Our cabin was comfortable, with twin beds, a dresser, TV,a large picture window, a good size bathroom, and easy chair. The attendant who cleaned our room was quietly efficient.

All the excursions were included in the cost except for an optional program in Vienna. There were very few extras. It was very pleasant not having someone take my picture every minute or trying to sell me art or an extra drink.

We arrived on the ship on Saturday in the late afternoon. WE settled in, explored the ship, met some of our fellow travellers, and read the bulletins that were in our room. Dinner was open seating. There were no assigned seats for any meals. I enjoyed the meals as there were always five courses of small portions ( European style), and the service was exceptional.

It was difficult to tell if we were moving as the ride was so smooth. Going through locks was fascinating.

We visited Vienna, a beautiful city. I definitely plan to return for a whole week in Vienna at a later date. We stopped in Passau, an ancient city where the Danube , Iltz, and Inns Rivers come together. We had a tour of the city and a chance to wander on our own. Unfortunately, the Danube, due to earlier rains, and late melting snows, had risen so high that our ship was unable to travel any further. We were bused to Melk, Kelheim,and Regenberg. Every stop was historical,and had its own special points of interest. Unfortunately, we were unable to get to Nuremberg, so we went down river to a small town in Austria that a fascinating monastery and church.

We left the ship and were bused to Pilsen, and then to Prague where our hotel was upgraded to 5 star InterContinental. Prague was not bombed in WWII and is a fascinating, vital city. The prices were unbelievably low. I bought a hand carved chess set for $20.00. Every one was happy to hear and see Americans. We had a wonderful tour guide who stayed with our small group (We were divided up into small groups) for our entire stay in Prague.

This part of the world can trace its history back 500BC to the invasion of the Celts, then the Romans in 100 AD. and then up to the present time. There are beautiful ancient castles, cathedrals and buildings.

All the tours were arranged through UNIWORLD.

We walked and climbed many steps each day while on tours and arrived home feeling rested and healthy on June 6th.

If one wants a glitzy cruise with floor shows, midnight ice sculptures, etc., this is not it. If you want a low key cruise, with good food, excellent service, comfortable surroundings, and unbelievably wonderful scenery, this is for you.