wanted to try a smaller ship, we Knew that Viking cruises are excellent. We had done river cruises with them and wanted to try an ocean cruise. It was way beyond our expectations from service, to food, to excursions. restaurants were excellent, the wine and beer was first class. IT was anew ship and even though there were 900 passengers, there was plenty of room. The infinity pool and the luxurious spa were beyond belief. The rooms were well set out with space for all items. The ports of call in the Baltic were excellent with free guided tours at every port. We have travelled on many cruises (river) and the restaurant buffet excelled in every way from the sushi bar to unlimited seafood. I wouls seriously recommend this ship to all first timers. Te Flam railway to the mountain top was quite entertaining. Cruising up the Norway fiords (our boat was only one) was like taking a river cruise up the Canadian Rockies. The guides were very knowledgeable