We selected Viking Homelands cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises because the itinerary matched the time we would be in Europe completing other travel. The cruise turned out to more than meet our expectations with outstanding dining and service. It matched the best we have experienced on any previous cruise.

We were in a port each day of the cruise except for one sea day. The included excursions were for the most part, very adequate in providing an overview of the highlights of each city visited. We opted to go on an optional shore excursion in Flaam and a private tour in St. Petersburg. These turned out to both be good ideas. Only one day in Copenhagen is not really enough time to even see the highlights and trying to see Berlin located 3 hours by train from the port (Warnemunde, Germany) is a stretch for a one day stop also. It might have been better to stay 2 days in Copenhagen and skip Germany.

The ship amenities were excellent and comfortable, as good as, any ship we've been on. The entertainment was good, not super, but it seemed that Viking was more committed to getting you off the ship and in to see the ports than having a lot of things, at extra costs on the ship to keep you entertained, e.g. no casino, and we thought that was a favorable point. Embarkation and departure was very smooth. We were even able to tag on to/from a ride from the airport with Viking even though we didn't opt for air travel through Viking. We just asked when we arrived and were told if there was room to get on the bus. Considering everything, I would highly recommend Viking Cruises. We wil definitely return when an itinerary fits our agenda.