This cruise was actually my second choice. I wanted to do Basel to Amsterdam and spend a few extra days in Amsterdam, but that was a bit too pricey at the date I needed.

The flight to Vienna, our point of embarkation, went smoothly. However, there was no one at the airport to meet us. This was worrisome, but we've been through turmoil at times when traveling abroad so not overwhelming. After about 40 minutes and several conversations with the Information counter and two pages over the PA the representative showed up. We did have to wait, however, for the car to arrive and that was another twenty minutes or so.

We were then taken to the ship but being behind by an hour set us back in terms of setting up the room and unpacking. No chance to do even a little sponge bath which was annoying because after traveling 14-15 hours we were a little grimy. However, when we arrived at the ship, the Avalon Expression, it looked like an oasis to us. Everything was immaculate with a sense of vast open space. My wife had done river cruises in America, but I had never done one anywhere. Dinner was wonderful and Chris, our Cruise Director, gave us an orientation lecture which greatly helped in preparing us for the next several days. Read more