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The Arctic : Get ready to explore the frigid North in style as you set out through these icy waters to see the fjords of Iceland, Greenland, and the legendary Northeast Passage across the northern coast of Russia, where Aurora Borealis can be seen. Scandinavia : Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Denmark comprise this northerly region of Europe, where Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seals, and whales swim in these remote waters. The British Isles : Take a walk into Europe's medieval past as you explore the hauntingly beautiful castles that dot the rolling hills and highlands of Scotland & England ; stroll along the quiet beaches of Wales; Get a taste for authentic Gaelic culture in Belfast , Northern Ireland; or experience the "luck of the Irish" in the green pastures of Ireland itself. Western Europe: Breathe in the fresh Paris air as you tour this enchanting French city, or see the harrowing beaches of Normandy and the French Riviera at Nice . In Germany , the Rhine River will take you through the towns of yore, adorned by ornate castles & impressive cathedrals. A tour of the Iberian Peninsula will acquaint you with the world-renowned art and architecture that characterizes  Spain & Portugal . Eastern Europe: For half of the 20th century, a wall hid these bewitching countries from the Western world, but now you can experience all Eastern Europe has to offer as you explore the unique cultures that surround the Black Sea , like Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Slovakia, the Ukraine, and other hidden gems of this part of Europe. The melodies of the Danube River will delight you as you navigate deeper into the heart of Europe's lesser known sites & attractions. The Mediterranean :  This expansive sea borders the southern coasts of Europe and the northern tip of Africa and is known for its temperate climate, delicious food, and excellent beaches. Visit the heart of the ancient Roman empire as you explore Italy, or see the ruins of the myth-ridden Greek empire as you cruise the Greek Isles . From Sicily to the Dalmatian Coast , a Mediterranean cruise is a mix of pure relaxation, fascinating archaeological sites, and some of the best cuisine you'll ever taste.

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European river cruise highlights, best time of year to cruise europe, cruising italy, cruising europe christmas markets, cruising the legendary greek isles, introduction to cruising the mediterranean, norwegian cruises - gateway to the arctic, top 10 national parks in europe - must-see natural wonders & adventures, top 12 archaeological sites in europe - uncover ancient history & culture, top 15 architectural iconic cities in europe - rome, paris, barcelona & more, what types of european cruises exist, europe travel reviews & stories, visiting the christmas markets in germany, my rome photo workshop trip, top europe travel destinations.

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Be it the Rhône, Seine, Dordogne or Gironde, France’s rivers reveal some of the world’s most celebrated locales: majestic Bordeaux, gastronomic Lyon, historic Normandy, picturesque Provence and elegant Paris. Let Viking immerse you in rich culture and tradition.

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France was born along its rivers. And Viking delivers you to the doorsteps of a nation’s history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience with Viking:

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Waltenheim-sur-Zorn (France)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region France Rivers

Local Time 2024-06-10 20:54

Port Waltenheim-sur-Zorn cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Waltenheim-sur-Zorn, France. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Waltenheim-sur-Zorn (Waltenheim an der Zorn) is a Moselle River (Marne-Rhine Canal) barge cruise port and a small town (population under 1,000) located in France's Bas-Rhin department (Grand Est region/fka Alsace). Since 1997, the town is part of Communaute de communes du Pays de la Zorn - an association of municipalities formed via a merger of total 26 towns.

Rhine-Marne Canal is an artificial waterway used mostly by recreational boaters and luxury hotel barges. The 314-km (195-mi) long Marne-Rhine Canal connects Marne River (Vitry-le-Francois) to Rhine River (in Strasbourg).

Boats and barge cruise ships dock at Quai du Canal (Waltenheim-sur-Zorn). Running parallel to Zorn River, the Rhine-Marne Canal (Canal de la Marne au Rhin) runs directly through Waltenheim. The canal is an artificial waterway used mostly by recreational boaters and luxury hotel barges. The canal's Waltenheim Lock allows sport boaters to stop off on the annual Moselle and Rhine river roundtrip tour (aka Sauerkraut Tour).

