc Well Done! I was enthralled! and the cheese tasted divine, even the one that smelled like a sweaty trainer! So Lesson Number 1 – keep an open mind and you might learn something!
Dinner was at 7pm, so we had time to look around the Tapestry. The main entrance was light, airy and welcoming. The cabins are located over 3 decks. The average size is 200sqft which is 30% larger than other River cruise cabins, and has a passenger capacity of 128. With a crew of 37, everyone gets to know one another very quickly. I have to say about the crew, that everyone I met was polite, friendly and professional. Couldn’t be faulted. They work extremely hard, including putting on a Crew Show for the passengers, which was hilarious, and still smiling and friendly at the end of the night and again at breakfast. Amazing staff!
On the top deck, there’s plenty of space, with on board games, Giant Chess & Backgammon.
A whirlpool – small but very inviting, and plenty of sun beds to stretch out and relax upon.
There’s a lovely area at the very front of the ship too where you can sit with a cup of coffee/tea/chocolate and enjoy the fantastic views.
So dinner – Wow! I have to say the food was magnificent and far better than any I have tasted on an Ocean cruise. Take a look at just a sample of the culinary delights we were treated to!
The next day after a wonderful night’s sleep on one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in, I opted for one of the free excursions to Auvers Sur Oise – where Vincent Van Gogh spent his last 70 days and where he is buried in the local cemetery. The Guide was excellent, and was very knowledgeable about this great but tragic artist. She gave lots of information interwoven with humour and kept our interest throughout the walking tour.
We visited the Dame D’Auvers church that Vincent often painted together with the room he lived in at Auberge Ravoux the local Inn. Where a short film was shown about his life. All in all a great interesting and thought provoking tour and one that is included in the price you pay for your cruise!
Next time! More about life on board and my very first visit to Paris and the Eiffel Tower!