I have never been on a River cruise and I was on the FAM, because I needed to experience one and the itinerary was a great fit for me. I thought the food was really good but the temperature was a little cool for my tastes. The lunch time rump steaks were excellent. Most of the soups were really good. I felt that the Cruise Director was a little too wordy with the next ports of call talks, I felt myself nodding off regularly. To me we could have been given a little more free time to enjoy the amenities of the boat without having to stay up really late to enjoy them. Also I wasn't happy with the fact that most days my beautiful panoramic view from my cabin was blocked by being butted up against another boat and many times we would open our curtains in just our pajamas to find that someone from the boat next door was dining and could see right into our room. I twisted my ankle mid week and it was really difficult navigating up our stairs and down the other boat's to disembark with crutches. The Captain was really personable and so were all the wait staff! Noris, Sebastian, and Almina, gave exemplary service at all times. I will definitely recommend this cruise and of course Avalon Cruiseline to my future clients. The shore excursions were very interesting and enjoyable and the guides were so knowledgeable it amazed me how much they knew about the points of interests. Especially Martin with regards to Normandy and D Day. I will absolutely take many more river cruises.