To be honest we chose this cruise because it fit within a time that we were able to go. Reality is we were blown away. Not only by the staff, the shore excursions, the meals, or even the drinks. When you put it all together it was Amazing. We had zero expectations because we had never taken a river cruise before. We have done ocean cruises. We are now definitely river cruise people. I was afraid I would be bored so I brought plenty of books to read. I read none of them. They keep you engaged, and plugged in. We made some long term friends on this ship. If you are on the fence about this cruise, I highly recommend it. The included shore excursions were great and packed with information. The Black Forest was just okay, but we loved seeing the country side. We had a veranda room, but not sure I would again. We spent so little time in our room, and any of the rooms we saw were so nice.