Embarking on the Panorama at Budapest we had only cruised to Vienna when unprecedented floods made further progress on the river impossible. Along with another eight cruise ships from other cruise lines we were stuck there. Avalon immediately sent letters informing us of the need to use buses and offering compensation. We were really disappointed since we loved our suite with lovely comfy bed and spacious bathroom and had grown to like the crew. The food was great and plenty of wine with dinner.

As it turned out we used the Panorama as a base for a couple of days with buses taking us to places we would have cruised to then we were taken to a top hotel in Saltzberg for a night before busing to Bamberg where we embarked on the Expression. We then toured from there for a couple more days before going to Mainz and the Hilton. Here we joined the Vista and cruised to Amsterdam. I can't speak highly enough of Nico our tour director who, along with Avalon had to change arrangements, get buses, restaurants and hotels for about 150 people almost by the hour. They ensured we were accompanied by experienced bus guides who were very good and along with the planned tours we were able to see much of what had been advertised without the comfort of relaxed cruising. All the passengers I spoke to were disappointed about not cruising for much of the time but were impressed by the efforts Avalon and Nico in particular made to give us a good tour. All said we would all use Avalon again.