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June 26, 2014

Bordeaux from the river on a Uniworld Cruise

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I recently went on my very first river cruise as the guest of Uniworld Cruises. This cruise took me back to my favorite French city, Bordeaux, where I was able to visit some places I fell in love with during my previous visit to the region.

I was traveling on my own, a strange experience in an environment where most travelers are there as couples or families. And unlike the bigger cruise ships, these cruises are less crowded, making the entire experience even more intimate.

We sailed on the River Royale and set off from Bordeaux on an 8-day excursions to wineries, chateaus, and villages in and around Pauillac, Blaye, Bergerac, Saint-Emilion, Cadillac, and back to Bordeaux.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Cruising, as I have experienced on bigger ships has been fun, but not always my favorite experience. River cruising is a bit different from the cruise ship experience…and a luxury river cruise, such as the one I was on, was unlike anything I imagined.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelWhat I most enjoyed about cruising with Uniworld was the level of service and attention to detail. Everything, from transfers to the airport to help in coordinating transportation back to the train station, was done for me. And when the trains were on strike during the day of my departure from Bordeaux our Cruise Manager, Katell Le Bourdonnec, made sure that she got as much up-to-date information for all who could be affected.

uniworld cruise_girlgonetravelEric Christophe, Hotel Manager; Katell Le Bourdonnec, Cruise Manager; and First Captain Emmanuel Quendera.

Chef Frederic and Pastry Chef Delfina made sure we were fed plenty, and well. Which brings me to what else I enjoyed about the cruise: the food. I had some of the best food on this cruise, with authentic dishes such as fish and foie gras, local cheeses, pasta dishes, desserts, soups…the list goes on and on. Chef even got me to taste rabbit! And yes, it was delicious.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelExecutive Chef Frederic and Pastry Chef Delfina.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel

Dinner here was an experience, complimented only by the endless amount of wines we got to taste daily, not only during the already included excursions, but also served to us by Sommelier Liviu.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelWe never went thirsty with Sommelier Liviu on duty.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelThe dining service team provided friendly, professional service every time. 

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelOur awesome tour guides Pauline, Martin, and Janneke, with Cruise Manager Katell, gave us the 411 on all there is to know about every single destination we visited.

My state cabin was a joy for me as I spent much time in it working. The views of the river and coastal towns as we sailed were calming and I found myself really enjoying the overall experience.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel

I also enjoyed the excursions. All the various places we visited, the activities we did and the tours and tour guides where a lot of fun.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelSunset in Bordeaux

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelMid-afternoon in Bergerac

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelHot afternoon in Pauillac City

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravelStrolling in Saint-Emilion

If I had to say that there was something I didn’t enjoy as much it would be that I was on the cruise alone and though I was able to get work done, I found that this is something best enjoyed with a loved one or friend. As far as little kids, well, I wouldn’t really recommend it. This particular cruise was heavy on the wine and wineries, so not really appropriate for little ones. And though there were some younger people on the cruise I was on, the majority of the people on board were a lot older. The activities onboard and off really don’t lend themselves to families with little kids, so it’s not worth the investment for travel with them.

uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel uniworld cruises_girlgonetravel

I could go on and on about my opinion on the overall cruise experience, but I thought that it would be more interesting to let you hear what other passengers had to say. All that alone time allowed me to connect with many of the passengers and get to hear about their opinion as well as their river cruising experiences.

