I took an Expensive Trip to Paris 

I agree, it’s not enough time to visit Paris, but I live by this motto. “Better to have seen it once, than hear about it 100 times.” You are luckier than most to have seen Paris, even if it was on a drive by tour. Safe travels home!!

We love Paris. It's a tough place to visit by cruise ship. One day or even an overnight in Paris is tough. There is so much to do and see. Usually when we cruise in Europe, Paris is something we do before or after the cruise because we want to have 3-4 days to explore. Our issue with Europe is there is just so much to do and see. It's really hard to find a balance of enjoying a destination while not feeling too rushed at each destination. Glad you made it even though it was short Tony. ❤

You and Jenny B should take a land based vacation to Paris so that you can see more of the fantastic sights and museums! Paris is my favorites city in the world!

I love Tony. .how you have the "Sieze the day" attitude. We never know when opportunities knock twice. And as a viewer I don't know if I will ever make it to paris...so I appreciate the ride along ❤

I love the music playing on your ride!🎶

Tony, you're so cute being all excited to visit Paris for the 1st time 😃. Yes, it wasn't optimal, but I totally get your perspective that you had to go and see some sights (which you did!) because who knows when/if you'll get another opportunity - good for you to seize it! I would have done the same in those circumstances. Now you need to plan a land European trip for yourself and Jenny to savor Paris together... visit the Louvre, take a canal cruise on the Seine, check out Montmarte, take a day trip to Versailles, go to Giverny to see Monet's gardens & gravesite... all while savoring French food and wine 😉

We did a land tour combined with a cruise with Princess. Loved the entire trip. Look into it! Two nights in Budapest, two in Prague, Two in Vienna and two in Berlin, them a Baltic cruise. We still talk about every day, every tour, every experience. They say do not spend your money on things, but spend it on experiences. Be well everyone. 😀

Hi Tony. You're correct, you never know what the future holds. Having the chance to at least see all these things in person will be with you forever. (Even on a large motor coach). If the forces line up in the future you will be back. I also don't think the price was that crazy. Continued safe travels. As always thank you for all you do.

Tony, Having been to Paris a number of times, I would have chosen an excursion much closer to the port. Paris is meant to be slowly savored. Leisurely strolls in the spring or fall (jacket weather) without stress of having to see it all. One or two points of interest per day with delicious meals in between. Definitely a Tony & Jenny trip when you need a break from the Caribbean. Personally, we fly into Heathrow & take the Eurostar (highly recommended) into Paris & board in the St. Germain area of Paris. I hope you have an appetite to go back & take Jenny. The two of you will LOVE it.

I agree with your thoughts and think it's worth it if you've never been to Paris. We went on a cruise to China several years ago. We took an all-day excursion to the Great Wall. We spent several hours on the bus getting there and several hours on the bus getting back just to see this one landmark. Even though it was a long and tiring day, it was absolutely worth it. It was a bucket list destination. Tony, I've really enjoyed following your trip. Thanks

Your next big anniversary would be the perfect time to take the lovely Jenny B to Paris ♥️😘♥️

We have docked at Le Havre a couple of times with NCL. The trip to Paris is usually the highlight of the cruise for many North Americans. As a Brit, my wife and I have visited Paris a number of times, so have never taken the tour. We choose to spend the day in Honfleur. But seeing the exhausted returnees in the early evening makes us glad we can just pop over for a weekend. But talking to those that went, who may never get the opportunity again, I feel it’s definitely worth it to see this magical city.

I so love going with you virtually on your trips; glad you are making these. It's almost like being there. I LOVE seeing what you get to eat and the souvenirs you buy, too!

I am a guy who's in my late 60s and just went to Paris last year, and have been maybe 20 times in my life. To me, Paris is not about seeing sights - although there is no place like Paris for them - but rather submerging yourself into the Paris vibe - taking the time to slow down and discover yourself in the amazing time warp that is Paris. That's why a quick tour may be rewarding but it will never fill your heart like spending some time in Paris just sitting and watching life go by, wandering streets to discover amazing things, having incredible food experiences, or just meeting people who open you to new things you never thought about. I would highly recommend a week in Paris - but do not overschedule each day. Just go and discover.

Our cruise ship also went into Le Havre. A three hour bus ride into Paris. We decided to buy bus tickets that would take us to the Louvre. We passed on the museum and did a self walking tour. Loved it. Another family on the bus did the same thing. Unfortunately they took a taxi to get around the city. They got held up in heavy traffic. They were 45 minutes late returning to the bus for the ride back to the ship. Most of the people on the bus were not happy having to wait on them. Don’t think the ship was either. Cost $100.

