Dining (ie Uniworld) -- I've read the reports of great food. Just wondering about lunches - if you are on a city tour, do you come back to the boat for lunch? Also, is there a time span for the meals (ie 2 hrs) or set time? Are there tables for 2 or do people share? Just wondering about that aspect? I know there is a lot of getting to know others, but not everyone prefers that.

Most river boats take thier passengers back to the boats for lunch. We preferred to stay in the town and eat locally.

Unless you're on an optional excursion which includes lunch, you will return to the boat for lunch. To the best of my memory the smallest table was for four. But unless there is a real shortage of tables for some reason, you will be able to sit by yourselves at a table for four. Like you, we sometimes wanted to be by ourselves. Our cruise was with Grand Circle, but I imagine there aren't a lot of differences in the two companies. Hope you enjoy your riverboat cruise as much as we did.

That's one of the (many) things that keeps us from doing river cruises--we like to eat local specialities in local places, not what the boat company wants us to eat. And we don't want to pay to eat on the boat and then pay again if we want to eat somewhere local.

Good point, PaulHahn.For us, it's letting someone else do EVERYTHING.No planning,cooking,cleaning,pretty much all inclusive.They do serve regional foods here and there, but you're right that it's not the same as sitting at the little outdoor cafes and bistros.