3 day pre-cruise stay in Prague (included) was great - 2 day post-cruise stay in Budapest (extra) was fine but expensive. Everything was well organized, seemed very good value for cost. Nice range of ports (towns) from the small to cosmopolitan. Ship was first rate, crew was attentive and helpful. Dining was very good, available beer/wine with meals a nice touch. Limited entertainment options, but that was OK...real entertainment was the outside scenery. Did a few of the "extra" excursions, didn't mind just going on the walking tours provided. Got a free upgrade to a cabin with a full window view, which will make the inside cabin choice harder in the future, even though the difference in price is significant. This being our first river cruise, can only compare to ocean cruises, but we really liked the overall pace of this (even included a tour option for "slower walkers"), and would definitely take another river cruise. Realize there are a lot of river cruise companies, but Avalon met and exceeded expectations for us.
Really enjoyed the ability to open our window; breezes and views were great...cabin was roomy and well thought out.