a taste of bordeaux - nwtravel taste of bordeaux three rivers in french wine country july 19th to...

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A Taste of Bordeaux Three rivers in French Wine Country July 19 th to 26 th , 2015 Hosted by wine critic and author, Paul Gregutt Join us for a week on the river in Bordeaux for outstanding cuisine, natural beauty, and the best wine production in the world. We’ll enjoy seven days aboard the River Royale for an all-inclusive holiday that provides accommodations, dining, all beverages aboard, shore excursions, shipboard gratuities, and taxes. Visit Chateaux, tour cellars, and taste the wine that put Bordeaux on the map. River Royale will cruise the three rivers that define the region, the Garonne, Gironde, and the Dordogne. In addition to the shore excursions and wine events provided by Uniworld, guests will have the opportunity to enhance their holiday with visits to renowned wine producers and chateaux in the area. Extras aboard ship include a private seminar by instructors from Ecole Du Vin de Bordeaux. We’ll also have an evening of tasting to compare the wines from the Bordeaux region with Bordeaux-style Washington Wines. You’re encouraged to bring whatever special bottles you might have found while ashore to enjoy with dinner or to taste with friends. While many of our cruise guests will be from the Pacific Northwest and Washington Wine Country, we’ll see producers and wine lovers from all parts of North America on board. Opportunities exist to join small group excursions to visit First Growth producers in Medoc such as Mouton Rothschild and Chateaux Margaux. In contrast to the more established producers, tours will also be available to more contemporary wine makers in the area who are creating great wines. Interested parties are encouraged to make your reservations now for a cabin aboard River Royale for this event. Early booking incentives are available through mid-February 2014. With only 65 cabins available, space won’t last long.

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A Taste of Bordeaux Three rivers in French Wine Country

July 19th to 26th, 2015 Hosted by wine critic and author, Paul Gregutt

Join us for a week on the river in Bordeaux for outstanding cuisine, natural beauty, and the best wine production in the world. We’ll enjoy seven days aboard the River Royale for an all-inclusive holiday that provides accommodations, dining, all beverages aboard, shore excursions, shipboard gratuities, and taxes. Visit Chateaux, tour cellars, and taste the wine that put Bordeaux on the map.

River Royale will cruise the three rivers that define the region, the Garonne, Gironde, and the Dordogne. In addition to the shore excursions and wine events provided by Uniworld, guests will have the opportunity to enhance their holiday with visits to renowned wine producers and chateaux in the area. Extras aboard ship include a private seminar by instructors from Ecole Du Vin de Bordeaux. We’ll also have an evening of tasting to compare the wines from the Bordeaux region with Bordeaux-style Washington Wines. You’re encouraged to bring whatever special bottles you might have found while ashore to enjoy with dinner or to taste with friends. While many of our cruise guests will be from the Pacific Northwest and Washington Wine Country, we’ll see producers and wine lovers from all parts of North America on board. Opportunities exist to join small group excursions to visit First Growth producers in Medoc such as Mouton Rothschild and Chateaux Margaux. In contrast to the more established producers, tours will also be available to more contemporary wine makers in the area who are creating great wines. Interested parties are encouraged to make your reservations now for a cabin aboard River Royale for this event. Early booking incentives are available through mid-February 2014. With only 65 cabins available, space won’t last long.

About Paul Gregutt

I have written about wine - with a particular focus on the wines of the Pacific Northwest - for the past 25 years. Since 1998 I have been the Contributing Northwest Editor and Tasting Panel reviewer for Wine Enthusiast magazine. From 2002 until 2013 I wrote the weekly Wine Adviser column in the Seattle Times. My newspaper columns have also run in the daily newspapers in Yakima, Walla Walla and Spokane. I have been an occasional contributor to Decanter and many other publications. Currently, my focus is on this blog and my work for Wine Enthusiast, as well as a broad range of consulting projects and my own wine project, Waitsburg Cellars (www.waitsburgcellars.com). I also do a lot of posting, much of it wine-related, on Facebook. My critically acclaimed book – “Washington Wines & Wineries – The Essential Guide” was one of the top selling books on all topics published by the University of California Press in 2008. A new and completely revised second edition was published in 2010 and is currently available in both paperback and as an e-book.