Here are some of the fun people I met while cruising:

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelDickens, Ida, Stefenny and Bryan from Hong Kong traveled to France for the 2014 French Open and decided to extend their trip with a Uniworld Cruise. They took advantage of everything the cruise offered both on and off shore, proving that even younger, more active adult travelers will find plenty to do.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelFaye, from Idaho, traveled with her niece Meghan, from California. Says Faye, “Because of my motion sickness I’ve never cruised, but I haven’t felt it at all here. Everything was done to perfection. The service and staff were incredible.” Trying to get a quote from Meghan was harder, because she was always either out touring, or biking, or hiking, or making new friends.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelKate and Kevin, from Texas, were celebrating their 25 year wedding anniversary! When I asked them what they thought about the Uniworld Cruise, a first for them, they said they thought the cruise had a “very attentive staff, excellent food, and wine”. They also enjoyed they excursions, which they said were “pleasant” and felt they had a “very relaxing week”.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelRose and Domenic, from Montreal, had previously traveled with Uniworld Cruises and had endless praise not only for the cruise line, but also for the captain, whom they had cruised with in the past. 

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelDebbie and Doug, from California, where doing what they enjoy doing best: travel together. This fun and loving couple were such a joy to hang around with and their free spirit and adventurous energy was contagious. They told me they had a really great time and even after the post cruise trip was cancelled, they booked it anyway and went on to more fun adventures afterwards.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelA family representing three generations, they are: Karen and Bob (grandparents), Raymond (uncle), Gary and Julie (husband and wife), Zoe and Raymond (children). Often times they did things as a group, but sometimes they were just as comfortable doing their own thing. Such a beautiful gift, not only for them, but for those of us who loved watching such a great family enjoying travel together. They really made the most of the experience.

Uniworld Cruise_girlgonetravelArno and Astrid, from Germany, were honeymooners on the cruise. They spent a lot of their time doing their own thing, and though I didn’t get to speak to them too much to give them space, they were gracious enough to allow me to capture this beautiful moment, which to me says it all.

Thank you to all the Uniworld Cruise guests and cruise team members who allowed me to capture them through my photography, for sharing their smiles, their stories, and most of all, their friendship.

To see more on the adventure, check out the Instagram story on River Cruising Through Bordeaux with Uniworld.

 

Photography is property of the publisher and may not be used without consent of GirlGoneTravel.com

 

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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10 Comments
  • thebritishberliner
    June 27, 2014

    What a fantastic trip Carol. It looks divine but I particularly liked your photos and interviews of the other guests and travellers on board!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      thebritishberliner
      June 27, 2014

      Thank you so much! I enjoyed those too.

      Reply
  • Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
    June 27, 2014

    Ah Carol, I’ve followed your trip with much interest – looks amazing! I’ve never been on any type of cruise but I can imagine this might be something I would enjoy 😉 I’m so excited to check out the Bergerac area later this summer (I’m in Gascony right now – *waves*) – your photos are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
      June 27, 2014

      I have to say this is one cruise I have been on where I have felt that it was worth every single penny. You will LOVE Bergerac (I hope you read my post – I linked to it above). Also, make sure to eat at Montaurde Restaurant on Rue des Fontaines in Bergerac. AMAZING! I had the risotto with some local white wine. To die for! Can\’t wait to hear more about your trip! I am following it online!

      Reply
  • Raymond
    June 28, 2014

    This cruise was fantastic. Love your account of it. One could not describe it better. A very special thanks to the entire crew of the River Royal, the cruise guides who really went out of their way and the managers who made sure that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of us on board.

    You delivered the right words and great photographs to enjoy this cruise all over again. Thank you!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Raymond
      June 29, 2014

      Thank you so much Raymond!

      Reply
  • Pat
    July 2, 2014

    Took this cruise in April & loved it. I was traveling by myself & found many of the other passengers were single. Made a lot of friends & hope to do another Uniworld cruise next year. The attention to detail on the ship was wonderful

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Pat
      July 2, 2014

      Thanks so much Pat for sharing about your experience!

      Reply
  • Shawna Katie Bohn
    July 3, 2014

    As a River Cruise Specialist, I really enjoyed this review of your experience. And I’m passing it along to my clients who are eagerly awaiting their own Uniworld River Cruise. Thanks especially for the profiles of your fellow passengers — what a wonderfully thoughtful touch!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Shawna Katie Bohn
      July 3, 2014

      Thank you!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

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I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

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If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

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