The village was first mentioned in the late-9th-century when Bruochmagat (royal estate in Elisatia) was transferred to Lorsch Abbey. Waltenheim is equidistant from the eastern edge of Vosges Maintains (fka Wasigenwald) and from Zorn River (a Rhine River tributary). The rural settlement is train-connected with Paris City ( Paris - Strasbourg railline) via the train station in Mommenheim (approx 1 mi / 1,7 km away) as well as with regularly scheduled bus connections. Road D 332 runs directly through Waltenheim.

As barge cruise port, Waltenheim-sur-Zorn is included in the schedule of one of the world's largest river cruise companies - CroisiEurope . For summer 2021 season, the company had one hotel barge with planned visits to Waltenheim.

Next table shows the 6-day "The Marne-Rhine Canal" itinerary (roundtrip from Strasbourg) scheduled for the Madeleine barge ship in summer 2021.

CroisiEurope barge cruise itinerary review

CroisiEurope barge cruise prices started from EUR 2270 pp / USD 2750 per person (outside cabin with double occupancy). The 6-day French Canal cruisetour starts with a bus transfer from Strasbourg to Lagarde (embarkation port in France's Moselle department) where passengers board the ship (at 6 PM) for a port overnight. The itinerary ends in Strasbourg (debarkation at 9 AM).

In the morning on DAY 2, the cruise boat sails toward Xouaxange, passing through Rechicourt Lock and continuing through the lakes. In the afternoon is visited Sarrebourg (for the Chagall Trail/Vosges Mountains).

In the morning on DAY 3, the boat is cruising toward Lutzelbourg, passing through Arzviller and Niderviller Tunnels. In the afternoon passes through the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. Passengers disembark the ship to visit the local family-run crystal workshop (crystal blowing and cutting). Then the boat continues to Lutzelbourg.

On DAY 4, passengers disembark the ship for a walking tour to Chateau de Lutzelbourg. Then the boat cruises to Saverne (arriving in the early-afternoon) where passengers visit Chateau de Hohbarr. In Saverne is included a guided city tour.

In the morning on DAY 5, the ship cruises to Hochefelden, where (in the afternoon) is offered a bus excursion that visits Maison du Kochersberg (museum) and Villa Meteor de Hochfelden. Later the cruise ship is boarded in Waltenheim-sur-Zorn.

In the morning on DAY 6, the boat cruises to Strasbourg City, where is offered an afternoon tour-boat excursion.

Waltenheim-sur-Zorn - user reviews and comments

European Barging Blog

Barge and river cruises in europe.

Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

Between the bustling French cities of Lyon and Marseille sits the picturesque city of Avignon – home to several medieval monuments that are now protected as UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Avignon rests quietly along the left bank of the Rhone River, making it accessible to all those who go on a Rhone River Cruise . Several of these cruises, including the Arosa Stella, make it a point to stop at Avignon and allow tourists to enjoy the breathtaking vistas unique to the city.

One of the most popular destinations in Avignon is the Palais des Papes , also known as Palace of the Popes. This is the largest gothic structure that exists to this very day.

This palace was home to seven popes from the year 1309 to 1377. These popes fled from Rome, knowing it was becoming corrupt and hoping to put the Catholic Church back on the right path. Today, the magnificent palace still stands and is a beautiful showcase of medieval artists’ architectural talents and creativity. It is already breathtaking from the outside, but tourists are welcome to tour inside the palace and admire 25 elaborately decorated rooms.

Aside from the pope palace, other attractions in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon, the Place du Palais, Place de l’Horloge, and grand cathedrals including the Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon.

The best way to go around the city is by riding the Petite Train, which goes around the city and passes by all the picturesque attractions that Avignon has to offer. A ride around the city will take you 40 minutes and leave you wonderstruck.

The next time you decide to go on vacation on European river cruises , choose a route that includes the city of Avignon in its itinerary, like the A-ROSA Stella . You can never find other cities whose medieval architecture equals those found in Avignon.

