The Rhine is Germany's most beloved waterway for leisurely river cruises ... which toggles between regular TV and an electronic map. The towboat and barge are coupled together, and chug along ...

Rain in past few days has raised Rhine river water levels in Germany, with vessels able to carry more cargo although most are still sailing around half full, commodity traders said on Thursday.

But sometimes, the best stories come from experiences beyond our comfort zone, so when I got the chance to join my mom on a luxury cruise on the Rhine ... castles along the river all the way ...