We have finally arrived! We were a half hour late leaving Dulles because of a minor mechanical issue. Initially I was somewhat concerned but we had an almost four hour layover in Brussels so I figured that it would be OK.
The Brussels airport was not bad at all. The lines getting through immigration were somewhat long, but moved well. It was a fair walk to get to where we needed to be to catch our connecting flight. By the time we walked that and got checked in for our next flight, we had about a two hour wait which really wasn’t bad at all.
From there it was 1.5 hour flight down to Marseille France. That went really smooth. We got off the plane and down the jet ramp, down an escalator and there was baggage claim. Got our bags, and walked around the corner and into the waiting area where two folks from Viking were waiting for us. Took us out too the waiting bus with about a dozen people on it, and away we went for ‘Avignon.
The bus ride was just over an hour and we arrived at the ship about 3pm, a little earlier than I had anticipated. My initial impression of the crew is great, very outgoing and most seem to have a good command of English.
Avignon is also known as the “City of Popes” and offers one of the most dramatic approaches on the Rhone river. The Palais de Papes was built by Benedict XII, and stood as the center of the Christian world during much of the14th century.
Seven popes reigned from Avignon, and despite their short stay (just 70 years) this center of Christianity drew merchants, artists, bankers, and those seeking refuge. Gregory XI returned church rule to Rome in 1377.I may not be able to post any pictures, as the internet connection is very slow, but I will give it a try.
Would you be willing to share anymore pictures? Do you have any of the interior of the Royale. We are cruising on the 23rd of June. Also, what can you tell me about the laundry...cost? availability? Thank you for any information you can share.
ReplyDeleteIf you mean the interior of our room, sorry I do not. They are adequate however, in size and stowage capability. Laundry is available but it is quite expensive. For this short of a cruise, we simply bring enough clothes to last the cruise length, so laundry is not an issue for us. I haven't finished going through my pictures yet, but will provide a link when I am done.
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