Uniworld's Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux River Cruise
Jan 12th, 2016, 04:13 PM
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Uniworld's Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux River Cruise
A few days ago I posted my October France travel report on the Europe Forum since I had spent the first five days in Paris. In retrospect, I'm thinking I'll post just the river cruise section here for those specifically interested.
After five days in Paris I boarded an early morning TGV to Bordeaux from Gare Montparnesse to meet up with a very much anticipated third River cruise. (The first was on Tauck through Provence and the second on Avalon through Netherlands/Belgium). Three hours later I cabbed it to the quay where Uniworld's River Royale was docked and awaiting passengers. Suffice it to say, it was an awesome week of river cruising, visiting chateaux and tasting wine after wine while traveling from vineyard to vineyard on each day's excursion. Ah yes, a real bacchanal. Well, it felt that way to me.
Loved my double rather ornate cabin with floor to ceiling windows (I upgraded on reserving when the single supplement was dropped). A friendly, easy going, well traveled group of 100-110(?) on the ship ensured lots of good conversation along with excellent menu choices, well prepared meals and accompanying wines. Drinks in the lounge included in the fare before and after dinner, along with nightly entertainment made for a lot of happy cruisers. Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and sweets was served daily, a nice touch I enjoyed very much.
Unlike the two other cruises I have been on, there is no mini fridge in the cabin. Uniworld's policy of "going green" involves drinking water being replaced/refreshed each day in a glass carafe and a Uniworld metal container is provided for "take with" water. Shampoo and liquid soap are dispensed from pump bottles in both sink area and shower, rather than individual containers. This took some getting used to. The bar of soap I brought with me came in handy so I didn't have to reach up to pump the soap each time I washed my hands. The ever present large jar of wrapped candies on the credenza took the place of a chocolate on the pillow at turndown. That I liked!
The itinerary for this River cruise was very well paced, with built in leisure time which I appreciated after the other two, where the activities were back to back. This one provided opportunity for a breather here and there, without feeling that something vital would be missed. Of the three cruises I've been on, this one was the most enjoyable in terms of the ship's amenities, the itinerary and the ship staffing.
The River Royale is beautifully appointed. In addition to the lovely cabins, there is a library with comfy sofas, a coffee room off the main dining room, casual choice lunch restaurant on the top deck, as well as spa/exercise room, expansive sun deck - seating open and covered, whirlpool tub area with lounge chairs. Adjacent to the main dining room is a formal, intimate dining space for dinner, with seating for eighteen or so and available on reservation. The main dining room could be configured a little better. The booth-like window tables were isolating. Having experienced the rounded into the room booths of the other two ships, I believe they were more comfortable, although for those couples preferring their own company they were certainly better placed for that.
Three buses were provided each day for the various tours, one designated for "slow walkers". Walking sticks were available as well as bicycles offered as an alternative touring choice. It was a surprisingly fit group and many did opt to bike through vineyards or towns each time the choice was available. The local guides for each of the tours were outstanding in their knowledge and very personable. Our Tour Director would hold a briefing each evening for the next day during cocktail hour in the lounge and a written schedule would be placed in the cabin to that effect during the dinner hour as well. Florence was a hands on, extremely competent Tour Director, totally engaged, keeping everyone under her warm, watchful eye.
An ancient walled city, Bordeaux at night is magnificent. The optional cooking class I chose on the final day at The Grand Hotel Bordeaux was truly a highlight and I have the apron to prove it. Lunch in a bistro in Bergerac with my new ship acquaintance from Sydney was memorable. The chateaux in Sauternes where we lunched one of the days accompanied by three - you guessed it - Sauternes of that region - excellent! St. Emillion is a beautiful place and we toured the area and grotto where the saint was known to have lived. Dark, very dark. There were jaunts to Cadillac and Bourg. Seven days of fabulous, it was.
Weather wise, it could not have been better. Just a few rain drops, cool comfortable scarf wearing temps most days with a few warm ones here and there, excellent walking conditions. All in all, a perfect week at the end of October, my favorite time to travel.
I arrived home on November 1st, planning to write up my TR once recovered from jet lag and before the memories began to fade but the tragic Paris events of November 13 have overshadowed. One never gets over such atrocity, let alone forget, but as another contributor on this site has written, somehow one must pick up and move on. Paris, I stand with you.
I'm now researching where and when my next river cruise might take place. I seem to be addicted to this mode of travel!
After five days in Paris I boarded an early morning TGV to Bordeaux from Gare Montparnesse to meet up with a very much anticipated third River cruise. (The first was on Tauck through Provence and the second on Avalon through Netherlands/Belgium). Three hours later I cabbed it to the quay where Uniworld's River Royale was docked and awaiting passengers. Suffice it to say, it was an awesome week of river cruising, visiting chateaux and tasting wine after wine while traveling from vineyard to vineyard on each day's excursion. Ah yes, a real bacchanal. Well, it felt that way to me.
