We picked this cruise from an advertisement. We didn't really check anything out before hand but it was for our 50th wedding anniversary so off we went. This was the most relaxing vacation we have ever been on. Viking looks after everything from the moment we deplaned in Amsterdam to check in in Budapest!! Always with you, but never in your way. We boarded Lif after a couple of fun days in Amsterdam. This is one of the newer Viking ships..a beauty. We had a lower level cabin, it worked for us, we just sleep there. Well appointed, smallish, but everything we needed. The dining was absolutely amazing...variety, chef performed miracles!! and the service the best you can get.. There was an included shore excursion everyday...sometimes walking off the ship and sometimes taking a shuttle on one of Viking's amazing tour buses. There were no children on board...really nothing for them to do... We WILL be back. Read Less

We wanted to try a river cruise, having enjoyed a Viking Ocean Cruise last year. We have previously done ocean cruising with Seabourn and Silversea and we are looking for the right cruise line for us. What a disappointing trip this was. River levels were low, and on the first day we were bused to Slovenia to join a boat- the Embla- , rather than sailing out of Budapest. After a week we had a 3.5 hour bus trip to transfer to the Lif where we made it to Cologne before being advised we could not travel any further and that everyone would be bussed to a hotel at Schippol airport (Amsterdam) the next day. Therefore the cruise ended a day early. Viking are of course not responsible for the low water levels, but it was the management of the issue that left a lot to be desired -we always felt we were being kept in the dark and drip fed information. This extends to having heard NOTHING from Viking since our return - although we know other passengers who complained have been offered 25% discount off a future cruise. Of importance to us was the poor quality of the meals, particularly dinner. Fish was almost always very overcooked, as were the steaks and the overall menu and quality of the food was just so disappointing. Wine choices were ok, we took the silver package so had a better selection of drinks. As others have noted, only a few times did we dock where you could walk into town, and more than once we docked in industrial areas - once next to a giant smelly rubbish skip. Many of the towns where we stopped were small german towns and had little to see. Often you were stuck in the town for hours after the included tour with nothing to do but wait for the bus transfer back to the boat. Staff on the Embla were ok but were much better on the Lif. Our Verandah Suite was very comfortable, with a separate lounge area. Beware that you are often rafted next to other boats so have to keep your curtains closed at all times. We will not do a river cruise again - and after loving our Viking ocean cruise we are now very disillusioned with Viking - so won't be sailing with Viking again. Our search for the right cruise line continues. Read Less

We chose this particular cruise itinerary in order to see a part of Europe not previously visited. Viking Cruises impressed us in every aspect of our voyage: attentive and personalized service; delicious meals, beautifully presented, and impeccably served; fascinating tours with local guides; concerts, horse shows, wine tastings, every planned adventure meticulously coordinated - and an unplanned adventure the same. Our cabin was immaculate when we arrived, and maintained that way on a daily basis, as were all the ship's spaces. From the beautifully set dining room to the comfortable lounge and the casual forward deck, the walking circle and the upper deck, and the library and the stairs from level , all areas showed the constant maintenance of a conscientious crew. The library held volumes related to the cities and country on the ships itinerary; the latest books of fiction and non-fiction, a joy for this passenger. The spacious lounge, with its windows overlooking both water and land, became a favored spot for a cup of tea and a cookie, and to savor meeting other travelers from around the globe. Personally, a favorite experience of mine was the novelty of moving through the locks on the rivers; absolutely fascinating. Our first river cruise with Viking surpassed our expectations, and, yes, we are scheduled to do another river cruise. Read Less

We chose this cruise to see new countries & sights. Unfortunately the weather was rainy & very chilly on most of the excursions which could have been shortened by half & still covered the same sights & information. Some do the excursions were so physically demanding & we saw so many of the same types of sights that the information all ran together. We tho't the pitches could have been condensed & the time & effort to conquer some very difficult terrains would be remembered if shortened. Our cabin was lovely always with good service. The ship design is great, & the cuisine abundantly offers something for every taste. The restaurant & bar service couldn't have been better! Pedro, the fabulous musician, was the best part of the cruise! What a talented gentleman he is!! Embarkation was very smooth, but disembarkation was hectic & not so organized. Summary: If I had it to do again, I'd spend more time ont he boat. Read Less