Fred. Olsen River Cruises Cruises

Mainly mature Brits, many of them curious to try river cruising after sailing on Fred. Olsen's oceangoing ships. Passengers are mainly couples and tend to be well traveled and active.

Not really. Dress code is smart-casual throughout, with no black tie nights, although shorts and tracksuits are discouraged in the dining room -- and Fred. Olsen passengers probably wouldn't turn up wearing them anyway.

No. All meals and basic coffee and tea are included, as is Wi-Fi and the use of bicycles in port. You'll pay extra for excursions, drinks (except during two cocktail parties when drinks are on the house), gratuities, massages, laundry and retail shop purchases.

The Panorama Bar with its forward terrace is the social hub, except when the ship is in port. Most passengers choose to do their own thing -- including borrowing one of the five bikes carried onboard for cruisers to use, but sponsored excursions are offered as well. Evenings are low-key, with a pianist and singer, occasional dancing in the Panorama Bar and sometimes, entertainment from a local folkloric group pulling in a number of

• Affordable, no-frills European river cruises with food and activities tailored to British tastes.

• Dining that's more in line with what you would expect on a luxury line.

• Affordable base prices that allow extras to be bolted on.