Loved my double rather ornate cabin with floor to ceiling windows (I upgraded on reserving when the single supplement was dropped). A friendly, easy going, well traveled group of 100-110(?) on the ship ensured lots of good conversation along with excellent menu choices, well prepared meals and accompanying wines. Drinks in the lounge included in the fare before and after dinner, along with nightly entertainment made for a lot of happy cruisers. Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and sweets was served daily, a nice touch I enjoyed very much.
Unlike the two other cruises I have been on, there is no mini fridge in the cabin. Uniworld's policy of "going green" involves drinking water being replaced/refreshed each day in a glass carafe and a Uniworld metal container is provided for "take with" water. Shampoo and liquid soap are dispensed from pump bottles in both sink area and shower, rather than individual containers. This took some getting used to. The bar of soap I brought with me came in handy so I didn't have to reach up to pump the soap each time I washed my hands. The ever present large jar of wrapped candies on the credenza took the place of a chocolate on the pillow at turndown. That I liked!
The itinerary for this River cruise was very well paced, with built in leisure time which I appreciated after the other two, where the activities were back to back. This one provided opportunity for a breather here and there, without feeling that something vital would be missed. Of the three cruises I've been on, this one was the most enjoyable in terms of the ship's amenities, the itinerary and the ship staffing.
The River Royale is beautifully appointed. In addition to the lovely cabins, there is a library with comfy sofas, a coffee room off the main dining room, casual choice lunch restaurant on the top deck, as well as spa/exercise room, expansive sun deck - seating open and covered, whirlpool tub area with lounge chairs. Adjacent to the main dining room is a formal, intimate dining space for dinner, with seating for eighteen or so and available on reservation. The main dining room could be configured a little better. The booth-like window tables were isolating. Having experienced the rounded into the room booths of the other two ships, I believe they were more comfortable, although for those couples preferring their own company they were certainly better placed for that.
Three buses were provided each day for the various tours, one designated for "slow walkers". Walking sticks were available as well as bicycles offered as an alternative touring choice. It was a surprisingly fit group and many did opt to bike through vineyards or towns each time the choice was available. The local guides for each of the tours were outstanding in their knowledge and very personable. Our Tour Director would hold a briefing each evening for the next day during cocktail hour in the lounge and a written schedule would be placed in the cabin to that effect during the dinner hour as well. Florence was a hands on, extremely competent Tour Director, totally engaged, keeping everyone under her warm, watchful eye.
An ancient walled city, Bordeaux at night is magnificent. The optional cooking class I chose on the final day at The Grand Hotel Bordeaux was truly a highlight and I have the apron to prove it. Lunch in a bistro in Bergerac with my new ship acquaintance from Sydney was memorable. The chateaux in Sauternes where we lunched one of the days accompanied by three - you guessed it - Sauternes of that region - excellent! St. Emillion is a beautiful place and we toured the area and grotto where the saint was known to have lived. Dark, very dark. There were jaunts to Cadillac and Bourg. Seven days of fabulous, it was.
Weather wise, it could not have been better. Just a few rain drops, cool comfortable scarf wearing temps most days with a few warm ones here and there, excellent walking conditions. All in all, a perfect week at the end of October, my favorite time to travel.
I arrived home on November 1st, planning to write up my TR once recovered from jet lag and before the memories began to fade but the tragic Paris events of November 13 have overshadowed. One never gets over such atrocity, let alone forget, but as another contributor on this site has written, somehow one must pick up and move on. Paris, I stand with you.
I'm now researching where and when my next river cruise might take place. I seem to be addicted to this mode of travel!
Jan 13th, 2016, 03:05 PM
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I concur with everything in your report. My and husband and I, along with another couple, took the very same cruise in May. In a word, it was the BEST vacation ever! The Uniworld staff was fantastic! The food was delicious, and the wines were good selection of those available locally.
We opted to be part of the gentle walkers group, and it met our needs perfectly fine. This was our first Uniworld cruise and we loved the experience o much we elected to take another cruise with them in May, 2016, on the Rhine River.
We opted to be part of the gentle walkers group, and it met our needs perfectly fine. This was our first Uniworld cruise and we loved the experience o much we elected to take another cruise with them in May, 2016, on the Rhine River.
Jan 13th, 2016, 05:00 PM
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Rhea58
Thank you for your much appreciated compliment/comment. When agonizing over the composition of a trip report I ask myself, as I painstakingly reconstruct each travel day, whether anyone would really be interested and/or take the time to post a reply.
mouseford
Appreciate your post, too! So often it's the negatives that appear. We may have started a trend! Indeed, Uniworld is doing something absolutely right in the river cruise field. I am hoping to go on one of the Rhine River voyages in 2017. So very happy to hear your experience was as marvelous as mine.
Thank you for your much appreciated compliment/comment. When agonizing over the composition of a trip report I ask myself, as I painstakingly reconstruct each travel day, whether anyone would really be interested and/or take the time to post a reply.
mouseford
Appreciate your post, too! So often it's the negatives that appear. We may have started a trend! Indeed, Uniworld is doing something absolutely right in the river cruise field. I am hoping to go on one of the Rhine River voyages in 2017. So very happy to hear your experience was as marvelous as mine.
