We have always had great cruises from Viking. We do not like large cruise ships so the Viking River and Ocean cruises fit our needs perfectly. The smaller ships allow you go make more friendships with a small group of people. Other than Bergen the weather was perfect (not that Viking can control the weather).

The dining room is set up mainly for 2 person tables, but the tables can be combined for larger groups. The specialty restaurants, The Chef's Table and Manfredi's Italian Restaurant were a nice plus to the cruise. At no additional cost, we were able to visit these two restaurants multiple times during the cruise. Complimentary soda, wine and beer are available at lunch and dinner. There is a 24/7 coffee/tea area available.

Viking's policy of at least one free shore excursion in each port is a great benefit. So many cruise excursions are way too pricey. We actually like to participate in the free excursion and then spend time wandering around the port ourselves. Viking has an audio vox system which allows the excursion guide to broadcast to all the passengers on the excursion. No longer do we have to be clustered around the guide to hear the lecture. It was a bit discouraging when we arrived in Germany. Our shore excursion to Berlin was a 3 hour train ride each way. Read more