A-ROSA CRUISE LINE cruises the Rhone, aboard the A-ROSA Stella, featuring short river cruises with English and German language onboard.  There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board.  All meals are served as a buffet.  There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

The ships have bicycles with helmets on board for cycling tours.   A-ROSA is also known for its superior spa facilities onboard.  A-ROSA offers 5-night , and 7-night round-trip Lyon river cruise itineraries.  There is also a 7 -night Southern Med  itinerary.  A-ROSA also allows children 15 and under to cruise free with their parents in the same cabin in Cat S cabins.  There is limited availability on the A-ROSA STELLA.

Prices include the cruise, all meals, a beverage package with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi.  Excursions are additional.

For more information on any of the  Danube River cruise itineraries  or other  rivers,  please call or email:713 240 6753 or 888 869 7907   [email protected]

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This is What to Wear on a European Barge Cruise : Things you Need to Know

Planning to go on a cruise, but not sure what to wear? Let me help! No more wandering through stores for hours or endlessly scrolling online for hours and hours. I’ve got you covered with the most comprehensive list of all the essential clothes you’ll need for a European barge cruise vacation. Read now and be ready to pack for your vacation in minutes!

November 19, 2022 //  by  Jo Castro Leave a Comment

This post will cover some specific cruise essentials: What to pack and what to wear on a European barge cruise or a river cruise in Europe. We’ll particularly look at what to pack for a 7 day cruise on a luxury hotel barge , and include a practical capsule wardrobe for a cruise on a small boat, also suitable as a packing list for a vacation on one of the bigger European river cruise ships.

Table of Contents

What to wear on a river cruise in Europe

I love cruising, and I particularly enjoy the very laid back vacations you can enjoy on luxury barges and on river cruises in Europe.

Recently I was lucky enough to be a guest on a luxury hotel barge in Italy, called La Bella Vita with European Waterways . Although I knew the dress code would be fairly casual, I spent a fair amount of time planning my wardrobe and I wore every piece I’d packed, and all the garments I chose I believe worked really well together.

Canal barges are smaller than the long river boats and river cruise ships which ply the waterways of Europe, and offer a more exclusive experience, with fewer guests (passengers often only equal the number of crew members!) However, the clothes you pack would be very similar for each type of cruise.

You’re assured of a great time if you love slow travel on a small boat, and the dress code, particularly on European Waterways cruises, is almost always casual – even for the captain’s dinner which at it’s most dressy runs to smart casual or cocktail attire if you wish. So you don’t have to pack anything too formal or fancy.

What to wear on a European barge vacation

You’ll have plenty of time to spend reading a book, or lounging on the sun deck, so do pack clothes you feel comfortable in. While I wouldn’t suggest ‘onesies’ or baggy tracksuits, you can definitely pack jeggings, treggings, leggings, shorts or active-wear.

Tank tops and shorts are fine if you’re travelling in the summer months – If you’re visiting churches on shore excursions you might want to think about covering up in a respectful manner. Light, long sleeved blouses, and longer wide-bottomed or active wear pants as base items for layering are great in the shoulder seasons.

Take one handbag and make it a good one! I prefer a cross-body bag when I’m travelling so that my hands and arms are always free, and it feels nice and secure against me. I like one with a zipped main compartment, because it just feels safer. For this cruise I chose a show-stopping cherry red luxury leather crossbody bag from Travel and Living Collection Bags and Accessories .

How to Dress for a Barge Cruise – Useful Tips and Must-Haves!

I travelled in the shoulder season, which is a great time to visit Italy.

So I’m focussing on what to pack for a European river cruise in October. You can adapt the garments for warmer weather, but most barge cruises end at the end of October so you won’t need really warm clothes or overcoats.

First of all you need to dress for comfort. I wanted clothes that would take me from breakfast to dinner if necessary, and also be flexible enough to move in should there be a shore excursion that involved walking or climbing steps.

Barge cruise attire must include comfortable walking shoes that don’t slip! You don’t want to be slipping and sliding all over the wooden deck! Nor do you want to come back from a walking tour with blisters.