What your cruise includes:

o Seven nights’ accommodation aboard River Royale o Welcome reception o All meals aboard ship o Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks o Uniworld Shore Excursions and tours as outlined o Shipboard gratuities o WIFI access on aboard o Unique Ecole du Vin experience o Airport Transfers (Bordeaux Airport) on July 19th and 26th o Port Taxes o Access to optional wine excursions and tastings throughout

the week

What’s not included: o Air fare* o Items of a personal nature o Optional tours and events

*See flight option section for assistance in flight planning and purchasing of airline tickets.

Your Itinerary

Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 Days

Program offerings are subject to change.

Day 1: Bordeaux Arrive at Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. Your ship is conveniently docked right in the heart of the city, so if time allows, stroll to the nearby food markets or visit the popular Saint-Michel antique market. We’ll be hosting an introduction this evening immediately following dinner. (D)

Day 2: Cruising the Garonne River and Gironde Estuary, Pauillac FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Médoc panoramic tour with exclusive winery visit and tasting or exclusive guided “Go Active” vineyard bicycle ride. Set sail on the Garonne for the pretty town of Pauillac, gateway to the storied Médoc wine route, where you’ll begin a panoramic tour of the heart of the Haut-Médoc AOC (or appellation d’origine contrôlée, a geographical designation that denotes where grapes are grown). Enjoy an exclusive visit to a celebrated winery, Châteaux d’Arsac, where you’ll discover your personal “wine sign” with a special blind tasting. Or experience the terroir in an entirely different way: with a guided bike ride through the beautiful Médoc vineyards. You’ll get an up-close look at the vines and truly take in the atmosphere—the earth, the sunshine—of this famous wine-growing region. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. (BB, L, WD)

Day 3: Cruising the Gironde Estuary, Blaye FEATURED EXCURSION: Choice of scenic drive along the Route de la Corniche Fleurie with Blaye Fortress or exclusive guided “Go Active” Nordic walking tour of Blaye Fortress. Today you’ll sail across the Gironde Estuary to Blaye. The scenic journey through the estuary offers a unique look at the delta, where fishing huts rise above grassy marshlands edged by limestone cliffs. Running along those cliffs is a little road called the Route de la Corniche Fleurie. The road winds through the picturesque hamlets of Pain de Sucre, Marmisson, and Roque de Thau, where you’ll find charming stone houses built by 19th-century ship captains. Upon returning to Blaye, your guide will take you

