Having resisted river cruising for many years, we finally capitulated (ran out of excuses for not taking one) and booked a Provence cruise on the Viking Delling. The booking and upfront experience was good. The website was easy to navigate and the cruise materials arrived in plenty of time with luggage tags, cruise book and other information. Good first impression. Our package included free air arranged by Viking. As a first timer was not real informed on their customization program that carries an add on cost. Wish I had as that way would have had more controlled over the connecting flights. The outbound flights Viking booked carried high risk of missed connections (via IAD and FRA) and sure enough we missed the flight from FRA to LYS. No problem though as the airline rebooked us. However the real issue is that apparently Viking doesn't monitor their passenger's while in transit (which other companies we have used do and modify transfers without being contacted). Viking's materials say to contact them should we experience a delay and give numbers to call and the ship's email address. When we arrived in Lyon, we were a bit surprised to find no Viking rep and no transfer there. So we tried to call Viking (we don't have an international calling plan and both help centers at the airport were unable to call for us). Sent an email to the address given but no response there. So ended up face timing daughter back in the States who called Viking and was told we could take a taxi and be reimbursed. Had thought of that earlier but in our documents, Viking identified three potential berths for the ship. Equipped with the berthing info, we grabbed a cab and four days later (after three tries), we got our fare refunded. Not a great first impression. But apart from that: Room was good. We booked the least expensive and it was fine. The steward (Peter) did a great job keeping it tidy, replenishing towels). Easy access to the restaurant. Small shower but good water pressure and little fluctuation in temperature. TV reception was ok (only channel that consistently was not available was FOX). Food was ok. Breakfast selections was good, Liked cooked to order eggs. The french toast was a tad bit soggy for me. Oatmeal was good and they do bacon well. Lunch in the restaurant typically had a pasta selection and a daily special. Ate a lot of hot dogs and french fries. Dinner also had a daily special, an alternative and then every day available ones. The quality varied day by day so. The service though was excellent. Front Desk: indifferent at best. Being a bit cold outside, I asked at the front desk if they had blankets we could use outside the Aquafit area. Was told they were up there to which I told them I just came from there and didn't see any. I was dismissed with a 'oh well'. On my way back I did locate them hidden behind a chair. But would have been nice if they had helped me rather than wave me off. Tour Director: was good and worked hard and long hours. Included Tours: very good. Lots of walking though would not recommend this trip for anyone with mobility issues. Busses used were all top notch. Itinerary/Rhone River: would have preferred to spend more time in Avignon and less time in Lyon. Would not recommend this for first time travelers to Europe as there's not a lot of variety in the area (do Rhine or Danube). Hotel Manager: so by now you know I was not too impressed with how he handled my transfer issue (day one - I needed to complete a form but he didn't have one), day two - waited for him to give me the form, day 3 - got a form from the desk, told to come back after 5 when manager would be there, he didn't have the money (it was 'upstairs') come back tomorrow, day 4: got money.). Other staff: everyone else went out of the way to say something. Good job there. Glad we went and experienced river cruising. Will we do it again? Most likely not. Read Less

Our second cruise with Viking was as excellent as our first. It started the day before we left with the wonderful surprise that instead of the standard stateroom we had booked, we'd been moved to a French balcony on the third level. The transfer from the Marseilles airport was easy, even though our flight was delayed over an hour, and Viking took us directly to the Delling. As we arrived late, lunch was over, and yet the bartender was able to find us a sandwich and a cool glass of wine to settle in. Our (upgraded) cabin was smaller in square feet than we had a few years ago on the Viking Sun but was designed nicely so there was plenty of room to store our clothes and toiletries and tuck the suitcases under the bed. We never felt cramped during the cruise, even though the only place to sit was on the bed. We really appreciated the ability to open the slider during the cruise and breathe the fresh air of Southern France or peek out at the locks we went