I believe capri pants or 3/4 length pants with some stretch are fabulous for the day time, and teamed with a long length T-shirt, button down shirt or blouse, they are very adaptable. You can wear them with flats, sneakers or sandals in the daytime and then with a smarter blouse and ankle boots or elegant sandals at night-time.

Only the men on our barge cruise wore shorts. Firstly it probably wasn’t quite hot enough for us to need them, but secondly we visited churches where it may not have been appropriate. Women mostly wore active wear, smart tracksuit pants, jeans and treggings teamed with T shirts, pretty blouses, cardigans, sweatshirts and light sports jackets.

For outerwear I would have loved to take more but I packed one black cardigan, a sweatshirt, a light outdoor-wear fleecey and a reasonably thin black sports jacket that I actually bought at Aldi – it has a hoodie too! A front zip and side pockets made it practical for all kinds of weather. I could put my mobile phone and credit card in the pockets, and zip it up on cooler days pulling up the hoodie when I was on the outside top deck in the morning or evening.

I like V-neck T shirts with some room around the middle – ie not tight and fitted. For me Styling You The Label T’s fit the bill perfectly. They are designed for curvy figures, don’t cling around your midriff or arms, and don’t need ironing. I took along a long sleeved white Tee and a short sleeved baby pink Tee both pictured below. Read more about Styling You Clothes and where to buy here .

For cooler days and for dinner times my staples were black ponte pants, treggings and jeggings – again so adaptable and smart enough to look as if you’ve made an effort at night. I packed a classic pair of full length jersey ponte pants, and a pair of treggings for nighttime, as well as a thinner pair of jeggings for day wear (pictured above and below).

I wanted to dress up a bit for the captain’s farewell dinner, so I took along a pair of comfy designer pants and button down black shirt in a technical fabric (both from Styling You The Label designed by Nikki Parkinson) to wear with some silver costume jewellery and my black ankle boots.

Scarves are your friends, as they can jazz up an outfit instantly and turn it into something that appears quite new. So too is costume jewellery; necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Just don’t take your crown jewels with you. It’s not worth the risk while you’re travelling. Rather opt for some stand-out fashion jewellery.

A sun hat is a must-have. Preferably something with a string tie inside the rim that you can adjust in windy weather, or if you’re on a smaller craft. I always like my travel hats to be scrunchy – ones that I can scrunch up and put in my handbag if I’m not wearing them.

What clothes to bring on a barge holiday

A capsule wardrobe for a river cruise should consist of mostly block colours, and as few colours as possible.

You want to think about packing mostly casual clothes that don’t take up a much space – think quick drying, and clothes that don’t need ironing. Activewear is a good bet.

What you want to achieve is simplicity. You want to be able to grab a pair of pants in the morning and instantly team them with a top, scarf and outerwear to suit the activities and the weather for that day.

I generally stick to black and white, but then add some show pony pieces in block jewel colours that I know will go well with black or white. For this cruise I also took along a pair of 3/4 length bengaline capri pants in a gorgeous shade of blue, which actually worked really well with a long white Tee, a red blouse, a striped white and blue shirt, and a baby pink top. The shade of blue was very versatile.

Packing List : What to pack for hotel barge cruise or river cruise

• One casual dress suitable for day-time (that you could also wear for dinner)
• T shirts – 2 short sleeved, 1 long sleeved
• 3 blouses that you love.
• Cut offs or Capri style pants x 2 (white and one other colour)
• 1 x Ponte Pants (for daytime)
• 1 x Jeggings (for daytime)
• 1 x Treggings (or black pants or smart black jeans)
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 long length cardigan
• 1 flexible sports jacket
• An outfit for the captain’s dinner.
• 1 pair of super comfy walking sandals
• 1 pair of walking shoes or trainers
• 1 pair of ankle boots with small heel
• 1 pair of elegant sandals or fashionable sneakers (that are comfortable but dressier)
• Light rain jacket
• Scarves and accessories
• Hair Shampoo, Conditioner and Shower Gel (if you prefer your own to the amenities provided onboard).
• Lightweight crossover bag

Top Tips for Barge Cruising

What you’ll need to pack for your Euro Barge Cruise Vacation, some tips on packing light, when to go, and handy hacks.

