We boarded the Helvetia in Basel and were met at the airport by the Viking reps. You did not have to touch your bags as they took them from you and you next saw them at your door. Check in was a breeze. The ship was about 6 years old and showed some age but was exceptionally clean and the crew was very upbeat. The food was good and the wine plentiful. If you are a wine snob you might not enjoy it but if you are like most it was very good. The weather was cold but it was November. The cruise director was a hoot and well versed in the area. The daily trips were informative and great fun. The wait staff knew your first name from the first day and they were very glad to see you at each meal. When you ended the tour they gave you information about tipping but did not push it. You were properly brought to the airport.

we had a French balcony and it was very clean and space was used wisely. It in fact was bigger than some cabins on ocean trip

Using Viking air is worth every penny and the flights are very direct. we have taken several ocean cruises and the smaller is better. you could not feel the boat even move. We have had good time and would do t again