We chose this particular cruise because the cities (ports of call) on the Rhine appealed to us. We read positive reviews about Avalon and took a chance. I can't say enough good things about our experience. We had a spectacular week. The staff is awesome; from the cruise director to the wait staff and the housekeeping and the deck/nautical crew and the on-board entertainer. Everyone is VERY customer focused. The food is great....and if you don't like the menu, you can always have a steak and baked potato or a grilled chicken breast. The outings and excursions were great; lots of choices. It was a busy week but we kind of wanted busy. There is some flexibility. There are lots of excursions included and lots of "optional" excursions that cost extra. I didn't think we were being nickel-dimed. The included excursions were great with some choices in some cities. The food was great. The wine and beer choices were pretty good. I'm not a wine expert but I'm not a novice....I enjoyed the wines. There wasn't an aspect of the cruise with which I was disappointed. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and approachable and engaging. Some (not many) of the other guests were rude. We avoided them. It happens. Most guests were friendly and there to have a fun vacation. We'll do another river cruise with Avalon.