Had people tell me to take the rhine cruise from Bingen to Koblenz, should I do that in advance? or wait and get tickets at the boat dock in Bingen?

You can easily purchase your tickets at the boat dock in Bingen. I've done the cruise a number of times (with friends who were visiting) and never had a problem. And yes, I'd take the cruise. It's a restful few hours, great for the feet, and very educational. If the weather is cooperating, try to sit outside, on the top or rear decks. You get to see more that way.

I took a roundtrip Rhine cruise (more like a boat ride) between Bingen and St. Goarshausen, and it was wonderful. Like Linda said, you can get tickets at the boat dock in Bingen. The dock area is easy to spot; just go to the Rhine riverside in Bingen, and you'll see a park stretched alongside the riverbank, with a few kiosks and boats coming and going. There's a parking strip right there, too, and at least when I was there, parking was free. I didn't buy tickets ahead. I was there in early May, though, so ... not sure when you're going and whether getting tickets would make a difference in the summer. It really is beautiful along the Middle Rhine!

PS You might want to check out www.loreleyvalley.com, which has info on the Middle Rhine region. Also, Bingen-Rudesheimer.com/rhine-cruise/index.html. This is the website for one of boat companies that run cruises.

I took the river cruise between Bacharach & St. Goar. We toured Rheinsfel castle in St. Goar & sampled their wonderful brandy then returned to Bacharach. It was a nice cruise. I don't think that I would have enjoyed a longer cruise though.

By the way, as long as you are in the area, go to Rudesheim and try "Rudesheim coffee". Just be sure to appoint [? ]a designated driver first. The coffee is excellent, and when I'm in the area I ALWAYS have some. It's a real treat.