We initially chose this cruise for the excellent pricing. This was our first river cruise but had done numerous ocean cruises. We loved the more intimate atmosphere of the smaller boat. We appreciated the way the excursions were mostly included and the fact that they were timed to bring you back to the boat for lunch or a quick rest stop before the afternoon excursion. All of the stops were wonderful - we loved the history to the locations that we visited the tour guides were all outstanding. The Christmas Marketplaces were wonderful to see and shop through. Our luggage was definitely heavier for the return trip! To us Southern Californians, the temperatures were a little on the cold side but we survived! It was unfortunate that we couldn't enjoy the sun deck due to the weather but that is obviously outside the staff's control. All of the staff were so very nice and helpful and the trip was truly an enjoyable one. We hope to return for a summer time river cruise so that we can see a different side of this type of cruise. Highly recommend a river cruise to everyone and especially Avalon Waterways!