"NAPOLEON"

This is "Napoleon" our home for the past 6-days. She was launched 24 years ago in May 1991 but does not look her age at all. There are 6 rooms for 12 passengers, plus a crew of 5 including John the Scottish Skipper, his jack-of-all-trades French Assistant Julian, 2 Service Staff Kate from England & Susanna from Slovakia who rotate between F&B and Room Service, both immaculate, the Sommelier Poppy who is English but born and raised in France whose French is melodic, who doubles up as our very able Tour Director and lastly, my trusted new friend in the kitchen Chef Robert from Budapest with a sterling record across Europe but who wants a change of pace from hectic service in a busy restaurant to peace-and-quiet on the Napoleon where he is the proverbial one-man-band.

The living and dining areas, as shown, are ample. The room is a bit tight, as expected in a river barge, but the bathroom and shower are comfortable. Our group has known each other for donkey years, we have traveled together many times but to be able to sit around the same table 3 meals a day, plus time together on tours, for quiet reading and WiFi moments in the salon for a whole week can still be a challenge.

So far, no incidents and no casualties after 9 days including 3 in Paris ... all smiles, still, wonderful!