We anxiously awaited this cruise after doing two Viking River Cruises and many ocean liner cruises (Azamara, Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Star Clipper). It met our hopes and expectations on every level.

It is important to understand that Viking is not for everyone. You will feel that you are on a ship--not in Las Vegas, at Disneyland, in New York City. The design is sleek and Scandinavian--wood and glass wherever possible. You know you are at sea with open design and windows everywhere.

Our cabin was fine, the food was superb, the staff tried immensely hard to please and, no surprise, everything ran on time. Our shore excursions were fine though Viking still needed to clear up a few miscues. St. Petersburg is a tough city to visit and the excursions there could be improved. Read more