Good series of questions.
The cruise liner we used was Viking River Cruises.
They operate world wide.
The boat we were on was the Viking Pride and it makes trips beginning in Amsterdam to Budapest and Budapest to Amsterdam.
The Boat is about 250 feet long, carries about 240 people, serves three good meals a day. They pick you up at the airport and return you to the airport. It is fully equipped and as good as any ocean cruise. The ship stops daily at a city along the way--and---they have professional tours--though you can stop off in the city for a few hours of on your own sightseeing or shopping. There was only one city that was not within walking distance of the center of town---I'm talking a max of 20minutes walking--most of them less than 10 minutes--we took the subway back from town with directions provided by the ships program director.
Get on the boat, unpack and enjoy the ride. Sundecks and longe area inside.
First class--no doubt about that.
We had the cheapest room we could get--water level viewing from the room. It was quiet, comfortable temps and we were happy with the space provided. I would use this room again without hesitation. Two filght of stairs to the lounge--short flights.
15 days--for the tour of Europe, which we took. Shorter versions available.
Budapest is in the midst of coming out from the curtain. The airport is nothing to brag about--typical communist structre. Town was friendly--they are serious about getting out of communism--shops were great--tours were very good---town has gotten rid of all Russian street names---but--you can still see evidence of typical Russian commune housing.
We walked around the area where the boats dock at night and during the day.
The boats do not dock at unlit typical warves. I was out and about on a couple of evening jaunts without any problem.
Blessings
