Uniworld River Baroness, Paris to Normandy

I posted a review on this cruise. Our experiences were positive; Uniworld does an exceptional job. The ship is older and well maintained; the rooms are tiny, well decorated, maintained to perfection with white tile baths, TV imbedded in mirror, small but adequate closet, safe, umbrella, great bath robes, slippers, and other assorted amenities. One more time, the bedrooms are tiny so if space is an issue this might not be for you.

Tours are very well organized and there are multiple options daily. Slow walkers have no issues. There are a few optional tours such as a dinner and show at Maxims

Liquor is included at all times and the lounge serves assorted nibbles with your beverages. A cappuccino machine is available 24 hr., and assorted candy and cookies are always nearby. Breakfast and lunch are buffet, with lighter options in the lounge. -Dinner is a multi-course affair, and you do not have to be seated at the dining room opening time. If the main choices have no appeal, a nice sized steak, Caesar salad, chicken breast, salmon and baked potato with all the condiments are on the menu. You will never leave hungry.

Service was incredible! The crew uniformly could not be more professional, and more attentive to your needs. If you made a request it was honored.

I was concerned about the internet speed; it was fine.

For those interested in the location of the ship in Paris, it is Quai Andre Citroën, very close to the Eiffel Tower. While this is in the 15th arrondissement taxis abound and you are close to some of the best shopping in Paris.

This was our 3rd river cruise and we found Uniworld to be a superb company.

Thank you so much for this very timely review! We (me, DH, DB, SIL and her mother) will be on the River Baroness this Sunday on that same cruise and then we'll be transferring to Lyon for a week on the SS. Catherine cruising the Rhone to Avignon. It sure looks like we're in for a wonderful time! This will be our second Uniworld cruise. Last summer we were on the Budapest to Amsterdam cruise (our first river cruise) and we were sold on both river cruising and Uniworld.

Shoeman1 and Capriccio,

We thoroughly enjoyed the Seine and Rhone cruises last spring. Super interesting and beautiful itineraries, especially if you enjoy art and history, not to mention wine! We splurged on suites on both ships so space was not a problem, but the Baroness is definitely a cozy ship. In fact, when we transferred to the Catherine, we were amused at how huge her dining room is compared with the Baroness'. From my signature you can tell that we are Uniworld fans.

Happy travels!

Shoeman1,

Thank you for your recent River Baroness review! We are looking forward to RB sailing later this summer. If possible, can you answer a few questions?

Versailles optional tour? From the RB daily planners, was this a morning or afternoon tour? Any feedback from shipmates who took this tour?

Airport transfers & embarkation? Was it easy to find the UW rep at CDG? How early did you embark on the RB?

Thank you for any info you are able to share!

Hello, PandaTO

Upon departing baggage claim, a UW agent was easy to spot holding a UW sign. We waited briefly for other PAX to be corralled and were then shown to a van for the brief trip to the dock. We arrived in time for lunch; our luggage was waiting for us in our room after lunch. We had time for a walk to the Eiffel Tower, via "Swan Island," before the 5:30 all aboard and Sailaway party at 6:30.

Versailles is an afternoon optional excursion, although we were there on May 1, a national holiday, when Versailles is closed, so we're were offered a free excursion to the much smaller but pleasant Chateau Malmaison.

PandaTO - we just returned today from Uniworld's Grand France cruise (actually cruises, the Seine on the River Baroness for 1 week followed by the Rhone on the SS Catherine for another week). There was no issue at all finding the Uniworld rep after passing customs at Charles De Gaulle. We had 7 passengers in a large, new VW van for the 1/2 hour drive to the River Baroness. We arrived around 12:30 and had lunch and around 2 pm were escorted to our cabins. Regarding Versailles, my DB, DSIL and her mom took that excursion (we had been to Versailles before) and it was a morning excursion on our cruise.

