A Day-by-Day Review of Paris & Normandy

While I have worked in the travel industry since 1997, I’ve only recently been blessed with the amazing opportunity to be part of the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise team. As an industry veteran, I can sometimes be a harsh critic. After returning from Uniworld’s Paris & Normandy cruise of the Seine River in France, I can attest that this product delivers in luxury accommodations, service, gourmet food, excellent wine and beverages choices, unique and immersive experiences, casual elegance at every turn, and more, at a tremendous value!

Day 0
I arrived in Paris a day prior to sailing. I highly recommend that everyone arrive a day or two early as it eases the stress of possible airline delays and allows some time to acclimate to your new time zone, as well as do a bit of exploring. It was a drizzly day, but I joined a friend for a walking food tour in the Montmartre district. The guide was excellent, and we sampled many delectable treats. We learned a number of things about food in Paris, including that it is illegal for a bakery to sell day old baguettes! Paris was still abuzz from the recent Olympic games, with many of the venues still decorated and tourists enjoying the sites.

Day 1
The next morning, we headed to the port to board our cruise. We were greeted by Uniworld staff in the parking lot where they instantly checked us in and took our bags. We simply stopped at the front desk for keys before being shown to our staterooms. The S.S. Joie de Vivre is breathtaking, from the luxurious French décor and elegant furnishings to the original artwork. I was fascinated! Over the course of the week, I would often stop to enjoy one of the many caricatures or other unique pieces in my hallway!

I enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the Siene, enjoying a local park, and taking the obligatory photos of the Eiffel Tower before we set sail.

Day 2
Our first stop was the beautiful Chateau La Roche-Guyon, with a history dating back to the Vikings. Then it was on to the beautiful gardens of Giverny and the home of Claude Monet. The gardens are enchanting and bring you to a serene state as you stroll the many pathways. It was a bucket list stop for many on our journey.

During our second evening onboard, everyone was engaging in friendly conversation in the lounge before dinner. Guests have joined us from as far away as Australia, but the majority are American. There are so many wonderful stories! We met a group of guests who became friends on a previous Uniworld sailing and now all travel together, a 14-year-old girl joining her grandmother on a trip of a lifetime, and a lovely British couple that had sailed with Uniworld many times and can’t say enough good things! We sat near a window at dinner, and it was lovely watching the landscape as we sailed and enjoyed a beautifully presented and delicious meal. We eventually retreated to the lounge where we were treated to a great evening with a local vocalist! She left the crowd wanting for more!

Day 3
It was a rainy day, but we were prepared with our Uniworld provided umbrellas for a walking tour of Rouen! The tour guide was excellent, providing a good amount of history and local insight—everything from tales about Rollo the Viking and Joan of Arc to pointing out a café where Julia Child once cooked. We enjoyed a bit of free time exploring this charming little town as well. After dinner, we were treated to a Uniworld exclusive “Nights Out” experience! Everyone was incredibly impressed with the private visit and concert at Rouen Cathedral. Both the organ and vocals were amazing. These exclusive special moments create irreplaceable memories. They’re what make Uniworld Uniworld.

Day 4
Another beautiful day presented the choice of exploring the quaint port city of Honfluer or golfing. Honfluer offered a nice variety for history, art, food, and local culture at a leisurely pace! The afternoon offered a special Masterpiece Collection tour of the St Wanderille Monastery—and what a lovely surprise it was! Though this is technically a silent monastery, the monk giving us the tour proved very friendly and informative. The modern-day monks tend to their chores and work in their brewery and art restoration businesses to fund the monastery, all while being diligent about praying and meditating many hours of the day.

That evening, we enjoyed yet another delicious dinner with expertly chosen wines. After, a small crowd gathered in the bar to watch Saving Private Ryan. Guests were very complimentary of the quality of the ship, commenting on the wonderfully appointed spaces and discreet but effective sound proofing. Several had worried the movie would be disruptive to those resting but were pleasantly surprised that they never even knew it was going on!

Day 5
Over 100 Uniworld guests participated in the Normandy Beaches and American Cemetery Tour. We departed early at 7 am, but there were no complaints. Everyone was committed seeing where history was made with their own eyes. We were diverse in age and background, so there were many perspectives, but as we traversed these sacred grounds you could see admiration, respect, and sorrow for the lives lost in every individual. We were in awe of the place and what these men went through. We were moved by the stories at the American Cemetery, and the lovely beach ceremony with a local trumpet player. As we walked through each of these places, as Americans we noticed that our flag flies at the same height as the French flag. In the words of our guide: “this land holds American blood, so this land also belongs to you.” Our guide also expressed that in Normandy it is not uncommon to see French families in the American Cemetery with their children, teaching them what had to happen for them to live in the France they know today. In our Uniworld group, there were a number of older gentlemen that were there to pay their respects to friends and family members no matter how hard.

Day 6
On day 6, we took in the amazing Versailles Palace and the Secret Apartments! The jaw dropping extravagance is beyond comprehension. It is also quite amazing that Versailles was never bombed, only looted. Everyone was awestruck, and the consensus was we needed more time so we could experience the gardens as well.

After a short break, our evening onboard was action packed! We were greeted as we entered the lounge by the butlers with a lovely glass of champagne. We were then warmly received by Hotel Manager Karolina and 1st Captain Dave. The lounge was abuzz with excitement for the Captain’s Dinner!

After yet another delicious meal by our Chef Lucian, we quickly changed for the famous 70’s party! The costumes and dancing were spot on. Even the bartenders noticed and commented on how much fun everyone was having!

As we pulled into port in Paris, many went up top to take a few pictures of Paris at night. What a beautiful city!

Day 7
We had so many amazing opportunities in Paris it was hard to choose! Most of us chose a tour to see the primary sites but split up between biking, walking, or the city tour. Other chose museums, and the more adventurous ones chose sidecar experiences! Some chose to do the Moulin Rouge experience and show, but the majority just couldn’t pass up one last amazing meal on board. The wines were of such great quality and perfectly paired that a few guests even asked to purchase them!

Day 8
Check-out was as easy and seamless as check-in! Group transfers were expertly coordinated and executed, luggage handled efficiently and with expert care. A perfect, warm farewell! Not goodbye, as everyone intends to return for another luxurious Uniworld experience!

Note: The contents of this article are accurate as of the publication date. Uniworld itineraries and inclusions are subject to change at any time.