through the 17th-century citadel built by famed military engineer Vauban. Its fortress and tunnels are UNESCO monuments. Then enjoy some free time to explore the town on your own. Or take part in a guided Nordic walking tour of Blaye Fortress. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Libourne (Bergerac) FEATURED EXCURSION: Bergerac city tour Bergerac, which is located in the southernmost part of the Périgord and boasts 12 AOCs, and is your jumping-off point for today’s adventure. On your walking tour of the town you’ll explore the popular farmers’ market, hear the fateful story of Cyrano de Bergerac and his Roxanne, and watch the flat-bottom boats glide along the river. Stop at the 16th-century Château de Monbazillac, which offers marvelous views overlooking Bergerac and the Dordogne River. The drive along the Dordogne is an especially scenic one, and you’ll cross bridges to explore charming Bastide villages on both sides of the river. The “gastronomic meal of the French” is so indelibly linked to the country’s identity that it was added to UNESCO’s list of “intangible cultural heritage” in 2010, and tonight you will discover why during an extra special dinner. World-famous French Master Chef Philippe Etchebest has loaned his gastronomic genius to River Royale’s culinary team. His interpretation of the region’s delicacies will inform a specially crafted onboard dinner menu for Uniworld guests only. Bon appétit! (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Libourne (Saint-Émilion), cruising La Dordogne, Bordeaux FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Saint-Émilion walking tour with wine tasting and private evening tour of Bordeaux. Saint-Émilion offers exceptional historic architecture and historic vineyards too. The Romans were the first to plant grapes here, and this was the first vineyard region to be protected by UNESCO. The town, built atop limestone hills, offers many interesting shops, but what makes it extraordinary is what exists below the cobbled streets—Saint-Émilion’s Monolithic Church which dates back to the 12th century. After touring Saint-Émilion, you’ll visit the cellars of a Premier Grand Cru estate where you’ll taste some of the world’s most highly rated wines. Once you’re back in Bordeaux, you will enjoy an evening tour. Bordeaux under the stars—what could be more magical? After Paris, Bordeaux has more protected buildings than any other French city. From the alleyways of the Saint-Pierre district to the avenues of the Place des Quinconces, you’ll see why Queen Elizabeth II deemed Bordeaux “the essence of elegance.” (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Cadillac, Bordeaux FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Cadillac, châteaux and vineyards of Sauternes with exclusive artisanal lunch and wine tasting at Château d’Arche.

During a tour to nearby Cadillac you’ll embark on a study of Sauternes, the sweet wine which is named for the region. Sauternes is made from grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, a fungus that causes a raisin-like decay, resulting in a concentrated and distinctly flavored sweet wine. You’ll meet the winemakers and enjoy an elegant wine-pairing lunch at Château d’Arche. You’ll also see the grounds of legendary Château d’Yquem. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception

and Gala Dinner. (BB, L, FD)

Day 7: Bordeaux FEATURED

EXCURSIONS: Choice of exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Bordeaux walking tour or exclusive guided “Go Active” bicycle ride along the Garonne River banks. See Bordeaux à pied on a fascinating walking tour of the Golden Triangle, where you’ll encounter the very best the city has to offer. Explore luxury food halls, sample Bordeaux’s famous canelés and chocolates, discover marvelous 18th-century architecture, and visit an elegant wine bar popular with locals. If you’re looking for something more active, consider joining a guided bicycle ride along the scenic banks of the Garonne River. You’ll have plenty of free time to further enjoy Bordeaux on your own. Revisit some of the places you saw on your tour or explore new areas. It’s a great chance to do a little shopping too. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Bordeaux (disembark) Disembark the ship and transfer to Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Bordeaux or Paris. (CB/BB)

Currency exchange fluctuations

Costs for the river charter are not subject to currency fluctuations. Extension pricing to Paris and Bordeaux is based on a currency exchange rate of between 1.34-1.42 dollars to the Euro. Any fluctuation outside that range may result in a surcharge or credit. Any assessment will be made at the time final payment is due.

Extend Your Stay

Why spend just a week in France? We encourage you to extend your stay on either end of the cruise. You may want to consider staying longer in wine country or the City of Lights, Paris.

Paris-Normandy Cruise July 12th to 19th Enjoy a seven day cruise sailing round trip from Paris to Normandy. Visit the D-day Beaches, sample a taste of Calvados, tour Monet’s Garden at Giverny, and celebrate Bastille Day with friends on board ship. Ports of call include Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Andelys, and others. The ship is Uniworld’s River Baroness, a slightly smaller vessel than the River Royale. The combination is limited availability as this is a smaller vessel. I recommend booking the combination as soon as possible. Combination pricing for both cruises (Normandy July 12th-19th and Bordeaux July 19th-26th), which includes high-speed TGV train from Paris to Bordeaux, is shown here. Prices are shown per person, based on two people sharing. Category 1 $9172 Category 2 $8049 Category 3 $6645 These prices are inclusive of tax and include shore excursions, all meals, unlimited soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits. Deposit for the cruise combination is $1300 per person. Deduct an additional $600 per person in early booking discounts prior to June 1st, 2014.

