We spent the first half of our Danube cruise on the Tor then transferred to the Var as a result of the ship change due to low water levels. If we had been on the Tor all week this would have been a five star rating. The difference between the staff on the two ships was like night and day. The staff on the Tor was outstanding. They smiled, called us by our first names and couldn't do enough to make our trip enjoyable. Not so on the Var. Viking obviously has no control over the water levels and they certainly went out of their way to compensate for the inconveniences involved in the ship change. From open bar nights to complimentary excursions, they did whatever they could to make sure our trip was amazing. The transfer was handled as seamlessly as possible by the Viking staff. Just put your luggage out in the morning and return later that day to the same room on the identical sister ship.

The guides Viking uses for their excursions are outstanding. They are easy to understand, humorous, experienced and fun. This was our second Viking cruise with the first being the Paris to Normandy and we love the small river cruises. You couldn't get me on another huge ocean cruise where you feel like cattle being herded around. We are doing the Viking Shanghai to Bejing trip in May and it won't be our last for sure.