• Do pack a swimsuit in case there’s a hot tub on board.
• Pack comfy sandals or walking shoes for excursions such as those to local markets, or wine estates, and walking tours of towns with a tour guide. Three pairs of shoes should be enough: Walking shoes, sandals, night-time fashion sneakers or sandals.
• Pack Tee shirts that are quick dry. If you have to wash them you can pop them on a hanger in your bathroom to dry. Same goes for underwear.
• Pack a hat for when you’re sitting up on the sun deck (make sure it’s crushable and fits into your handbag)
• The best time to go on barge holidays in Europe is not during the peak season but rather during the shoulder seasons, so do take a couple of warm sweater or cardigans if you’re vacation falls in April and May or September and October.
• The en-suite bathroom is adequate but in reality it’s a small space. Take a couple of pegs with hooks, or caribeners to hang your vanity bags on the towel rails.
• The best way to store your suitcase is under the bed – so bring a smallish soft shell suitcase or one which can squish up.
• Bring a couple of extra hangers with you. I found we could really have done with a few more in our wardrobe.
• It’s a good idea for pack a smart pair of sandals or sneakers for this dinner, but leave your high heels at home! There aren’t really formal nights during a luxury barge cruise in the same way you’d expect on an ocean cruise line.

Your Questions Answered : What to Pack for a Barge Cruise

Frequently asked questions, do i need to dress up.

No, the dress code is casual. You might choose to dress up slightly for the captain’s dinner on the last night.

Should I bring a dress?

It’s not necessary to bring a dress unless you love wearing a dress instead of pants during the daytime. In the summer months a comfy day dress might be suitable for sightseeing as long as you can wear it with comfy sandals or sneakers. You could also glam it up a bit for dinner, and add an outer layer for sunsets on deck. But it’s not essential to wear a dress at all during your cruise.

You might also like this post: Resort Wear for Women

What shoes should I pack?

Comfortable shoes that are non-slip.

Here are some posts to help you choose:

Best Travel Shoes and How to Choose Them

The Best Walking Shoes

Is activewear appropriate?

Yes, activewear is great for sightseeing and day trips, or for lounging around in during the day on deck.

I love these shapewear leggings .

Should I bring a raincoat?

I think a light raincoat or a waterproof poncho you can fold up in your handbag is always a good bet in Europe.

What type of handbag is best?

A cross-body bag with a zip across the main compartment. Check out these posts for some fabulous crossbody bags to buy online: Best Crossbody Bags for Travels and Best Crossbody Bags for Women with Style .

Would you pack shapewear?

While I love shapewear for wearing under fitted dresses, I would say leave your shapewear at home, especially if you’re travelling in hot weather. However some tummy-hugging fitted underwear can always make you feel fab – here’s a post explaining more and where to buy : Best Shapewear for Lower Belly Pooch

What exactly is a European barge cruise?

A barge cruise is a type of tour that allows travelers to explore water routes, like canals and waterways in Europe, in an authentic and immersive way. The tours take visitors through areas of urban environment, and rural scenery that they don’t usually see up close. The boat tends to break down any barriers between tourists and locals as well as give them an opportunity to find out more about their surroundings while exploring famous, and not so famous landmarks with guides during on shore excursions. Daily activities might include; a visit to a wine estate to sample amazing wines, tours of historic towns or small villages.

A hotel barge cruise offers travelers luxury accommodation aboard the boat with daily excursions off the boat. You’ll be visiting various off the beaten track tourist attractions along canals (and some rivers) in Europe It is perfect for those travellers looking for something different from trains, planes, car hire, large boat trips, hotels or hostels.