Bordeaux Extension (Prior to cruise charter, July 16th – 19th)

Three nights at the Hotel Majestic or Hotel De Seze

Breakfast each morning

Transfers from Bordeaux Airport to Hotel

Transfers from Hotel to Pier

Two full days of wine touring at local chateaux and cellars with lunch Single price $1125 Double price $895 per person (Majestic Hotel, 3-star) Single Price $1524 Double price $1140 per person (Hotel De Seze, 4-star)

Paris Extension (Following cruise charter, July 26th to 29th)

Three nights at the Hotel des Grands Hommes

Breakfast each morning

“Comfort Class” Rail ticket from Bordeaux to Paris

Transfers from Paris Rail Station to Hotel

Two Day Pass on Paris Metro

Two Day Paris Museum Pass

Evening sightseeing cruise on the Seine

Transfers from Hotel to Charles de Gaulle Airport

Single Price $1495 Double price $1165 per person

Cruise Pricing

Pricing for the all-inclusive week in Bordeaux are shown here. Prices are shown per person based on two guests occupying a stateroom.

These prices include the cruise fare, port taxes, all shipboard gratuities, round trip airport transfers (from Bordeaux on embarkation and disembarkation day only), Uniworld shore excursions, all meals aboard, and all beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks.

This Bordeaux Charter Cruise event represents a savings of 6%-7% off the lowest published brochure rates. Singles pay 200% of the double cost, less $140 port taxes. See pricing details for discount options. Category 3 $3,284.00 per person

12 Cabins are available in this category. Located on

Champagne Deck, these staterooms offer 151 square

feet of space. Located at the water line, these lower

level staterooms are equipped with portholes. Category 2 $4,284.00 per person

26 Cabins are available in this category. Located on

Burgundy Deck, these staterooms are 151 square feet

with a picture window. Category 1 $4,934.00 per person

26 cabins are available in this category. Equipped

with a French balcony, these staterooms offer 140

square feet of interior space.

Guests can reduce their cruise costs by taking advantage of an early booking offer or opting to pay by check in lieu of credit card: Early booking discount is $800 per stateroom, provided initial deposit ($2000 per stateroom) is received by February 28, 2014. Early booking discount is reduced to $400 per stateroom from February 28th to June 30th, 2014. Additional discount for check payment is determined by category. Check Discount is:

$400 per cabin category 1 $350 per cabin, category 2 $260 per stateroom for category 3

Traveling to France

River Royale departs from the city of Bordeaux, about one hour flying time or 3½ hours by high-speed train from Paris. Many of our guests will be coming from the Pacific Northwest, so these particular details apply to flights departing from Seattle. If you require assistance departing from any other city, please let me know. Air France/Delta offer flights from Seattle via Paris to Bordeaux Departs SEA at 3:30 pm, arrives the next morning at CDG 10:55 am. Connecting flights depart CDG for BOD at 1:00 pm, with an arrival in Bordeaux at 2:15 pm. KLM offers flights from Seattle via Amsterdam to Bordeaux Departs SEA at 6:10 pm, arrives AMS the next day at 1:00 pm. Connecting flight departs AMS at 2:30, with and arrival in Bordeaux at 4:10 pm. If you want to entertain the notion of inexpensive business class, you may want to consider a round trip to Paris via Icelandair. For about $2,700 round trip, less than half most other carriers, you can enjoy larger seats, more leg room, and great service in their SAGA Class. They offer a free stopover in Iceland (strongly recommended if you have the time) either direction for no additional fees. Flights departing Bordeaux for the west coast of the US depart at a very early hour. You may want to consider the Paris extension or simply staying in central Paris or near the airport to avoid a pre-dawn departure from the ship. Flights to Paris, with train connection to Bordeaux will provide many more options and will very likely be less expensive that flying to Bordeaux.

