My husband wanted to book a cruise that would be as easy or as difficult physically as I could handle with knee surgery looming. A friend and I found everything was perfect, especially for a first time river cruise. Everything about this cruise went smoothly from the moment we joined up. No worries and every question was answered promptly and fully. Our disembarkation was remarkably easy as well. The ship shines, the crew from captain down to the behind the scenes people were welcoming,cheerful and pleasant. The cabin was more than adequate, beds extremely comfortable for one with a bad back and the food and bar outstanding. I could not have wished for better service. The planned shore excursions and ports of call have a lovely overview of several countries and some of their highlights, loads of information from a local guide, with shortened or modified tours (gentle walks) for those needing them. Personally, I found most of the tour very doable with a walking stick which the ship provided. As we were told at the beginning of the cruise, very little of the entertainment took place aboard ship--most was only e o the planned excursions. My husband did not accompany me on this trip, so I am going to try and get him to go next year. I certainly hope to go again several times, preferably with Avalon Waterways. I simply can't say enough good about them.