This is another photographic account of a river cruise; this time on the Saone- Rhone rivers from Chalon to Avignon, in southern France, in October, 2013. It was our third river cruise - we sailed on the Volga, in Russia in 2008 and in China, on the Yangtze in 2012. We have had brief trips on the Rhine, Seine, and Danube; these rivers, and perhaps one or two more in Asia require further investigation.

We have also done a little ocean cruising, in the Agean and the Caribbean. Both types offer an great advantage over exploring on land: you unpack once and your motel room travels with you. Ocean cruising is different, very popular and restricted to the features on the ship; multiple dining areas and and entertainment, for example.

A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing along at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery, with opportunities to explore riverside towns. It is a relaxed experience in surroundings that are comfortable without being formal, with good food and enjoyable company. River cruises differ from ocean cruises:
• The ships are smaller. Most accommodate between 90 and 250 passengers. The Scenic Emerald had about 170. (See page 85 for details.)
• The atmosphere is friendlier.
• The river cruise provides a unique way of seeing a country's interior.
• Land is always in sight and there is always something to see.

Smaller boat river cruises have no floor shows, discos, assigned seating, art auctions, etc. The most most popular activity is conversation.