Changed from a Viking to the Crystal Mozart , mostly due to additional stops along the way but also Crystals reputation at sea. In fairness, this sailing was only the 6th time the river cruise has sailed. We were in a French balcony, room was beyond small. Had two passengers and needed the bed split. All the furniture is mounted, so this was no easy task. Made it so you couldn't open the closet, which itself is only 2 feet. There is little to know storage for a 10 day voyage and no storage or counter space in the bathroom. Although wonderfully decorated, very poor design. We requested a cabin change or even willing to purchase a second, but the ship was sold out. Thought the cruise and getting to know passengers, this was a complaint of most passengers we came across, and we were the only ones not traveling a husband and wife. In short, all the furniture is too oversized for the room.

Food was exceptional, bar staff and spa were wonderful as well. Entertainment was the best! (Shout out to Mark who made every night more and more enjoyable with your witty humor and exceptional piano playing).

Excursion, is another story. Hours on a bus each day only to spend a few hours touring a city with little time to explore on your own. My recommendation. Do your homework for every stop, book things outside the options given by the boat. Example, glass blowing tour, hour there, hour back, 40 minute demonstration, 15 minutes to explore a wonderful shop. (Just try to make a purchase and have it shipped home in that amount of time with a language barrier) Culinary tour in Vienna, 20 minute bus ride, walk through several alleys looking at locals restaurants, wine tasting (at 9:30 am, but they give you 5 kinds and bread), then coffee shop and a piece of cake... Not so much culinary involved. Salzburg tour, hour and half each way, and we didn't get the full experience of the "sound of music highlights ", but if I would have done more research, I would have booked through a local tour group, out of our port of call and seen it all with transportation provided. Read more