Avalon Creativity
Ship Facts
Ship's Registry: Germany
Passenger Capacity: 140
Crew Members: 39
Year Built: 2009
Length: 361 feet
Passenger Decks: 3
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Paris to Normandy
France All-Lesbian River Cruise 2016
July 26 – August 2, 2016
Avalon Waterways Avalon Creativity
Combine a visit to one of the world's most beautiful cities with quaint villages along the Seine, the picturesque and historic Normandy region, French cuisine and the company of the women of Olivia and you have an incredible trip. We'll embark in Paris for seven wonderful nights on board the Avalon Creativity.
In Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny or magnificent Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versaille. Then it is on to Joan of Arc's birthplace, historic Rouen, where you can visit its medieval quarter and Gothic Cathedral.
Rouen is also our base for touring the historic Normandy D-Day beaches or a fascinating "Taste of Normandy" tour. Continue to Les Andelys, a medieval town that is one of the most beautiful places in France.
Before returning to Paris, we visit Conflans, where you can choose a visit to Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise, or to Napoleon and Josephine's elegant Chateau de Malmaison. In Paris, our tour will include with all of the must-see sights (L'Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and La Louvre).
Your Ship - Avalon Creativity
Enjoy unmatched service, sumptuous cuisine, panoramic views, first-class amenities, and spacious staterooms as you cruise on the Avalon Creativity. Carrying a maximum of just 140 passengers, the Creativity offers staterooms that are a full 15% larger than the industry standard-with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks-so you'll be comfortable, relaxed, and fully engaged with the passing countryside. From a Fitness Center and hair salon to complimentary Internet Corner and free Wi-Fi access throughout the ship, the Creativity was built with an impressive collection of remarkable amenities to enhance your journey. The whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing, while the self-serve beverage station serves up complimentary premium cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, teas, and more throughout the day.
Some of the features and amenities you'll enjoy onboard:
• Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
• Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
• Sky Deck with shade awnings
• Sky Deck whirlpool
• Non-smoking interior
• Elevator
• Elegant, contemporary design
• Outside viewing deck
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
• Friendly, English-speaking crew
• Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
• Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
• Revolutionary engineering
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Internet Corner
• Fitness Center
• Hair salon (manicures available)
• Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Onboard movie nights
• Avalon Choice cruising experience
• Behind-the-scenes ship tour
• Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options
• Use of Nordic walking sticks
• Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
• English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
• Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
• Sky Deck game area
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• Well-stocked library
• Fresh fruit available throughout the day
• Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life
Dining:
Avalon offers a wonderful buffet service for breakfast and lunch, with an opportunity to order from a menu as well. Evenings are an elegant sit-down service, offering several entrees, including specialty cheeses from the region offered as a dessert option, as well as a French specialty each evening. A three-course French meal will be served one night during the trip.
Most special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Please let us know at the time of your reservation, or no later than 90 days prior to departure. Make sure you attend our "Special Needs" meeting on the first day to meet with our Special Needs Coordinator and Chef.
• Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
• Captain's reception with sparkling wine & canapés
• Welcome dinner
• Five-course farewell dinner
• Spacious, open-seating dining room
• Daily early-riser breakfast
• Daily late-riser breakfast
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine and made-to-order egg station
• Complimentary juices with breakfast
• Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck
• Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
• Lunch buffet with carving and pasta stations
• Breakfast buffets with foods that are low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
• Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
• Social hour and drink specials in Panorama Lounge
• Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
• Chef-inspired regional & Western recipes
• Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
• Complimentary wines, beer, or soft drinks with dinner
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunches
• Night Fare served at 10:30 pm
• Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
• Upscale bar serving premium spirits
• Healthy meal options
• Tastings - sample the destination's famous delicacies
• Coffee or tea after dinner
• Alternative light lunch
All cabins are comfortably appointed with:
• 172 sq. ft. staterooms, one of the largest on the river
• Most with sliding glass doors
• Air conditioning
• Safe
• Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors and generous L'Occitane toiletries
• LCD flat-screen satellite TV with movie channels
• Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage
• Personal safe
• Non-allergenic Egyptian-style duvets & pillows
• Comfortable deluxe beds with premium mattress covers
• Bottled water replenished daily
• The Comfort Collection Beds
What is included?
