S Owen

Feb 15, 2024

Highlights of Normandy and Seine

My Daughter asked to Visit Paris for her 18th Birthday (She was doing her A levels when it was her birthday so we went in July), After weighing up the options Looking at Cost of flights, Accommodation, Meals, things to do etc we decided a river Cruises was our best option. We flew In/Out Paris and the ship sailed to Honfleur and Back to Paris. Direct flights from Manchester were included with Air France. Flight was delayed and we felt we were waiting for our bags for an age in Charles De Gaulle. However once we made it through Customs we came through into the Arrivals hall and there was a Scenic Representative waiting for us. She took our bags and led us to our transfer vehicle. She offered us water and asked us what kind of station we would like to listen to, Told us our approx journey duration and asked us if we were in a talkative mood or would prefer to not chat. She informed us that as our flight was delayed we were due to be sharing the transfer but that they were further delayed so instead of us waiting longer she said she would take us to the ship now and another transfer would be arranged for the others. We were in a chatty mood and she told us a few details about things we were passing and even sang along with us to a few songs. Which made the journey so much more enjoyable than just looking out the window. On arrival to the ship (Scenic Gem), they check your passport and completed the check in process, they do take your photo for your ship pass, not the most flattering so do be aware. We were given a glass of champagne and then shown to our cabin and introduced to our butler. Our cases had already been delivered to our cabin and were on the beds. Our butler then explained how to use the TV, shower etc, gave us the number to reach him on should we need anything. We unpacked and made our way to the lounge for the Port talk. During the Port talk we were advised that there would be a safety drill the following morning whilst we are sailing, to allow for all guests to be onboard. She explained to us that we dock further down the river due to sailing restriction in Paris. Day tripping cruises have priority over river cruises so they sail part way up the Seine and then turn around and sail back out of Paris towards Honfleur. We had some amazing Scenic Freechoice experiences, Mine and My daughters personal highlights were the D Day Landing sites. Not being a history buff myself i was amazed by how much effort went into the D Day landings and was a truly reflective experience. Another highlight was celebrating Bastille Day in Honfleur, The Captain was able to navigate us into a great position to view the fireworks and was lovely to see so many locals and visitors on the riverside watching them unfold too. I did celebrate my birthday whilst onboard and was lucky enough to be invited to L'Amour Restaurant that evening to enjoy my birthday and they even brought me cake and sang to me. My daughter got to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night (on the hour every hour for 2 mins btw after it goes dark) when we cruised back into Paris at the end of the cruise, But we made some very special memories and met some amazing people along the way. The crew onboard and the guests definitely made the cruise even more special. We are looking forward to the next one, Possibly on the Scenic Eclipse,