Jan 14th, 2016, 06:48 PM
#6
Wonderful report (Uniworld should put you on the payroll )
One question >><i>(I upgraded on reserving when the single supplement was dropped).</i><<. Was the supplement dropped because you were a returning customer, had some sort of discount code, or just 'dropped'?
That would certainly be an incentive for me to look into a river cruise . . .
)One question >><i>(I upgraded on reserving when the single supplement was dropped).</i><<. Was the supplement dropped because you were a returning customer, had some sort of discount code, or just 'dropped'?
That would certainly be an incentive for me to look into a river cruise . . .
Jan 15th, 2016, 07:45 AM
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janisj
Put me on the payroll? Better yet, maybe offer me a guest spot on a Danube River Cruise? I could handle that.
Seriously though, Re: Single Supplement question - in the case of this, my first cruise on Uniworld, dates when the SS does not apply are indicated on their web site. When I called to reserve, I then requested an upgrade to a mid-level cabin (stationary floor to ceiling windows) which was just a bit pricier than the SS cost would have been. Of course, if you are interested in a date that does not indicate such, it wouldn't hurt to call and inquire. You never know.
But, for the Avalon Tulip Time cruise where SS applied, I called several months ahead of the date I was interested in to inquire if they would notify me if and when the SS was dropped. I'm pleased to say they did call and I immediately upgraded to mid level, this time to a Juliet balcony with a sliding glass door.
There is no SS charge at all on Tauck line (I did their Paris and Provence-it was fabulous) for the lower level single cabins which have two large windows high up, just above the water line.
I like to spend time enjoying my cabin during any little down time as the ship is cruising, so having a full window allowing for a view makes for a more enjoyable experience. The mid level cabins aren't necessarily larger than the lower level. The top level cabins are though, some with a sitting area and and/or a larger bathroom, depending on the ship.
Hope this info is helpful and thanks for your comment!
Put me on the payroll? Better yet, maybe offer me a guest spot on a Danube River Cruise? I could handle that.
Seriously though, Re: Single Supplement question - in the case of this, my first cruise on Uniworld, dates when the SS does not apply are indicated on their web site. When I called to reserve, I then requested an upgrade to a mid-level cabin (stationary floor to ceiling windows) which was just a bit pricier than the SS cost would have been. Of course, if you are interested in a date that does not indicate such, it wouldn't hurt to call and inquire. You never know.
But, for the Avalon Tulip Time cruise where SS applied, I called several months ahead of the date I was interested in to inquire if they would notify me if and when the SS was dropped. I'm pleased to say they did call and I immediately upgraded to mid level, this time to a Juliet balcony with a sliding glass door.
There is no SS charge at all on Tauck line (I did their Paris and Provence-it was fabulous) for the lower level single cabins which have two large windows high up, just above the water line.
I like to spend time enjoying my cabin during any little down time as the ship is cruising, so having a full window allowing for a view makes for a more enjoyable experience. The mid level cabins aren't necessarily larger than the lower level. The top level cabins are though, some with a sitting area and and/or a larger bathroom, depending on the ship.
Hope this info is helpful and thanks for your comment!
Jan 15th, 2016, 10:35 AM
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janisj, there are a number of cruise lines that eliminate the single supplement on cruises that are off-season or even shoulder season. We took a fabulous cruise in Northern Burma this year on Pandaw, and many of their sailing dates have no single supplement.
Feb 1st, 2016, 01:18 PM
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Was just looking at that cruise for this October so thanks for the report. One question can you arrange your own private tours? Would really like to see the Caves at Lascaux which is in the area. Wasn't sure if that was an issue do that.
Feb 1st, 2016, 04:02 PM
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travel_princess
An excursion to the caves at Lascaux was not offered as an optional tour with this cruise. However, since the cruise begins and ends in Bordeaux you could plan on doing such on your own at either end by booking through a local touring company.
An excursion to the caves at Lascaux was not offered as an optional tour with this cruise. However, since the cruise begins and ends in Bordeaux you could plan on doing such on your own at either end by booking through a local touring company.
Feb 3rd, 2016, 01:53 AM
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Travel_Princess,
It will take you two hours to get from Bordeaux to Lascaux. I'm not certain how long you will get to spend in Lascaux III, certainly available in October, but I suspect you will be spending far more time on the A 89 than in reportedly magnificent cave reproduction.
If you have the opportunity to make your visit at the end of your trip, see if you can get a flight from Aeroport de Brive, some 20 minutes away from Montingac. There are frequent flight to Paris Orly, as well as flights to Stanstead, London City, and Amsterdam.
It will take you two hours to get from Bordeaux to Lascaux. I'm not certain how long you will get to spend in Lascaux III, certainly available in October, but I suspect you will be spending far more time on the A 89 than in reportedly magnificent cave reproduction.
If you have the opportunity to make your visit at the end of your trip, see if you can get a flight from Aeroport de Brive, some 20 minutes away from Montingac. There are frequent flight to Paris Orly, as well as flights to Stanstead, London City, and Amsterdam.
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