• Transfer from our host hotel in Paris to the ship on embarkation day, July 26, 2016
• Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on one of the finest riverboat cruises in Europe
• All meals while on board, each dinner featuring a French entree
• A 3-course French dinner one night on board
• Pastry demonstration
• Optional Wine Tasting
• Cheeses from the regions each evening as a dessert option
• Local wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and soft drinks during lunch
• Coffee, tea, juices during all meals
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and internet corner
• Bottled water replenished in cabin daily
• Included sightseeing tours in each port
• Gratuities to ship crew & Avalon Cruise Director
• Two Olivia entertainers and Olivia programming
• Olivia Staff assistance throughout
What's not included?
• Airfare
• Transfer from Paris airport to host hotel on July 26, 2016
• Transfer from ship to airport on August 2, 2016
• Optional tours
• Porterage at host hotel in Paris before included transfer to the ship (if not on our hotel stretcher package when dropping off luggage)
• Additional bottled water and soft drinks (except where indicated)
• Tips to local guides
• Ship services and incidentals such as salon services, fax, nominal charge for room service (continental breakfast only), soft drinks and alcohol
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Paris to Normandy
France Lesbian Cruise Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 26 Jul |
Paris, France |
D |
| 27 Jul |
Vernon – Les Andelys |
B, L, D |
| 28 Jul |
Caudebec, France |
B, L, D |
| 29 Jul |
Caudebec, France |
B, L, D |
| 30 Jul |
Rouen, France |
B, L, D |
| 31 Jul |
Conflans – Paris |
B, L, D |
| 01 Aug |
Paris, France |
B, L, D |
| 02 Aug |
Paris, France |
B |
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Arrive into Paris prior to 2:00pm. Shuttle from the Paris host hotel to the ship is included and will depart at approximately 3:30pm. The ship is approximately 20 minutes from the host hotel.
Flights can depart at any time on August 2, as the ship will overnight in Paris on August 1. Debarkation will end at 9:00am.
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Paris, France
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
 Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine, the "City of Light," where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise and meet your Olivia staff and ship's crew at an evening welcome reception. Before dinner, your ship glides smoothly out of Paris.
Vernon – Les Andelys
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
 This morning in Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Giverny and a visit to Bizy Castle. Claude Monet lived at Giverny for almost 43 years (1883-1926), and viewed his flower and water gardens as works of art—just like his paintings. See his collection of Japanese prints, his charming house, and his biggest sources of inspiration. Or, visit Bizy Castle, built in 1740 and nicknamed "Normandy's Versailles." It is known for its famous stables—inspired by those at Versailles—and its magnificent courtyard and water garden. After lunch, join an onboard pastry demonstration before your ship arrives in Les Andelys, situated on a bend of the Seine and one of the most beautiful places in France. Join a Local Guide for a guided walk of the town, visiting the Parish Church of Le Grand Andely. Imposing Château Gaillard, built by England's King Richard the Lionheart as a fortress in 1196, is seen above the town. Constructed in only a year, it is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.
Caudebec
Thursday, July 28, 2016
 Today, either join an excursion along the Route des Chaumières to see some of Normandy's charming and traditional half-timbered houses with their long, sloping thatched roofs, often sporting blue wooden doors and window shutters, or visit Jumièges Abbey, a former Benedictine Abbey church considered one of the most ancient and important monasteries in the western world. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or to join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur. Before dinner, you may wish to attend an onboard lecture about D-Day.
Caudebec
Friday, July 29, 2016
 Make your choice today between an included full-day excursion to the historic Normandy landing beaches—with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery—or a "Taste of Normandy" tour for an in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple brandy you'll have the chance to taste at a local distillery. And, for a touch of history, visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Rouen
Sarurday, July 30, 2016
 Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy, is an important commercial city perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the included guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and take your pictures of the intricate Gros Horloge astronomical clock, dating back to the 16th century. Visit the gothic cathedral, which was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Conflans – Paris
Sunday, July 31, 2016
 After breakfast you may either join our included guided excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine's Château de Malmaison just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." This evening, arrive in Paris.
Paris, France
Monday, August 1, 2016
 Known as one of the world's most romantic and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, you may wish to join a guided walk through historic IÎe St. Louis with its narrow one-way streets, and IÎe de la Cité, the center of Paris where the medieval city was founded and home to Notre Dame Cathedral. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacré Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife, and an optional outing to one of the world's most famous cabaret shows, the Moulin Rouge, might make the perfect finale to your Seine cruise vacation.
