Since I posted a couple of times in the 2017 thread about our Paris to Normandy river cruise next July, thought I would start the 2018 version. Never too early to plan!! I planned that cruise through Avalon Waterways. I'm also planning to book flights soon as the calendar allows (one year in advance). I don't like to leave anything to chance. It's a surprise for the +1, who only knows we are going on an Art and Impressionism trip (art historian on board) and the dates, but not the country or that it is a river cruise. I may have to tell him 30 days in advance (due to security clearance requirements), but hoping to just show up at Dulles the day of departure.

The wife of a couple we are close to asked me about joining us on the cruise since she has always wanted to do a river cruise, too. She wanted me to suggest it to the husband, since she thought coming from me he was more likely to say yes. He's somewhat a creature of habit and she wanted him to think outside the box. Guess it worked, since I suggested it about a month ago, and she is booking their cruise today.