Estimated flight costs to Bordeaux (Actual schedules and rates are available in mid-September 2014) Northwest Travel Service will guarantee that group airfare costs will not exceed $1800 per person from the West Coast of the United States to Bordeaux or will cover the difference. Air fares from the East Coast of the US will generally be $300-$400 less than the west coast. Cost of airfare round trip to Paris will not exceed $1600 and will include rail transportation on TGV trains from Paris to Bordeaux round trip. Participants are welcome to arrange their own airfare using mileage or points, and meet the group in Bordeaux. Assistance will be provided to anyone coming from any other region of the US, Europe or the UK.

Paying for your trip

Cruise payments Northwest Travel accepts personal check, Visa or Mastercard for payment. We do not accept American Express or Discover Cards. Please make checks payable to Northwest Travel Service. The initial deposit is $2000 per cabin. Additional discounts are available (at final payment) for those guests wishing to pay by check. The discount, per cabin, is $400 for category 1, $350 for category 2, and $260 for category 3. Balance of payment for the cruise is due by January 15th, 2015. Check payments must be received by that date. If the initial deposit was paid by credit card, the balance of payment will be charged on or soon after this date, unless prior arrangements are made.

Normandy Cruise July 12th to 19th A seven day cruise departing round trip from Paris to Normandy. Visit the D-day Beaches, sample a taste of Calvados, tour Monet’s Garden at Giverny, and celebrate Bastille Day with friends on board ship. Ports of call includes Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, and Andelys. The ship is Uniworld’s River Baroness, a slightly more intimately sized vessel than the River Royale. Passengers cruising both weeks enjoy a discount on each cruise by combining tours. The deposit required for the combination cruise is $1300 per person.

Pre-cruise and post-cruise payments Deposits for optional stays in France, before or after the charter cruise, are due at time of reservation.

Bordeaux 3-night stay July 16th to 19th $300 deposit (per person) confirms the Bordeaux stay. Balance is due March 15, 2015

Paris 3-night stay July 26th to 29th $300 deposit (per person) confirms the Paris extension. Balance is due March 15, 2015

Airfare payments Air schedule information will be posted by September 15th, 2014. Air schedules and fares released by the airlines 330 days from the actual travel date. When air schedules are confirmed, guests will be asked to choose a flight option. A deposit of $300 will be required at the time the air option is selected and confirmed.

About Uniworld Cruises and River Royale

For over 35 years, Uniworld has brought its guests a unique and rich travel experience, navigating the rivers of Europe and beyond. And in this grand tradition, River Royale sets out to elevate cruising to an art form. The newly remodeled ship, with accommodations for just 130 people, is a study of elegance and style, and fosters a personalized, intimate environment from which you will enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Staterooms feature lavish linens and luxury beds, marble bathrooms, spacious closets, and modern infotainment centers with flat-panel televisions and complimentary movie options. Of course, the river view and private French balcony are the truly outstanding features to love. The ship's Renoir Lounge has a full-service bar and dance floor, and a cozy library invites peace and quiet whenever you need it. Wireless internet access, a fitness center, and the pampering services of Serenity River Spa are just a few of the other amenities that complete your onboard experience with River Royale.

About Northwest Travel Service

The agency was established in 1984 with three partners who attended the University of Washington. The agency’s focus for the first few years was commercial travel for small to medium sized companies in the Greater Puget Sound area. Group and leisure travel became a focal point of the business in the early 90s, with group travel for University of Washington football fans to road games and year end bowl games. The leisure and group side of the business became more important following the collapse of the industry which began when airlines stopped paying commissions to agencies for reservations and ticketing. The impact on travel after the events of 9/11 doomed the corner travel agency. Northwest Travel Service is now owned and operated by its managing partner, Brad Cilley. Having taken tens of thousands of Washington Husky fans and Seattle Mariner Fans to ballparks and stadiums around the country, the business focus has shifted once again to special interest groups built around an interest in gardens, wine, cuisine, photography, and history. Brad has over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, coordinating tours to England, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, China and other destinations. Ocean and particularly river cruise is another group travel focus. The Bordeaux program outlined here is the second French river cruise charter developed by Northwest Travel. The Viking Neptune was filled with Washington wine lovers for seven days on the Rhone River in July 2005.

