The Danube travelling towards the Black Sea included many countries we had not visited, but the real reason was the inclusion of war correspondents lecturing and so adding to the experience . Of the3, Martin Bell (who travelled with us) was superb: 4 lectures of appropriate length and content, delivered with video clips to make the whole thing 'come alive' as we travelled the troubled regions of the former Yugoslavia. His last talk was very light-hearted: Politics and Poetry. Sadly, the lectures from the other 2 reporters were not up to the same standard.

The boat was new, so rooms seemed even smaller. Service was excellent, although the food was inconsistent and a little too novel cuisine at times. Tours were generally very good, although a great deal depended on which local guide you ended up with - standards of English and input both variable. More activities on board would have been welcomed during the sailing day. The disappointment was no time in Budapest, and the 2 days in Bucharest. After a well organised cruise, things just weren't of the same standard (although the hotel was fine) Visits and catering outside of the hotel both left much to be desired.

The overall experience was very good - not least due to the cruise director, Jana.