I've enjoyed reading the various takes on the different river cruises and appreciate hearing the pros and cons. Personally, I think Tom and I are inclined to view the same priorities as you do Ngaire. I'm not crazy about hearing announcements in various languages nor giving up open seating ESPECIALLY with a fun LCT group. Having a French balcony is also a huge plus rather than just a window plus free email.. Wine included with dinner....well, that's a given!

Ngaire, we'll depend on your guidance for the Christmas Market cruise in December 2009 from Paris to Amsterdam. The Amadeus sounds just fine to us.