Cancellation and refund policy

Typically these tours are nonrefundable once deposit or final payment is made. That being said, if it is in my power to replace cancelled parties with new travelers, I will do so with a minimal charge. Please see below about travel insurance information. If you must cancel: If you can find someone to take your place on the cruise, we will make arrangements to substitute with little to no fee. If airline tickets are involved, there isn’t much flexibility. Name changes are not allowed. Typically, the more time we have to work with a situation, the more flexibility we have. If the charter is sold out and a waiting list is in place, there should be no problem accommodating a refund. Trip cancellation insurance The decision to invest in cancellation insurance is a personal one. The costs have risen dramatically over the past 10 years to the point that I no longer recommend it. There are many travelers who would never consider making a commitment like this without some assurance that they could receive a portion of the investment returned to them should cancellation become necessary. The cost of travel insurance ranges between 6% and 10% of the total price of your travel costs. Insurance costs increase with the age of the traveler. You will be asked to list the full costs of your travel program. This includes air fare, hotel, ground transportation, and the cruise. You need only insure for funds that are paid in advance. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, some policies will cover for this if you purchase your policy immediately after making your first deposit. There are currently two companies that I can recommend for travel insurance. Rates are generally within a few dollars of each other. I specifically leave others off this list due to past claim problems. CSA Travel Protection and Travelex are two companies that have worked well in the past.

CSA Travel Protection www.csatravelprotection.com Travelex Travel Insurance www.travelexinsurance.com

Links

Bordeaux Tourism http://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com Paulliac http://www.pauillac-medoc.com/ Bergerac http://www.pays-de-bergerac.com Saint Émilion http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/ River Royale http://uniworld.com/boutique-ships/europe/river-royale#ad-image-1 Libourne Tourism http://www.libourne-tourisme.com/ Paul Gregutt http://www.paulgregutt.com/ Waitsburg Cellars http://www.waitsburgcellars.com/ Hotel des Grands Hommes (Paris) http://www.hoteldesgrandshommes.com Hotel De Seze http://www.hotel-de-seze.com/ Hotel Majestic (Bordeaux) http://www.hotel-majestic.com CSA Travel Protection http://www.csatravelprotection.com/ Travelex http://www.travelexinsurance.com/

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions… Is this an escorted tour? A representative from Northwest Travel will be on board the ship for the week as well as the pre-cruise and post-cruises stay in France to provide assistance along the tour. If issues arise that need assistance, you will be advised how to reach this person. What should I pack? Is there a dress code? Dress Code will be casual. Bring a jacket and tie if you like, but it’s not expected. Bring a light rain coat. If you’re from the northwest, you probably have 3 of these in your closet. Comfortable clothing is the key. You’ll be walking on cobbled streets and uneven ground, perhaps after a glass of wine or two. Make sure you break in your walking shoes before you travel. What sort of weather should I expect? Weather in the region is similar to Seattle, perhaps a little wetter, but warmer. July in Bordeaux has an average of 17 days with some rain. On average, rainfall is about 1.85 inches for the month. The average high temperature is 82 degrees. The average low is 60 degrees. I haven’t spoken French since high school. Will this be an issue? Tour guides to chateaux and vineyards will speak English. English speaking guides will also lead shore excursions from the ship during the cruise week. Outside of an occasional “Bonjour” or “Merci”, you will not necessarily need to have a working knowledge of French. July is Tour de France month. Will we see any of this? If the Tour de France event comes close to our itinerary an excursion will be offered to view the spectacle of the Caravan as well as the cyclists. Le Tour route and dates are usually published within a few weeks of the previous years’ tour. The Tour runs for three weeks, beginning in late June or early July with a course that always ends at the Champs Elysees in Paris. I arranged to take a small group to see a tour stage in Provence a few years ago. The circus that surrounds le Tour, and the riders itself, make for a worthwhile experience. Details for this option will be presented in early 2015. I have food allergies. Can these be addressed? The cruise line can work around allergies. If you have gluten, shellfish or other allergies, please include this information in the registration process so that the cruise line can be notified. What about gratuities? Typically cruise lines provide a guideline for tipping shipboard staff and crew, including your cabin steward, the dining room staff, and all the people behind the scenes. Your gratuities are included in the Bordeaux cruise price. For tour guides, the suggested gratuity is a couple Euros per person for a ½ day tour, doubled for a full day tour. No need to tip in restaurants, though you can always leave your change or “round up”. 15% is automatically added (service compris) to adequately compensate the wait staff.

