We chose this cruise because it was where we wanted to go and had the best ratings. The cabins were beautiful, the service excellent, and the food and drink fantastic. We were offered a variety of excursion options, and each one we chose was excellent. The staff were very friendly, accommodating, and proficient. The cities we visited were wonderful and the people who took us on the excursions were knowledgeable and often very humorous. When we encountered a broken river lock that prevented further travel by boat, our cruise Director, J.J., managed to arrange travel by bus and 5 star hotel accommodations that ensured we went to the cities listed and had available the same excursion options. In fact, the hotel stays allowed us to walk out the front doors into the heart of the cities, so that was a minor inconvenience. It was an amazing trip that we have recommended to every who asks. And we will do another cruise as soon as we are able.