Vantage Champagne, Normandy,Paris & Seine River Cruise Feedback Wanted

[GiannaD]

We have been on three Vantage river cruises and really enjoyed each of them. We are considering booking Vantages new Champagne, Normandy, Paris & Seine cruise and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has taken this cruise tour in 2012. Our particular interest is Normandy and WWII History.

What did you like about the itinerary? What did you think of the hotels and the Seine Princess. Do you feel this tour gives good value for your money. How would you compare this cruise tour to others you have experience?

Comments and tips for enjoying a great trip would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Gianna

[beverlyjack]

We have not done this cruise with Vantage, but did it with Grand Circle this spring. I have published a blog on the trip that may answer some of your questions about the itinerary. It is jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com.

[tiegs]

We have just returned form this trip with Vantage. This was our 8th trip and our 4th river trip with them. We have always been very happy with every trip we have taken with Vantage so we were surprised when this trip fell short. We were on the second trip of this program and without going into detail they need to improve in several areas and after the second round of comments and ratings I am sure they know what needs to be fixed. The program managers and food both ashore and on ship need immediate attention as they are not up to Vantage standards.

The food on the ship offered a single choice for lunch and diner, an optional choice was offered with advanced notice however they could or would not tell you what it was.

This chartered river boat does not live up to Vantage standards, so if you book this trip be prepared. They know what needs to be fixed. I think I would wait to see if they have corrected the problems.

We did enjoy the route and the things we saw and experienced.
The charters do not provide the same level of service as a Vantage owned boat.

[tiegs]

I should have noted that this chartered boat does not meet the usual standards expected on a Vantage owned boat. Especially when it comes to meals and dining experience. The staff was very nice and did a good job and could work on any river boat in Europe.
Sorry for any confusion.

[GiannaD]

Thank you for your quick and honest response. We have been looking at this itinerary for a while and from the description of the ship we had some doubts that it would live up to the Navigator, Explorer and Odyssey which were all wonderful.

It looks like they have the same ship for 2013 so we will likely look into other Vantage offerings.

[GiannaD]

Originally Posted by beverlyjack

We have not done this cruise with Vantage, but did it with Grand Circle this spring. I have published a blog on the trip that may answer some of your questions about the itinerary. It is jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com.

Thank you for the wonderful blog. This sounds like a trip we would like and is similar to the Vantage itinerary we were considering.

[GiannaD]

Originally Posted by beverlyjack

We have not done this cruise with Vantage, but did it with Grand Circle this spring. I have published a blog on the trip that may answer some of your questions about the itinerary. It is jackthetravelingman-seine.blogspot.com.

Thanks for your blog and recommendation. We booked with GCT this week.

[pacmom]

In 2002, we took our first European river cruise. It was on the Seine Princess with Ubiworld. Yes the bathroom is more like a boat one, with no real shower stall. That was the only down side to the trip. We were right next to the dining room and heard no noise. She might not be the most luxorous boat on the water, but the cruise was great. Food was very good with the typical choices of river cruising. Sorry your trip was not good. How was the land portion? Pat