This was a very pleasant week cruising up and down-river from Lyon on a riverboat which could hold 140 passengers but carried only about 50 during the week. This made the public areas such as the lounge and the dining room less than half-full, resulting in better service and more enjoyable surroundings, and allowing getting on and off the boat and shore excursions to be less crowded and hectic.

The boat is not as fancy as some I have seen, nor does it need to be. The cabin was very comfortable and everything worked fine. I should note that I was on the bottom deck, and one could notice the noise going through the water, and at night going through the many locks there were a number of bumps and thumps. I was sorry that I could not lie on my bed and watch the world go by through my large window as it was at a higher level.

There was a sun deck where one could sit and enjoy the passing scenery, but it was often closed as the boat went under so many low bridges; in fact, during the week there was only one afternoon where I was able to take advantage of the sun deck. Read more