My husband and I travel a lot but had never taken a cruise. The Danube River cruise was absolutely everything we had hoped it would be. First rate staff; from the well-informed and entertaining cruise director to the wait staff and housekeeping staff, the entire crew was outstanding. Food was perfect for us - excellent quality and the choice of more formal table service or casual seating in a buffet area. Each day's agenda was clearly explained the night before, and local guides at the various ports were all very knowledgeable and extremely interesting. Optional side tours were reasonably priced and worth doing, but the trip was full without them. Educational talks, evening programs, great camaraderie, the Viking River Cruise was absolutely fabulous.