This was our 16th cruise and our 1st river cruise. We chose this cruise because of the itinerary. We are so impressed with Emerald! Embarkation and disembarkation were flawless. We selected a category E stateroom which is one of the least expensive rooms. We were concerned about it because in pictures the windows look very small. The room was comfortable, the window larger than expected and we had plenty of room to move around. The staff and guides on the excursions were all top notch. The cruise director, Balasc, is a ROCK STAR! He didn't miss one detail even providing us with a "to go" box for breakfast the day of our very early flight home. The on-board entertainment was exceptional. Service in the dining room was outstanding and the wine flowed freely. And the wines were generally very good. The food was good, not great, but we certainly didn't go hungry. We've sailed with Windstar twice and they still hold first place for the most incredible food on-board so that is always our barometer. If there was one recommendation it would be to lower the temperature/dim the lights in the dining room. It got very warm in there in the evening. Overall, an exceptional cruise!