Although Evergreen Cruises & Tours is based in Australia, you will find that nearly 50 percent of passengers come from other English-speaking countries, including the U.K., the U.S. and Canada. The line's contemporary, boutique-style ships also attract first-time river cruisers, including passengers in their 40s and 50s, though the average Evergreen cruiser will be 55-plus.

A little. The dress code during the day is relaxed, but the majority of cruisers opt to wear smart-casual for the evenings. The welcome and farewell dinners are a touch more elegant but not quite to the point of black tie or formal attire.

No, but your cruise fare does include all meals, at least one guided shore tour every day, drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities and transfers. You'll pay extra for select tours, retail shop purchases and laundry.

Travelers choose Evergreen for the opportunity to explore towns along the rivers the cruise line sails and, therefore, shore excursions are, by far, the most popular activity. The "Local Experiences" tours are a hit and include a variety of opportunities to meet local families. Fitness-focused cruisers enjoy the active range of energetic onboard and on-shore activities (on select cruises), which include bicycle tours and walking excursions.