You are in for a real treat. The highlight for all of us (and DH and I had been there before) was the visit to the Normandy Beaches. All 3 tour groups met up at the American cemetery for a 2:30 special service arranged (and I presume, paid for) by Uniworld. Veterans on our cruise laid a wreath, the Star Spangled Banner was played over the public address system (and loud enough to be heard throughout the cemetery - every visitor, regardless of nationality, stopped and faced the American flag), then a jet (we think it was French but we were so surprised no was quite sure) did a fly over, followed by Taps over the public address system. I can truthfully say there wasn't a dry eye among all the Uniworld cruisers (and many others I would guess). It was one of the most touching experiences I've ever had. Make sure you check out the museum too (we hadn't had time the first visit) - it is marvelous.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise. The staff on the River Baroness are excellent and we think the chef was the best of the two (although the SS Catherine's chef was no slouch!). The food was uniformly excellent. If you are lucky enough to have Thierry for your cruise director, I guarantee that you will be in wonderful hands.

We really enjoyed both cruises but all 5 of us preferred the itinerary of the Seine cruise and the ship (one of Uniworld's super ships) on the Rhone cruise.

Bonjour jklc123,

Thank you for all the helpful information that you have shared to date. You kindly shared the 'Ports on the Seine' details.

We have not yet received the UW package, so it is good to know the all aboard time. We arrive in Paris at 7:30 am after an overnight flight, so will have time to plan an excursion on embarkation day. At the very minimum, a leisurely stroll via Swan Island. I am hoping the adjustment to Paris time will not be too challenging.

capriccio - Sounds like you had a very nice 2 weeks river cruising! Good idea to combine 2 itineraries. We did not have the time, but will remember for our next overseas trip.

This is our 1st river cruise. I have tried to research as much as possible but find info is not as plentiful for river cruising as it is for ocean cruising.

I very much appreciate the details about the UW transfer from CDG to the RB. Not sure how alert we will be after a long flight & with minimal french language skills, hope all goes smoothly.

Did your family find Versailles too crowded to enjoy? Do you recall the cost per person?

The visit to the Normandy Beaches sounds amazing. What an unforgettable experience with the fly over! Is there enough time to visit the museum?

Thank you for sharing!

 

I very much appreciate the details about the UW transfer from CDG to the RB. Not sure how alert we will be after a long flight & with minimal french language skills, hope all goes smoothly. While my DH speaks French, it wasn't necessary and we had no problems whatsoever with the transfer. The Uniworld rep at the airport spoke excellent English and our van driver did a passable job (even pointing out Roland Garros where the first rounds of the French Open were being held).

 

Did your family find Versailles too crowded to enjoy? While the Hall of Mirrors was quite crowded, they said that the private apartments on the tour were not and they, along with a spectacular guide, made the entire excursion worthwhile. Do you recall the cost per person? 75 Euros per person and the excursion (entitled Versailles Secret Apartments) was from 8:15 am to 12:45 pm.

 

The visit to the Normandy Beaches sounds amazing. What an unforgettable experience with the fly over! Is there enough time to visit the museum? If you don't linger too long amidst the graves (which we did the first time we visited the cemetery as an excursion on an ocean cruise) you should have at least 30 - 40 minutes. It isn't a big museum but it is filled with pictures and film from the invasion and shortly thereafter.

 

Thank you for sharing!

See my notes in red.

capriccio - Thanks for the details from your RB cruise:)

Indeed the UW personnel are very easy to spot. Our lovely little lady who met our plane spoke passable English, and combined with my passable French all went quite well. We arrived at the ship around 11, and were led to lunch. Your luggage will soon be in your room and you can unpack much earlier than the 3pm room guarantee.

Thierry was our leader and I agree totally , he is a master of his craft.

Several in our group of 8 had not seen Versailles and did take the tour. They felt it was well worth the extra Euros.

We had a small ceremony at the US cemetary ; not nearly the elaborate one posted above yet very moving.

When it comes to service UW is exceptional. The word No is not in their vocabulary.

I know you will have a marvelous trip.:)

capriccio -

What did UW plan for those who did not go on the optional Versailles tour?

Just wondering if we would miss the Van Gogh walking tour in Auvers-sur-Oise?

capriccio -

What did UW plan for those who did not go on the optional Versailles tour?

Just wondering if we would miss the Van Gogh walking tour in Auvers-sur-Oise?

If I remember correctly it was a morning of cruising along a lovely section of the Seine -- and it was greatly appreciated after the excursion intense earlier days of the cruise! The walking tour of Auvers-sur-Oise was in the afternoon so there was no conflict. BTW we really enjoyed that tour too. It is a very pretty little town (and we had a gorgeous day) and the Uniworld guide was excellent.

