This was my first cruise. I chose it primarily because it stopped at cities I wanted to see, but the ship itself and the crew made it extra memorable. My husband and I are 55-65 and in decent health/mobility but not active athletes. I had been to Barcelona in 1968 and wanted to see it again, so we booked a few extra days to explore. Our hotel was near the Ramblas and the Ciudad Market which were fun to visit on our own. Viking staff were on hand to gather up our bags and walk us through our boarding process. It was seamless. I cannot believe the wasn't a glitch in this vacation anywhere! There was not.

I was especially impressed that the crew remembered my name on the first day; this skill is extremely difficult for me! I asked my room steward where I could get ice (I'm used to staying in hotels where there's an ice machine, self service) and he brought ice every single day after that.

My husband Tim and I opted for the Silver Service, since we are wine lovers, and had a very lively and fun relationship with the wine steward in the dining room. See? I cannot remember her name! (I'm a stroke survivor). Read more