Migflanker, yes to all the above. There was a cell phone (we didn't use it once), there was an instructional video on board (didn't watch it), we could stop where ever and when ever we wanted (and the charts provided all the info we needed on cultural, historical, shopping, dining within walking or biking distance of the canals). The barges were very steady and calm (good sleeping), and we generally stopped well away from highways and train lines, so it was generally pretty quiet at night. I am ready to go back, but my wife is not retired yet. Tesek