We've done a fair amount of ocean cruising, this was our first river cruise.

Expectations were not met. I had expected with river cruises you would have two advantages, docking in the city centre and more time in port. Both assumptions were incorrect. Often you dock a fair way outside of the city, let alone the city centre. Port times were shorter on the river cruise than ocean cruising. As an example in Amsterdam we had expected to have a full second day. However the ship "moves" after the on shore excursions commence, so you must return immediately following the agenda otherwise the ship will simply not be there. This also resulted, from time to time, in a long bus ride. The included excursions were satisfactory and likely something an ocean cruise line would charge $100 per person for.

On the plus side embarkation and disembarkation were outstanding. No xray or scanning as you board, and you can simply leave and return without being scanned in or out. A passcard is returned to the reception area when you are aboard for the final time. There was no photographer trying to take your photo every time you arrived or departed the ship, or during meals. A plus in my view! Read more