Chose Avalon again because of the classy way they handled the low water situation on the Rhine when we went last year and were sure their professionalism and high quality would not disappoint...and they did not! We love Avalon's staterooms and their well organized shore trips as well as the quality of the staff, food...I guess everything! We traveled with my 80+ year old parents who are still very spry (my husband and I are 57 and 61) and the pace of the trip was great for all of us. We enjoyed the combination of busy shore tripping with leisurely cruising along the Seine when we could enjoy the ship and the scenery. We chose the Seine because of the opportunity to visit the beaches, Giverny, the little towns along the way and of course, Paris. The Seine trip is nice as, apart from the unavoidable long drive to the Normandy beach memorials, the shore excursions did not require much in the way of buses. Besides the WWII memorial trip, the only trip that was longer was the optional trip to Honfluers, and that was only 45 mins, I believe. We loved the ability to explore the towns and leisurely walk back to the ship ourselves. The local guides were very good. We especially liked the ones who grew up in the towns we visited and told us cute stories of their experiences. We really enjoyed the onboard crepe lunch and pastry demonstration, both very fun and resulting in delicious treats to eat while enjoying the cruise. Cruise Director Gail was exceptional as well. She was warm, funny, organized and just all around a wonderful director. Because of her shopping guidance in Rouen, I came home with significantly heavier luggage and fewer euros! My parents, when arriving on the Tapestry II, both commented how it was like being at your favorite vacation home! We stayed a couple of extra days in Paris post-cruise, and we stayed at a lovely 4+ star hotel, yet my mom commented, "if this is a 4+ star hotel, then the Avalon is a 7 star!" I think that sums up the service and quality. And one last thing...my parents fell in love with Edourd in the dining room and insisted on getting to dinner asap so that we could sit in his section.