Paris, France (Disembarkation)
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Traveler Info
Being Gay in France
"Gay Paris" isn't just a saying! France became the thirteenth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2013. France is very gay-friendly.
Food
Traditional French cuisine includes foie gras, truffles, confits, pastries, breads, croissants, crepes, cassoulet, fruit tarts, and beef bourguignon. Just about everything they cook is amazing! Cheese is a specialty; Brie, Roquefort and Camembert (from the Normandy region) are the most well-known.
Languages
French, English
Travel documentation and identification
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. You DO NOT need to get a visa for travel to France. If you are not a U.S., or EU citizen, please check with both your country's consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Where to fly into/out of
You will need to fly in and out of Paris, France (CDG). We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our pre-trip stretcher to enjoy all Paris has to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Suggested arrival/departure times
Pre-Trip Extension – July 26, 2016
We will be offering a 1- and 2-night pre-trip extension July 25-26 and July 24-26, 2016 in Paris. Arrive into Paris by 1:00pm, but note the rooms may not be available for check-in until 3:00pm. We will do everything possible to get you into your rooms when you arrive, but this is completely up to the hotel's occupancy/cleaning schedule.
Cruise embarkation – July 26, 2016
Arrive into Paris prior to 2:00pm. Please DO NOT book arrivals after 2:00 pm on July 26! Shuttle from the Paris host hotel to the ship is included and will depart at approximately 3:30pm. The ship is approximately 20 minutes from the host hotel.
End of Cruise Departure out of Paris – August 2, 2016
Flights can depart at any time on August 2, as the ship will overnight in Paris on August 1. Debarkation will end at 9:00am.
Luggage allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For travel in Europe, we recommend no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on for ease of travel.
Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
Getting to the ship
Please note that the docking locations for the ship vary and are not easy for taxi drivers to find. For this reason, we are offering a direct transfer to the ship from our host hotel in Paris. More details will be given in final documents.
A taxi from the airport to the host hotel will run approximately €70-80, depending on traffic. If they do not have a meter, be sure this is negotiated beforehand.
Check-in
Embarkation and check-in will be available after 4 pm.
Host Hotel
The host hotel will be the same hotel we use for our 1- and 2-night pre packages. This will be announced approximately 9 months prior to the trip.
Electricity
The cabins have 220-volt electricity. Adapters for 220-volts should be European 2-round prongs.
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately €34 to €50.
Vernon / Les Andelys
Choice of guided excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle in the morning. Guided walking tour of Les Andelys in the afternoon.
Caudebec
Choice of guided excursions to Jumieges Abbey or along the Route des Chaumieres. The next day, choose between a full day excursion to the historic Normandy landing beaches or a "Taste of Normandy" tour including a Calvados tasting.
Rouen
Guided walk through the medieval town including stops at the Gros Horloge astronomical clock and the site of Joan of Arc's execution.
Conflans
Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine's Chateau de Malmaison.
Paris
Choice of guided sightseeing tour of the major sites by bus, or a guided walking tour through the Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite.
Optional Excursions (Additional Cost)
A final list will be sent with your final documents. You will sign up on board for any optional tour you might be interested in.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d', Avalon Cruise Director and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. Tips to your local guides on excursions are not included, and are recommended.
Below is a suggested guideline:
Local Guide: ½ day - €2-€3 or full day €4-€5
Bus driver: €1
Internet / e-mail / fax
Guests will be given an internet access code to use during the cruise. You may access the internet via the two public use computers in the ship lobby, or via your own laptop, tablet or phone. Please note that depending on our location along the river, internet service may be slow. Many of the towns we visit have wireless internet cafes, so if you have a laptop or tablet, you can also take advantage of the free internet cafes while having a coffee.
Laundry and dry cleaning
Laundry and pressing service is available. Dry cleaning is not available. Check on board for pricing.
Smoking policy
The Acalon Creativity has entirely non-smoking interiors and balconies. All indoor areas on board, including cabins, are non-smoking. Smoking area is in the back of the lounge, outdoors. We appreciate everyone's cooperation to keep the smoking area down-wind of the other passengers.
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
Transfers to the Paris Airport (CDG) can be arranged on board. We will be happy to arrange taxi service for you.
Vacation Stretchers
We have optional 1- and 2-night pre packages available to extend your visit in Paris. Please check the Vacation Stretcher page for more information.
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