At first I thought, "What, $249 for 10 hours on the bus!!!", but after listening to what you did see and what it meant to you, I think it was worth every penny. 👍😀

For that price, I would send a message to the vendor that they need to at least clean their windows. They could restructure their tour to at least make stops to take photos. Tell them you're a well known blogger and its to their benefit to make improvements if they want future business from your happy followers. 😊

As always, you have the best attitude when it comes to traveling: enjoy it…whatever it is. I once took the train from London to Paris just for the day (maybe 8 hours or so?). I bought a hop on/hop off bus ticket so I could get around and ended up touring Notre Dame, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, having a fabulous lunch in a charming cafe, shopping, and having excellent coffee and pastries before catching the train back to London. Most people would say it was a waste of time and money, but I had a fabulous day and that’s how I measure travel. Enjoy your next adventure, and thank you for taking us along with you! My family truly enjoys your videos.

I took this exact tour via Princess last summer. I agree with everything you said knowing I will probably never see Paris again. The day we were there the temperature was 100 degrees, there was no way I would have been able to see everything we did if not for an air conditioned bus.

As a first time visitor with very restricted time and little experience of Europe/France/Paris, I suspect the excursion was about as good as you could do. Someone with more experience this side of the pond could have taken the train in and back -- but that would still be a couple of hours travelling -- and selected 3 or 4 places to check out. But the Louvre is probably too big for a 'fly by'. Personally, I would have gone to the Muse d'Orsay and strolled on the Left Bank and Ste Germain du Pre. Taken the Metro to Notre Dame (worth a look even in its current sad state), gone up to Sacre Coeur and high tailed it back to the ship. Somewhere in there you would need to experience a pavement café for a coffee (proper, Fence style, expresso -- not American dish water!!) and a pastry but there might not be time for lunch. The cost would be similar but you would get more time 'on the loose'.

For someone who may never go to Paris your video footage and day experience footage was so great! Hi Don… lol!

Good day Tony!! Paris is simply magnificent!! We were in awe when we saw the size of the Eiffel Tower. I agree, anyone in their 20’a or 30’s or are Oder should definitely go to Paris. The countryside views are breathtaking. The Louvre will leave you speechless with all the fine art pieces. Oh we love Paris!! Merci!!!

Totally worth it! Hope you and Jenny B can get back to Paris together another time.

I can not wait to read what others have put...guilty of not reading tons of comments as in quite a few places of varied interest...what absolutely kills me is I think that probably group restaurant is the one I think...looked exactly like...one our French professsor took us to on our first 5 days in Paris ((for our big dinner and thanking we hoodlums for behaving and learning French politeness))....with her before moving on to Caen and our University time and home stays. What I just love is you have that deep appreciation and passion for the world...different places and cultures..I had a one day in Jerusalem and one day in Cairo like that..quite a long bus ride in on my 3 back to back budget tours,,,you just can not NOT give it your best shot...and you were further from your destination on more crowded roads so you got some good moments...that restaurant was so real middle class traditional France..loved it and dinner is tiny bit more and fancier but that is their lunch...big amounts,,,,even in school cafeteria. I love you and Don could go together..you absolutely got they lay of the land and she did sound great and that she loved her city. My heart is so happy...you appreciate things and get chills...and it is times 2 with someone like Don. I will verity the lunch place in my pics...but same walls methinks in 1980..love to you,,you have started your affair with Paris!!! You either get it or do not.

Thank you very much Tony for the video. I am crying here sitting watching your video thinking of my mother who passed away two years ago who was like a little kid in a candy store. Every time we went back to Paris and she showed me all the places she used to go to when she was a young woman. Especially dancing in the street During the liberation of Paris when she met my father in the US Army. Merci beaucoup.!!

I’ve never been to Paris. My bucket list. You did the right thing by taking the bus tour. I would do the same thing for my 1st time there. I feel safe with a group of tourists & a guided tour who tells us where we are.

We did the Normandy excursion and that was the best money we spent on an excursion. The tour guide spoke the whole time giving us a history lesson. She was amazing. Also the lunch was delicious

We went on the Normandy trip instead of Paris on the Regal Princess British Isles tour. A lot of bus time… but a lot of walking around and exploring the Normandy beaches and, of course, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. As a Veteran, and a Patriotic American, this tour was historically and personally important to me. Thanks for showing the Best of Paris tour. I think a Paris tour would and will be significant. However, it think my trip to Paris won’t be on a cruise.

Have really enjoyed your videos on this cruise. Your friendly nature always shines through.