What’s the difference in cabins on the ship? Cabins are virtually the same size across categories, though the French Balconies in category 1 reduce the interior cabin space somewhat. The Category 1 cabins have sliders that open onto a French (narrow) Balcony. Category 2 cabins have picture windows (they don’t open) for a panorama of the river. Category 3 cabins are equipped with a porthole (does not open) and is ideal for guests on a budget that don’t plan to spend much time in their cabins. Cabins are for sleeping. There are many public areas, both inside and out, to read, relax and meet other passengers. The ship isn’t large enough to be concerned too much with cabin placement. You can walk from one end of the ship to the other in minutes. Do I need to worry about motion issues on the ship? Unlike ocean-going cruise ships, there is virtually no side to side or rocking motion on the river. I’ve taken many groups on river cruises and have yet to experience a problem with motion sickness. Questions inevitably arise related to currency exchange. At this time of this writing, the dollar has been pegged at about 1.35 dollars to the Euro. To buy one Euro, you will spend about $1.35. What’s the best way to get Euros? This will be discussed in much greater detail in your final documentation. I recommend the ATM machines for the best access to local currency. You get a good rate, the machines are almost everywhere, and you can get only the amount of cash to last you for a day or two. You can also purchase Euros in the US before you go, but you pay a premium for this. Traveler’s checks and converting US Dollars overseas have gone the way of the Dodo. Many banks (if you can get to one that’s open) will only accept dollars in pristine condition. Your travel documents will include a great deal of information related to overseas travel in general and this itinerary in particular. Topics will include packing tips, currency exchange, basic French, local customs, food and drink, telephone options, electrical current, Personal safety, shopping, and much more. If you have any questions that I have not covered here, please either call me at 425 313 1691 (8-5, Monday through Friday) or email me at [email protected]. If you reach my voicemail, let me know specifically what you need and I will respond right away.

To make a reservation:

You may either reserve online or complete this form (one form per cabin) to remit to Northwest Travel at the address below:

Contact name ___________________________

Mailing address ___________________________

___________________________

Daytime telephone ___________________________ email contact ___________________________

Passenger name (1) ___________________________as appears on passport/ DOB ______________

Passenger name (2) ___________________________ as appears on passport/ DOB ______________

Legal name and date of birth are required by the cruise line and airline.

Cruise cabin category requested ____________ (If you would like to request a specific cabin, please indicate that)

Options:

Pre-cruise Bordeaux stay _____ Hotel De Seze _____ Hotel Majestic

Post cruise Paris stay _____ Hotel des Grands Hommes

Normandy cruise _____

Air Travel (please select one)

I plan to make my own air travel arrangements _____

I would like to travel with NW Travel group flights _____

My preference for carriers is _______________________

Payment: Check _____ Visa/Mastercard __________________________________ exp ______

If billing address differs than mailing address, please indicate this

Free form area for comments, suggestions, questions ____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Northwest Travel Service 4271 257th Place SE Issaquah, WA. 98029 425 313 1691 [email protected]