What an interesting thread. I have just read from the beginning because we have just booked a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on Viking for the end of October. We are seasoned Ocean cruisers, with 30+ cruises touching six continents but the only river cruise was on the Yangtze several years ago as part of a China trip. This was with a Chinese company so I doubt if it was typical. They offered wine with dinner, a choice of Great Wall white or Great Wall red, both equally undrinkable!
We have also travelled extensively in Europe because we have close family in UK and Germany, so I felt quite confident booking the cruise directly with Viking. We will be in Europe several days pre cruise, so this should avoid the problems with airline delays which seem inevitable right now.
I am following the posts on water levels with interest and hoping that the next two months will bring plenty of rain to the areas.
Sheila