We just returned from our trip to Europe. Paris was our last stop. Thanks for reminding me of those tingles one experiences when seeing such beautiful architectural work. We took a dinner cruise down the Seine on Monday night viewing the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower. So romantic! Seems like we were a few days before you on our trip. We went on Carnival’s Pride cruise ship. We visited Barcelona, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Amsterdam and Dover England. What an adventure!

Thanks for showing us some of Paris, Tony , we enjoy your vlogs👍🏻😍

So happy that you got to see the Eiffel Tower! I am sure there were a million other things you wish you could have seen, but you will always treasure what you experienced! Thank you for the trip! Hope you are home safe and sound!

I was a flight attendant and went to Paris a lot. If you've never been there and don't know if you're ever going to get back, I think the trip was worth it. Your French pronunciation of the sights is very good for an American who learned French in Virginia!

I really enjoy watching you and Don together I like both your channels equally thanls for showing us your holidays love it 🎉❤😊

You and Don are my favorite cruise people. Thanks for sharing and I agree with what you said

I'd pay that for a day tour of Paris! Especially if I wasn't sure if I'd ever get back there! You did good!!!

Great review! We're on NCL on April with La Havre on our last stop. I think we're going to visit La Havre that day as the Paris tour seems exhausting. We are planning a return there for sure. I am very much looking forward to all the romance of the city that you got a glimpse of. Thank you for sharing!

This is one of those times when you realize that if you only travel by cruise ship, you are missing a lot. Paris is best experienced by staying in a hotel or apartment, preferably in an outer arrondisement, just taking walks, stopping for coffee, buying bread and cheese and foie gras and wine at a street market and having a picnic in a park. The monuments and museums are world class but seeing Paris by executive motorcoach is a lot like watching a RU-vid video of someone seeing Paris by executive motorcoach.

We took the same cruise about a month ago. We also took the Paris excursion. We had 4 hours in Paris on our own. We took the Big Bus and did a 2.5 hour trip around Paris but it was an open air bus so we got to take great pictures. Since it was a hop on/hop off bus we got off at the Eiffel tower and walked over to the next bus stop. It was a fantastic experience. We knew our time in Paris would be short going into it so we did as much as we could. Loved it!!

Glad you had the opportunity to go to Paris. It is a beautiful city. I only have been 1x when I was 17. "Just a few years back" I am 61 and have wonderful memories. Thanks for bringing some of them back for me with your video 😁

Tres magnifite! Your videos, editing , commatating are second to none. You did this for us! Merci!

Hi Tony 😊 what a wonderful trip , loved all your videos, thank you!! Have a great time in Alaska !!

I agree with you! If I don’t know I’ll ever be in Paris again, I’d spend $250 for the excursion as well!

Your enthusiasm is contagious, Tony. Thank you for sharing this day.

My bucket list excursion in France is going to Normandy and the D-Day experience. I have always had a fascination. So awestruck with what the soldiers had to endure and thankful.

So glad you were able to experience Paris, albeit fairly quickly. Hopefully, you and Jennie B can make the journey there for an extended stay. 5-7 days allows you to explore at your leisure. With a train pass and museum pass you’ll have so much fun! Have to admit we were a little disappointed to see you walk away from that food stand with “just” a baguette. French crepes with Nutella and banana are heavenly!! There’s something magical about that city when the lights come on! Romance fills the air…and the smell of crepes 😂.

Thanks for posting this. We’re doing this cruise in May, and am considering getting to Paris on this port stop.

Merci beaucoup for this! I’m doing a transatlantic next year with a stop in Le Havre, and like you, I’ve wanted to see Paris since 9th grade French class. This will help in decision making when excursions finally get posted.

Tip: Next time you book a cruise leaving from Rotterdam, fly into Paris a few days early and explore the city at leisure. Then take the Thalys train to Rotterdam, which takes less than 3 hours and (if booked sufficiently in advance) isn't that expensive.

You are so right. You never know what life has in store so grab those opportunities when you can. Life is too short! If you make it back, great. If you don't, you still have some great memories of your visit to Paris. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Our Celebrity cruise gave us an overnight in LaHavre. On our first day we took the train into Paris. A leisurely walk along the Seine, visited the Louve, Notre Dame cathedral and a lovely lunch alongside the river. Picked up a bottle of French wine, cheese and bread to enjoy our train ride back. Precious memories. Thanks Tony for taking us down memory lane.

Love the positivity😊 ...from one oldie to another😅. Yes bus tours are the norm as you age.

