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Fantastic news...thank you Cruise Critic. A great service.

Willard

Like Hydrokitty we love Vantage. Been on 7 trips with them. Works for us. Willard

We did the Christmas Markets trip with Vantage back in 2011. Fantastic tour. I would suggest that you dress in layers. A parka, several sweaters, long sleeve shirts. I also took ankle length walking boots. Sneaks does not work in snow. We did have some snow but didn't slow us down. Forgot to mention scarves and gloves. Willard

Like HydroKitty we are Vantage folks. Been on 7 with them and very satisfied. Just returned back in June from there French Waterways cruise. Willard

21 - Wow, that's great. Too many people wait too long to travel and by then they are toooooo old to move around. Good for you. Enjoy. Where's #22. Willard

Leaving June 2nd for Vantage's French Waterways - anyone here going too? Willard

Hi Hydrokitty - We are not leaving for France until June 2nd. Hopefully all will be fixed by then. Doing Vantage's French Waterways. Hopefully good wine during the cruise. Willard

Has the France air controllers strike impacted any folks flying into France for a river cruise? Willard

Great tv reruns on Turner Classic Movies all night and a good bottle of wine. Works for me.

Willard

Don't forget to advise your airlines, perhaps thru your travel agent or travel company. My wife has a problem with some food allergies and they provide special meals.

Cole, I would advise you to take a opener for the wine in your main luggage, not carry on.

That's a great question. We've been on 6 river cruises with Vantage and we do "dress" up for the Captain's dinner and the farewell dinner. Sport coat and a tie for me and my wife dresses up also. Have found that more that 75% do the same. They are special nights - at least for us. Those nights seems that the staff on the boat really make it a great night. What ever you feel comfortable with. Willard

We've been on 6 trips with Vantage with another coming up June 2nd. If you bring a bottle on board and consume it in your room no corkage charge. I've taken the bottle to the bar and had the bartender open it and took it back to the room. No problem. I have given him a tip for that service. If you take it to the dining room you will have a corkage charge. I think that might be the same with other cruise lines. We have also bought a bottle for dinner from their wine list and the waiter opens it and pours for you. If you don't drink it up he/she will mark you name on the bottle and bring it to you the following night. Now Vantage serves wine with every evening meal. To me that makes no sense to bring your own bottle to dinner. Willard

Found sneakers worked for me. When we were in China and walking thru the Forbidden City we had to really look down. Rough walking. One of our older ladies tripped and broke a shoulder. Vantage guide took here to a hospital and she had to fly back home. Watch where you are walking. Willard

Our son teaches at Moravian College in Bethlehem Pa and their team mascot is a Greyhound. He sent us a cut out of the mascot when we went to S. Africa back in 2013. Took photos of "Amos" with a elephant, walking with a lion, standing at Victoria Falls and even with our flight attendant. The college did a special page on Amos's travels to Africa. Willard

Hi MLM54 - We have been taking our "Santa Hats" with us on every river cruise. The hats have been on the Great Wall, Africa, Transylvania, Athens. Usually standing in front of a highlight area. That's what we use for our Christmas card. Also I take a photo of every meal -breakfast, lunch and dinner (even the meal on the plane). Then I put together a "foodie" book. Great to look back on. On the ship the presentation is wonderful. But then I am a "retired" news photographer so why not keep shooting. Willard

We have taken 6 trips with Vantage and the next one this June 2nd. Have met some great people on all of them. I think that it is what you make it. Eating meals with many different folks is a real treat. Once in awhile you might find one or two you will not share a table with later. Willard

You will have to clear customs in Tampa. We also fly out of Tampa.

Leaving Tampa on June 2nd to Atlanta then international flight to Charles De Gaulle with connection to Marseille France via Delta. Questions are passport control at De Gaulle but will luggage go right thru to Marseille? Coming back we leave from Lyon to De Gaulle to of all places Detroit then to Tampa. That could change by June. Not worried about return. Hoping we will have our luggage thru from Tampa to Marseille. Appreciate all your comments on Cruise Critic. Willard

We made our French Waterways with Vantage leaving June 2nd back in September. Received our confirmation about one week later with our cabin assignment. Willard

Have been on 6 tours with Vantage and the 7th upcoming on June 2nd - French Waterways. We have been very pleased with Vantage. Not sure I would want to pay to go with Tauck. To us I consider saving some money for another river cruise. Vantage works for us. Willard

We went in late November 2011 with Vantage and had a great trip. We both bought hiking boots and some water proof spray. Dressed in layers. That way if it got a little warmer we could strip some off. Weather was really good, but cold. Gloves, scarfs, hats. My wife looked like a walking snow man but we made out good. The Christmas markets are a hoot. Willard

Hello we're sailing away. We are also in Florida. Send me your email address and I will forward info on our June French Waterways adventure. In 2013 we did the Best of Africa with Vantage and it was a hoot. Fantastic trip. WillardWKrieble@ij.net

Hello Talisker 92 - Steve, Just read your great report on your Vantage French Waterways. Good stuff. We are looking forward to our June trip. As a retired news photographer I will be taking a bunch of memory cards with me. Will sample all the wines but not buying at their high prices. Willard

We've done 6 tours with Vantage and have been very happy with them. Grand Circle and Vantage are owned by brothers. I've found that while Grand Circle might be a little cheaper but have more optional tours than Vantage which brings the cost up.Vantage includes many more. We are doing #7 this coming June - French Waterways with Vantage. Willard