Get all your information on Olivia's Bonjour Bordeaux Riverboat Cruise.
About Our Destination
Being Gay in Europe
Being LGBTQ+ is widely accepted all over France.
Climate
In late summer, the weather in this part of France has ranged from a mild and lightly rainy 61°F, to a sunny, warm 82°F! Plan to dress for warm weather and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
France uses the Euro. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
Languages
The languages most commonly spoken in France is French, but most people also speak English. We encourage everyone to learn a little French before coming to France. The locals appreciate when we try to speak French rather than assuming that everyone speaks English.
Activity Level
Activity Level
This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets, stairs and unpaved roads. A âGentle Walkersâ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible. If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb ramps) and stairs.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Gentle Walkers
Whenever possible, we will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walkingâperhaps guests with scooters or canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take photos. For those with mobility issues, we suggest purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide. There are many different styles to choose from online. Please note that on the optional tours, we are not able to offer a Gentle Walkers group. If you are unsure of your ability to take a specific tour, please discuss your concerns with the cruise director on board.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Before Your Trip
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Community: Joining the Online Trip Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Oliviaâs official 2026 Bonjour Bordeaux Riverboat Cruise group on Facebook.
Olivia Honeymoons and Celebrations Registration
Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Special Occasions
If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
NOTE: Birthdays with birthdates that fall during the dates of the cruise will be celebrated on the actual birthdate. All milestone birthdays being celebrated or acknowledged that have birthdates that do not fall during the actual dates of the cruise or are within a week before or after a cruise, will be celebrated and acknowledged on one designated night with a large group birthday cake.
Specific NeedsâMedical, Mobility, Dietary, and Others
If you have medical, mobility, or dietary requirements that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.
Travel and Entry Requirements
Weâve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans, please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.
Passport and Visa
All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your countryâs consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
IMPORTANT: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) sometime in mid-2025. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.
U.S. and Canadian citizens will be/are required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application to enter the European Union. Starting sometime in 2025, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries.
While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications HERE once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 7 Euros.
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information, or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Vacation Stretchers
We will be offering optional 1- and 2-night pre-cruise hotel nights that will include breakfast and a transfer from the hotel to the ship. Information on these hotel packages will be available 11 months prior to the trip. We encourage all passengers to plan to arrive at least one day early in case of any flight/luggage delays. Please check our Vacation Stretcher tab for more information.
To assist with your post-trip plans, air, transfers and more, we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on âTravelerâs Healthâ followed by âVaccinations.â
2026 BONJOUR BORDEAUX RIVERBOAT CRUISE |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 8/18/2025 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 8/19/2025 | 8/18/2026 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
Travel & Arrival
Air Travel
Airports
You will need to fly into and out of Bordeaux Airport (BOD). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Flight arrival and departure times
Your flight into Bordeaux Airport (BOD) should arrive by 3 pm on August 18, 2026. All aboard is 5 pm.
Your flight home can be made for any time on the morning of August 25 as the ship will overnight in Bordeaux August 24. The reception staff can assist in arranging for a taxi to the airport at your own expense.
Luggage Allowances
Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.
Ship Embarkation
Check-in
Official check-in will be available in the late afternoon. If arriving to the ship prior to check in, you can board the ship after 8:30 am, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Bordeaux or choose an optional afternoon tour. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.
Port location and Transfer to the Ship
The riverboat will be docked in Bordeaux. Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which will be sent 2-3 weeks prior to departure, or on the AvalonGo app a few days prior to embarking.
During your trip
Electricity
The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available.
Entertainment & Programming
We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way.
River cruising is all about port destinations. Donât expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps youâll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. Itâs your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of âClub O,â with our talented staff taking turns being a âguest DJâ to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately âŹ39 to âŹ79 or more, may be offered. These can be booked on the Avalon website about 30 days prior to the trip or on board and will not conflict with your included tours.
Gratuities
Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maĂŽtre dâ, reception, bar staff, and other behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.
Tipping is not included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. We recommend the following as a guideline:
Local guide: half dayâ3-5 Euros pp / full dayâ5+ Euros pp
Bus driver: half dayâ1-2 Euros pp / full dayâ3-4 Euros pp
Internet, Email, and Fax
Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.
Medical Services
The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: On-Board Purchases
The currency used on board is Euros (âŹ). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the shipâs front office for further details.
Phone
Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.
Smoking policy
The interior of the Avalon Artistry II is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabinâs Open-AirSM balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.
Solos
Guests traveling independently can look forward to Solos programs led by our Solos coordinator, who will ensure you have a great time.
Local guide: half dayâ3-5 Euros pp / full dayâ5+ Euros pp
Bus driver: half dayâ1-2 Euros pp / full dayâ3-4 Euros pp
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
Transfers are not included. The ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver.
Vacation Stretchers
We will be offering optional 1- and 2-night Pre-Hotel Vacation Stretchers in Bordeaux that will include the hotel, breakfast and a transfer to the ship on embarkation day. Coming in a day or two early is a great way to spend some time in this lovely city, stroll the markets or try out one of the many Michelin star restaurants. Information on these Vacation Stretchers will be available 11-months prior to the trip. Please check our Vacation Stretcher tab for more information. To assist with your post-trip plans, air, transfers and more, we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300
This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. A âGentle Walkersâ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible.
If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb cutouts) and stairs.
If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