I took a Royal Cruise in 2001 of British Isles and Norway. We went to Paris first. Our tour started with the 3 hour bus trip. They dropped us off at Place de la Concord in front of the Louvre. We got 4 hours to explore on our own. We took a city bus to the Eiffel Tower, got on a river cruise down the Seine, got off at Notre Dame and toured the cathredral, ate lunch at a cafe and walked back past the Louvre to our meeting spot. Was able to get a lot crammed in that 4 hours. Totally worth it.

Wow the City of love & lights , I certainly would pay tht just see those sights , Great Vlog Tony 👍🇦🇺

We were in Paris during the Paris terror attacks, but that didn’t scare us off as we have been back two more times since then. Loved our time there. And you are right, what is life but stacking up memories with the people you love. 💕❤️

I LOVED it! I took French in high school and I have dreams of going one day. Thank you for sharing, it was as if I was there with you. I didn't mind the bus because the view was fabulous.

The music! Nice! You gave me the fond memories of my only visit to Paris watching your video. Thank you. I would really like to go there again and spend at least 2 days at the Louvre exploring and drawing.

You would love Paris as the main destination and it never disappoints. A short train ride to Versailles is definitely a must!

We did a similar bus tour as well to Paris for our 50th anniversary British Isles Cruise. We really had a great time and enjoyed our time there. For our lunch we took the river dinner tour. The food was great and played a special song for our 50th. Seeing Paris from both the bus and the river was great. We also had a short stop at the tower as well but didn’t have enough time to go up on. Overall the tour was great for the short time we had there and the long ride over and back. We were lucky enough to have 2 days in Laverne and so got to visit the Normandy Memorial as well. We sailed on the Celebrity Silhouette Aqua Class and really enjoyed our 12 day cruise out of Amsterdam.

I loved you and Don speaking in French! Mon Dieu!

Thanks for taking us “along” Tony! Glad you got to see some of the sights of Paris!❤

Agree with your viewers whom say to stay 3or4 days either prior or after or both , if your cruise if your in two different cities. Our Mediterranean cruise started in Rome and ended in Venice, we stayed 3 nights in both cities and were able to enjoy both beautiful cities without too much rushing 😊

Probably most of us have done a bus tour of Paris our first time there, but it is enough to make you want to come back for more!

Looks like you made a good trip out of it. Just enough to whet your appetite to visit again. 🇫🇷 ❤️

Thanks Tony!!! I agree with you, I'm going to be thrilled just to see the Eiffel Tower in October... thought about it since I was young. I'm doing a similar itinerary with a friend, but on NCL Dawn. Our last stop is also Paris, but then we have two full days in London, one day before we get on the ship and one day after we get off the ship like you had. There was no way I was going to go to London Ireland and Scotland, without seeing Paris too. So I can't wait! Your video had some beautiful shots.☺️

Yes!! Paris is always worth it. You can always say you’ve been there and seen the sights. The traffic around the arc is insane!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hi Tony. I love cruising and I love Paris. But, I wouldn’t want to cruise to Paris. We went to Paris 3 times before the pandemic, and we planned to go every year. Life got in the way though. Paris is a place to immerse yourself in. The Paris atmosphere is to savor. It’s difficult to explain, but if you visit you’ll understand. Thanks Tony for sharing your day.

Solution: River Cruise. Paris - Paris. We had 2 days before and 1 day after. Lots of Paris and so many more things on The Seine.

Appreciate your balanced perspective and allowing for individuals to decide what works for them. I agree that if it's the only chance to visit it's worth the ride. For myself, I no longer feel hours on a bus are worth it. Glad I got to spend time in Paris when I was younger. Keep doing what you're doing on LA Lido Loca.

Following you from Paris , enjoying your videos and very happy that you’ve have experienced these emotions in Paris! You’ll be back 🇫🇷

Tony, you didn’t see the best of Paris on that bus tour. You would have saved a lot of money and time taking the train from Le Havre. It’s only a little over two hours. Then you could take the Metro or a taxi to the Eiffel Tower and the Arch de Triumph. For lunch you could have done a Seine River cruise with lunch on board or have lunch in a French cafe and do the hop on hop off river boat along the Seine. If time permits you could have a coffee and a pastry at at one of the French bakeries. There are little shops in various neighborhoods to find interesting souvenirs of your trip. Back on the train at around 4 pm and you will get back to the ship in plenty of time before sailing. Best trip would be to fly to Paris with Jenny and stay a few days!

I took the same British Isles itinerary on Princess last September and our day in Paris was cancelled due to a labor strike in France. It was good to get a glimpse of the highlights through your lens & storytelling. Thanks Tony!

