We begin our Seine River Cruise this afternoon. We dropped our luggage off at the ship and headed to the Impressionists museum, Musee d’Orsay. It used to be a train station so the building is beautiful and elaborately decorated. We did not think the museum was organized well and our audio tour guide did not work half the time. We were very tired and became frustrated so we decided to just head back to the ship and relax for a bit.

The ship is the Avalon Tapestry II. It holds 120 passengers (something like 80 of us are Americans!) and 35 crew. It is very tastefully decorated, thankfully not glitzy or loud. It is a serene and calm place. We have never done a river cruise (and neither had Neil and Robin) so it is all new and interesting. We got to take a tour of the wheelhouse.

Speaking of, the ship is immaculate. They service our room at least 3 times a day: in the morning to refresh towels, etc and clean. In the afternoon, to vacuum. And in the evening, while we are at dinner, to turn down the bed, etc. Fresh water is constantly refreshed in the room. Coffee/cappuccino/espresso machines are available throughout the ship 24/7 along with fresh fruit, cookies, etc. Breakfast is a buffet and a combination of American and European menus. You can also order Eggs Benedict, waffles, etc off the menu. Lunch is a choice between a light lunch (sandwiches, soup, salad) and a lunch buffet (we haven’t done that yet but think we will today) and dinner is a sit down 4 course meal. Last night was Fried Camenbert, Oxtail consomme, sea bass with risotto and romanescu and an apple tart. There are always at least 4 entrees available and you can also order a few items off the menu. Wine and beer are free and plentiful with lunch and dinner. There is a tea with cakes in the afternoon and a Happy Hour with snacks (peanuts, etc) and free wine, beer, and a number of house cocktails (i have been loving the Aperol Spritz, thanks for turning me on to it Alana and Janice!)

Our room has a 3 panel sliding glass door which opens up 2/3 of the way to the open air. The bed faces that window so you can lie in bed and literally watch the world go by. The stateroom is smallish but comfortable.

There is a lounge/meeting space and a club room to relax in. We have not even ventured up to the upper deck yet. The weather had not been so wonderful to sit outside for long but so far all rain has been when we are on the ship and not out touring. They also close the upper deck periodically when we are going to go under a low bridge.

The excursions have been great. There is a choice of 2, sometimes 3, excursions a day. Buses (brand new, beautiful and quite comfortable) are used to transport us to the destination and it is narrated by a very well informed English speaking guide. How they remember all the facts and figures and dates is incredible.

So far we are very pleased with the food and the service. The cruise director, Tony, is great. There have been a few programs in the evening (karaoke, live music) but we are ready to crash by that time most nights. We would take Avalon again.