Wings55

@kiapghff @Host Jazzbeau H.J. has provided some great advice and has a broader knowledge of the options out there. I think you'll be able to do some reasonable comparisons. As I believe we've both indicated, do your homework and go with what you think is best for you. As far as age is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much. We have meet fun engaging people on every river cruise. Although, the Aussies on our Scenic trip were the most fun bunch ever! 👍 Paul

@Host JazzbeauI'm sorry if I made it sound like the answer just jumps off the page, it doesn't. But that's why I said you have to "factor which items are important to you", For me it was a tool I could use to help make choices and weed through the forest of options. For example, someone who doesn't drink alcohol will want to think twice about a line that doesn't charge on the ship because we know the cost is rolled into the ticket price. It's one of the things I appreciate about Scenic. 😉 Paul

@kiapghff That's a good plan, find the company that fits your style. For our Rhine/Moselle trips we sailed with Uniworld both times. Before we sailed, I was a little leery of the decor on the Uniworld ships but the service, the food and the almost all-inclusive nature won me over. We've sailed a few times with AMA too, but I wasn't as 'wowed' by those experiences. My all-time favorite is Scenic but like Tauk, you pay extra for the over-the-top nature of their offerings' I made a big spreadsheet comparing similar itineraries (date and number of days) with prices and all the various inclusions. Then factor which items are important to you and see what decide. I hope you have a great trip!! Paul

Jane and I have been on only one Scenic cruise, but I agree with @Canal archive that the Aussies were marvelous travel companions. Warm, engaging, entertaining.. just downright fun! Our fellow passengers were one of the big reasons we were so taken with Scenic. Paul

@mojitoman I agree with the others, AMS to Basil is a wonderful itinerary. If possible, I'd suggest a couple extra days so you can include the Moselle too. We loved our Rhine/Moselle itinerary so much we booked it a second time two years later and thought it was just as enjoyable. I also think you should spend some time reviewing a variety of cruise lines. Before we booked our first river cruise, I fully expected we would choose Viking. After reviewing our options, we decided on a different line. I love the interior 'look' of the longships but 190 passengers seems too tight to me, but goodness knows Viking has its fans. You need to decide what's right for you. Take your time and have fun planning your cruise. I'm sure you'll love it. Paul

@Kristelle It looks like the others have done a good job answering your initial questions. I will just add that our first river cruise in 2016 was the same as yours except we sailed east to west. We absolutely loved that trip and it still remains my favorite vacation ever. You choose wisely and I hope you enjoy your experience as much as we did ours! Paul

.. and rescind his degree!

@Canal archive There was no way Jane was leaving without a gondola ride and I have to admit it was worth the price. We enjoy trains too but have never been on a real train vacation (holiday??). We're hoping to book the Rocky Mountaineer for the fall of 2024.

I'm sad to say I can identify with Earl more often than I care to admit. (Jane would agree!) 😉 Paul

@notamermaid Yes, indeed there is a lot of German heritage here in Texas. We have some good German style beer and lots of great food too. Mmmmm....!!! ☺️

i was always partial to his girlfriend, Nell. 😉

I watched the webinar last week and found it to be very tempting. 🤔 Paul

After commuting to and from north Jersey every day we didn't stray too far from our apartments. The only place I remember was in a little strip center nearby called Aljon's. I can't say I remember it being anything other than acceptable. 🤷‍♂️ Paul

I guess I missed out. I lived in Plainsboro for three years, but I never heard about Delorenzo's. 😞