Barge cruise prices are generally at the higher end of the cruising scale due to their exclusivity and all inclusive fare. You can expect: Daily excursions, wine tasting, fine dining, fabulous food prepared by an on board chef with gourmet dishes and wine pairings, open bar 24/7, small but comfortable cabins, dining room and salon/bar area, sun deck with adequate shaded seating, bicycles on board and sometimes a hot-tub too.

Generally you can expect the services of an English-speaking crew.

Fellow passengers will most probably be like-minded, keen to experience the sights and culture of a country at a snail’s pace.

Further Reading

Read more about barge cruising in these posts:

Luxury Italy River Cruise – All You Need to Know

13 Things You’ll Love about a Barge Cruise in France

Luxury Barge Cruise in France – Champagne Itinerary Part 1

Hotel Barge Cruise in France – Champagne Itinerary – Part 2

News Interviews and a Barge Cruises in France

Related Packing Posts

What to Wear : Alaska Cruise : Ultimate Packing List

What to Pack for a Coach Trip to Spain, Portugal, Morocco

How to Pack for New Zealand : South Island Itinerary

How to Plan Your EuroBarge Trip Like a Pro and Get the Most Out of It.

What to wear on a barge cruise – my personal tips.

• The accent is on comfortable and casual. This is not the type of cruise which requires several changes of clothes a day, but rather everyday wear that you might take on holiday with friends.
• Comfortable shoes for around the barge, or even slipper socks if you are happy to wear them. Nobody stands on ceremony on the barge although some people will put on a clean shirt for instance in the evening, and dress up a little more formally for the Captain’s dinner at the end of the week.
• Deck shoes for around the boat are great. Comfy shoes or trainers for excursions are recommended where there is some walking involved.
• Comfy walking sandals or comfy sandals for on the boat are also a good idea.
• High heels are not required.
• A swimsuit is a good idea if you plan to use the jacuzzi – although we found we didn’t have time to even consider this.
• A mixture of capri pants and various tops were ideal for our trip at during October when the weather was a little unsettled.
• For dinner I’d generally put on a pair of slim leg black pants with a nice top. I’d sometimes wear a cardigan in the dining/saloon area.
• I took a thin fleece from Mountain Warehouse with me on some excursions – it folded up small, was warm and in a cherry red colour which was a nice show-pony piece!
• I packed a dress and never wore it.
• For gentle walking I packed activewear pants, but actually always wore jeggings or capri pants in preference on shore excursions.
• For sitting on deck watching the world go by I wore my comfy womfy ponte pants or treggings, which were very, very easy to wear.
• I travelled with a leather crossbody handbag big enough for my wallet, my phone, my sunglasses, a notepad and pen, mints, lipstick, fold up hair brush, sun hat and tissues.
• My small day backpack was useful for carrying a poncho, rain jacket, camera and water – but I actually never used it on excursions.
• When travelling to and from Italy my day pack was great. It contained my laptop, cables and chargers, documents, ear phones, kindle, and our tickets.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this almost “Complete Guide to What to Pack for a European Barge Cruise!”

If you have any tips, hints or suggestions about what to wear when vacationing on water, please share in the comments!

Author : Johanna Castro is a veteran freelance writer who’s lived in 11 different countries, and written for over 40 publications. She now writes two blogs, Lifestyle Fifty and ZigaZag and lives in Western Australia.

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Disclaimer: This post “This is What To Wear on a European Barge Cruise”, What you Need to Know, Cruise Essentials, may contain affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission but at no expense to you. I was a guest of European Waterways but all opinions are my own. Any gifted items are marked with an *.  Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read my full  disclosure here .

About Jo Castro

My name is Jo Castro and I've been a freelance writer for over 35 years. Ten years ago I committed to blogging, documenting my finds about fashion and travel for women, like me, over 50. On Lifestyle Fifty I share style and fashion tips, along with travel inspiration and packing guides. It's all about The Art of Ageing, Living the Good Life and Looking Fashionable everyday. Everything I write about comes from the desire to help as many women as possible live their best lives and look great after the age of 50. Check out more on my About Page.

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