Definitely worth the money. Safe and you will remember your experience. I think Princess does a great job with their excursions. 😀

So I've heard, this is what Paris does, heart touching moments, short or long. Ho,ho, Your accent is getting very good as well as Don's. Bravo!

I’ve never been to Paris, I loved your video very much, especially that delicious baguette you were able to buy. Lovely that you and Don were able to do Paris together.

So, on July 1 the Tour de France begins. Three weeks later will conclude with multiple laps up and down the Champs d' Elysee between the Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde with thousands of screaming fans lining both sides. So, now if you watch that on TV you can say "I saw all that".

Thanks for video Tony. We’ll be aboard the Regal Princess at the end of September for a British Isles/ TA and we also booked a Paris tour. Great to see what’s coming.👍

Such awesome memories... I understand why you did it this way... it sucks when you don't have much time to see all of the things that you want to see..

Totally worth it, Tony! Just being in Paris is pretty cool. Thanks for your perspective.

The arc d’triumph also has an underground walk way so that NO ONE has to cross that busy circle!

We opted out on our upcoming Regal Cruise. I’ve been before and been stuck in that traffic and don’t want to be on a bus that long. Glad you enjoyed the trek.

We had about 43 passengers on our cruise just before yours that ended their cruise in LeHavre and took a train to Paris. That was very smart…instead of spending all that $$ on the Best of Paris tour, they actually got to experience Paris. I didn’t know you could do that, so I will keep it in mind for future cruises. And that lunch (dejeuner)…tres mal…you would have thought they could have at least served baguette instead of that awful bread! I’m happy we went to Paris.

I’m 76, and still visit Paris fairly often. I’m sorry you couldn’t fully immerse yourself in the city. I get the feeling you didn’t go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Paris is best appreciated walking down a pedestrian street, or sitting on a bistro terrace slipping a glass of wine, watching the world go by.

You said you knew what you were getting into. You also said bucket list. 👏

Loved your choice of background music. Ambience!

Paris is my favorite city in the world. You brought back a lot of memories. Roland Garros is amazing. I’ve bern watching eagerly since I leave in 2 weeks for my own UK cruise culminating in Wimbledon. Thanks for the tip the last 12 days

Money spent to see Paris or any gorgeous city is never wasted! It is more then money the experience of being there will be with you forever!

Paris is 442miles from me, but you’ve been and I haven’t… could drive there (with euro star) in about 8-9 hours … thank you for showing us around Tony, very glad you got to go !!

I’m glad you were pretty well satisfied with your whirlwind trip to Paris. I hope you can go back someday and see more. It’s probably worth a month! But that lunch place was way too noisy for me. I could not have appreciated the food.

This was a very fun video, Tony. Thank you for taking one for the team lol

I did Paris on a 3 day wknd trip, during my Army tour in Germany.. even that wasn’t enough time for us.. Looks almost the same as it did in 1997! 😎 LOVED the theme music.. Reminded me of National Lampoons Euro Vaca! Shout out to Luda! (Aka Chevy Chase) 😂

Paris is amazing. You found your piece of amazing! Hold on to it!

Your video was still great regardless. The Arc de Triomphe was beautiful. Its enjoyable watching it.

My Wife and I were in Paris through a Carnival Shore Excursion this past September, We absolutely LOVED IT, just wish we had more time there. Oh Well, I guess we will just have to go back there again some time.😊

Paris is such a beautiful City. You need to spend 5 days or more and sample life across the city. It's so French. It's wonderful

I agree with your thinking!! I have been longing to go to Greece since Freshman history class. I booked a few days in Athens and then a cruise to just see a few things on Mykonos and Santorini, etc. this fall. I hope to get back to do a land trip but at least I will have some sites seen. Glad you had a great experience.

Wonderful! Paris is my most favorite city, I have been there four times. There is a lot to see and experience.

I went to Paris in 2017 and we took the Hop On, Hop Off Bus and sat in the top level of the double decker bus. It was great, and we got pictures of everything. We went to an area with a lot of shops and restaurants that was in walking distance to the Eifel Tower. We had a marvelous lunch and did some shopping.

We will hit Paris next time, this time we are going to Normandy. We might hit Paris next year while in Europe. I love Notre Dame and the Art connection of Paris. My family is going on this trip and they were in Paris last year. Thanks again for sharing this trip. I am glad you had time with your buddy Don.

I'm just loving all the kind, informed, and thoughtful tips that are accumulating here in the comments. So, maybe not the best first swing through Paris..but Tony will Know Stuff for next time !🇫🇷