My DH and I are sailing Uniworld next month in Portugal...do you remember how far ahead you received your travel packet from Uniworld? I always look forward to receiving these; it means the trip is really soon...we are so excited.

Did Avalon last year which was wonderful.

Thanks.

My DH and I are sailing Uniworld next month in Portugal...do you remember how far ahead you received your travel packet from Uniworld? I always look forward to receiving these; it means the trip is really soon...we are so excited.

Did Avalon last year which was wonderful.

 

Thanks.

About 3 weeks in advance. Enjoy your cruise!

If I remember correctly it was a morning of cruising along a lovely section of the Seine -- and it was greatly appreciated after the excursion intense earlier days of the cruise! The walking tour of Auvers-sur-Oise was in the afternoon so there was no conflict. BTW we really enjoyed that tour too. It is a very pretty little town (and we had a gorgeous day) and the Uniworld guide was excellent.

From the 'Cruise Companion', there are 4 optional excursions. You have already given me the pricing of the Versailles excursion. Do you recall the pricing of the

other 3?

My husband is interested in the Cliffs of Etretat but not the cider farm portion. Whereas, I do not want to miss the Honfleur walking tour.

Thanks again, you have been very helpful:)

From the 'Cruise Companion', there are 4 optional excursions. You have already given me the pricing of the Versailles excursion. Do you recall the pricing of the

other 3?

My husband is interested in the Cliffs of Etretat but not the cider farm portion. Whereas, I do not want to miss the Honfleur walking tour.

 

Thanks again, you have been very helpful

Additional (extra charge) excursions:

• Cliffs of Etretat & Normandy Delights (Day 4, Rouen), 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, 80 EUR p.p
  
• Versailles Palace Secret Apartments (Day 6, Mantes la Jolie), 8:15 am - 12:45 pm, 75 EUR p.p
  
• Secrets and Masterpieces of Orsay Museum (Day 7, Paris), 1:45 pm - 5:30 pm, 70 EUR (cancelled due to lack of participation).
  
  • We did the museum very easily on our own by taking the Paris as the Locals Do included tour bus to the Place du Concorde at 8:45 am and then catching the bus on the return at noon (there was also a later shuttle around 4 pm). We were on the entrance line with our pre-purchased tickets (I think they were about 12 EUR each but am not sure) in our email just before the doors opened and were able to see a number of the rooms in almost total privacy before it got crowded. If you go, the audio tour (5 EUR) is very worthwhile. The Impressionist Collection ties in nicely with the cruise excursions.
    

  [*]Fragonard Perfume Workshop (Day 7, Paris), 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm, 99 EUR p.p (I don't know if they had enough sign ups or not)

  [*]An Evening at the Moulin Rouge (Day 7, Paris), 6:15 pm - 11:30 pm, 195 EUR p.p (We didn't attend - DH had been there before - but those that did seemed to really enjoy it.

Hope this helps!

From the 'Cruise Companion', there are 4 optional excursions. You have already given me the pricing of the Versailles excursion. Do you recall the pricing of the

other 3?

My husband is interested in the Cliffs of Etretat but not the cider farm portion. Whereas, I do not want to miss the Honfleur walking tour.

 

Thanks again, you have been very helpful:)

I highly recommend both the Cliffs and cider farm. The lunch at the Cider Farm was outstanding. My husband's initial response was the same as yours, but he ended up enjoying it immensely, and said that lunch was as good as any on the Baroness. It was raining when we were in Etretat, but the cliffs were still beautiful. We still had an afternoon walking tour in Honfleur, and, it worked out better, because, by then, it was sunny....and I got some awesome pictures of the Harbor.

The Cliffs. You may notice a golf course up top. We considered playing a round there, but, there were no tee times available, and we would have missed the cider farm as a result.

The Harbor at Honfleur:

capriccio -

So the 'Paris as the Locals Do' included tour bus will drop off & pick up @ Place du Concorde?

For the return this bus will pick up at noon & a later afternoon time?

