It's unlike sea cruising in that there was almost always something interesting for us to see as we sailed up the Rhine then down the Danube. The cabin was very comfortable - just enough room but with a glass wall & door on the river side to create a feeling of space. The balcony was an extravagance but very enjoyable - we often drank our coffee out there and watched the world pass by. (There is a coffee machine in the lounge that makes excellent coffee in one of six options.)

The crew were all friendly and the food very good - sometimes excellent (except occasionally a touch too salty for our taste - we're told that more rather than less salt is a characteristic of European cuisine). The only disappointment was the cheese platter - always the same poor three samples. The beer was good & the wine OK. During meals drinks were free. (Apparently from 2013 all beverages including bar service & mini bar will be included in the fare.) I was very pleased to find that no one wore, or was expected to wear dinner suits throughout the cruise - although "formal" dress was sometimes suggested it really meant neat casual.

I know there were two Canadian & two US couples aboard, but, the majority of the 170 passengers were Australian. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. The main dining room is free seating with tables for two up to eight usually. There's also the small Portobello restaurant which each passenger is invited to dine at once. It's just a few tables at the front of the lounge. We were disappointed in it, finding it did not to live up to its claim of higher standard fare. Read more