Three friends and I chose Avalon for our first-time river cruise because we had read wonderful reviews by others. We wanted a cruise that was educational, fun, appropriate for older travelers, and relaxing. Avalon's 15-day Magnificent Europe eastbound was all this and more. An included tour for each town we visited gave us an opportunity to explore areas we might have overlooked otherwise. Every local guide was informed, friendly, and helpful.

Due to low water, we had to stay at a hotel in Amsterdam for the first two nights of our trip, but Avalon made sure we were in great accommodations with a terrific restaurant. We were compensated with a partial refund for those two nights even though the company had no control over the river levels. The extra time in Amsterdam gave us a chance to explore even more.

I hope to travel with Avalon again. I cannot imagine a better cruise experience. I have only two regrets: 1. I wish I had taken this cruise years ago instead of waiting; and 2. I don't think I'll find ocean cruises as enchanting as I once did because a river cruise provides so much more of an educational and personal experience. Well done, Avalon.