My husband has never been to Europe, our travel agent reccommended a River boat cruise so we decided on Avalon. We looked into both Viking and Avalon and came to conclusion Avalon would be better and they did not dissappoint!!! We enjoyed the cabin of being able to lie on bed and look right out to river, we could relax with doors wide open and watch the beautiful scenery. Food was extradinary, every city we went into the chef had local foods prepared for lunch and dinner and all the local wines. If you didn't like what was on the menu you could order a Filet Mignon, chicken or a fish dish everything amazing!! Excursions were just long enough and to all the right places. As for the staff, would do the same cruise just to be with all of them again, they were all fantastic!!! From Edourd, the head bartender, to Alex, the Maitre'd,Joost the cruise director.. Daniel and Max bar waiters and Jana to name a few that were all execellent