Andi - you are so right. Cruising time is very important to us as well ... why else would one choose a cruise as the mode of transport, right? One thing about Europe, is that it is super easy to travel by road and not that expensive to stay in wonderful hotels, B & B's, guesthouses or even castles. So river cruising would have to really have something EXTRA special for us to exceed that wonderful European experience. We've stayed in a castle in Ireland, a Villa in Tuscany, a house on the Seychelles island of Praslin in the indian Ocean, a beautiful B & B in London, an Houseboat on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa and many other awesome stays around the world. All such awesome lifetime experiences!!! Ocean cruising is so special because nothing can compete with that type of experience, and as many others feel as well - the sea days are so special, especially when one has visited so many different ports already. Nothing like a Transatlantic or Transpacific for the MOST unrivaled, relaxing vacation. We are reminded every day (at our age) that life is so short, so new adventures are what we look to do these days. Again thank you for your wonderful review!!!!