Essentially this included tour can be used a transportation only? This will allow a Orsay visit on our own schedule. Thank you for the tips to pre-purchase tickets & to use the audio guide!

You have been so helpful! You are a gem:)

I highly recommend both the Cliffs and cider farm. The lunch at the Cider Farm was outstanding. My husband's initial response was the same as yours, but he ended up enjoying it immensely, and said that lunch was as good as any on the Baroness. It was raining when we were in Etretat, but the cliffs were still beautiful. We still had an afternoon walking tour in Honfleur, and, it worked out better, because, by then, it was sunny....and I got some awesome pictures of the Harbor.

 

The Cliffs. You may notice a golf course up top. We considered playing a round there, but, there were no tee times available, and we would have missed the cider farm as a result.

 

acwmom -

Beautiful photos! I am glad you pointed out the golf course, I did not see it at first.

Good to know that I will not miss a visit to Honfleur if we take this optional tour!

Do you recall the lunch offering at the cider farm?

I highly recommend both the Cliffs and cider farm. The lunch at the Cider Farm was outstanding. My husband's initial response was the same as yours, but he ended up enjoying it immensely, and said that lunch was as good as any on the Baroness. It was raining when we were in Etretat, but the cliffs were still beautiful. We still had an afternoon walking tour in Honfleur, and, it worked out better, because, by then, it was sunny....and I got some awesome pictures of the Harbor.

 

The Cliffs. You may notice a golf course up top. We considered playing a round there, but, there were no tee times available, and we would have missed the cider farm as a result.

 

acwmom -

Beautiful photos! I am glad you pointed out the golf course, I did not see it at first.

Good to know that I will not miss a visit to Honfleur if we take this optional tour!

Do you recall the lunch offering at the cider farm?

 

We were there in late March, so it may well be seasonal, but we had cider and calvados, of course; fresh bread, fresh vegetables, pate, salad.....can't recall what the dessert was.....But, everything was so fresh!

 

Here's a couple of pictures:

 

 

capriccio -

So the 'Paris as the Locals Do' included tour bus will drop off & pick up @ Place du Concorde?

For the return this bus will pick up at noon & a later afternoon time?

 

Essentially this included tour can be used a transportation only? This will allow a Orsay visit on our own schedule. Thank you for the tips to pre-purchase tickets & to use the audio guide!

 

You have been so helpful! You are a gem:)

That's exactly what they do. And I forgot to mention that they also gave us 2 free metro tickets (since the Paris as the Locals Do folks were going to ride the metro twice). We didn't need them (and gave them back) since we were walking but I thought that was a nice touch. On our cruise at least 6 couples got off and went their separate ways. We were the only ones to come back on the noon bus (we have been to Paris many times and the D'Orsay was the only museum we had missed) so I presume the rest returned on the 4 pm bus.

The Cliffs. You may notice a golf course up top. We considered playing a round there, but, there were no tee times available, and we would have missed the cider farm as a result.

acwmom - did you notice in next year's brochure that for Honfleur Uniworld is offering an exclusive guided "Go Active" golfing in Etretat? At Rouen one of the choices is an exclusive guided "Go Active" golfing at Rouen's Mont-Saint-Aignan. Looks like you might need to take the cruise again! :D

acwmom - did you notice in next year's brochure that for Honfleur Uniworld is offering an exclusive guided "Go Active" golfing in Etretat? At Rouen one of the choices is an exclusive guided "Go Active" golfing at Rouen's Mont-Saint-Aignan. Looks like you might need to take the cruise again! :D

When I scheduled the Seine cruise, my husband was very apprehensive, as he'd heard all of the stories about how rude the French were, etc. Of the three river cruises we've done, it's his favorite. And, he said he would do it again, in a heartbeat.

We tried Avalon this spring, as we were intrigued by the Panorama suites. We both decided we would shove ourselves into the smaller space to have the Uniworld experience again (though I'm seriously considering AMA, as well).

I hesitate to tell him about the golf outings, as he would be all over it......I'll at least check it out. We may take a year off from a river cruise next year, but, you never know:D

Robin

A Uniword fan and this cruise is on our bucket list. Probably 2018 since our 2017 is now booked/1 :D

I'm an Army vet and my father landed on those beaches, so looking forward to this cruise!