through. The crew and staff on the Delling were fantastic. Our cruise director, Michael, was funny at the right times and serious when he needed to be. We had hoped to go the limestone caves outside of Arles and Michael did everything he could to try to arrange it, but as the late November sailing was after the "season", it was impossible. Still, we appreciated the effort. The food was fantastic with excellent chef's choices every day and plenty to choose from besides. My husband described the duck at the Flavors of Provence dinner as the best he'd ever had and I loved the varying selection of cheeses every day at breakfast. Since most of our meals were on board, we really appreciated all the regional specialties that were part of the menus. We had everything from escargot to Chateaubriand and each meal seemed to be better than the last. We chose to purchase the Silver Spirits package and that meant that we were able to enjoy a different bottle of wine each night. There was a nice selection of regional wines, which we mostly stuck to, and also selections from other wine areas. Our waiters were always quick to bring us the wine menu and keep our glasses full. For those without the package there was a generous supply of wine each lunch an dinner and many treats throughout the cruise. One thing I really like about Viking is how they will always welcome you back to the ship after a day of touring with some regional drink. Since it was November, ours were always warm and so toasty! The best entertainment was Les Gitans, a gypsy group that was fantastic. We also enjoyed the lecture on the French resistance. We learned so much! Viking's service is without parallel. They did their best not to disrupt any of the tours despite the French strike which closed down or slowed down many of the roundabouts. They were able to reroute or adjust so that everyone got to do everything they wanted and more! I think the only disappointment on this cruise was that there is actually very little cruising and it mostly happens during dinner. Also be aware that disembarkation is very early, in our case 3:30 a.m. That said, the cruise was fantastic and I can't wait to go with Viking again. Avignon: The gothic cathedral in Avignon is amazing and so well preserved. We also enjoyed walking along the river to the Pont and up to the gardens next to the Palace. We happened to be in town for a wine festival and so enjoyed some wine tasting at Les Halles that wasn't expected. Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tasting: This was a fun little tour where we learned what makes Chateauneuf du Pape wines so delicious and also had a chance to do a tasting. Arles: We walked in the footsteps of Van Gogh and the ancient Romans. After the tour there was enough time to try Du Bar a l'Huitre where we had a nice fish stew on the terrace and watched the people walk by. Viviers: This ancient village was a lovely surprise, complete with cobblestone alleyways and a cathedral. Our guide, like all the guides, was so knowledgeable and really brought this little town to life. It's so fun to explore a place you've never heard of before and learn so much. Rhone Valley Vineyard Hike: This hike took us up the slopes near the Hermitage wine region of the Rhone where we learned what makes Hermitage special and how the wines nearby are made. It also felt good to stretch our legs on a beautiful day. The wine tasting here was also very delicious but because we had to reroute our walk to catch the bus (the strike interfered) we didn't have time to make purchases. Beaujolais Wine Country: This cruise is a wine lover's delight. More information on viniculture made our day so enjoyable. Lyon: We had two chances to eat off the ship in Lyon, one at Merle in Les Halles (oysters!) and another at a Bouchon. These meals were memorable and worth skipping the also delicious meals on the ship. Read Less

This was my 6th cruise with Viking. Needless to say, I'm hooked. I absolutely loved the Delling!! When Michael Bright greeted me as I boarded the ship, I knew I would have a great cruise. Michael was the cruise director on a previous Paris to Normandy trip I had been on and it was fabulous!! Needless to say, he made this trip unforgettable. I was amazed to see how different southern France was with its beautiful mountains and vineyards. The excursions offered in this trip let me see Provence from many venues. In Avignon, they offered a tour called "The Flavors of Provence". After tasting the local favorites, we ended up in a private home for a cooking class with a chef and the owner of this beautiful house. This is something I have always wanted to do. I love meeting the people of the area this way. My room was the Veranda Suite which was composed of two rooms. I was traveling with a friend of mine who likes to stay up late so this room was perfect. Everyday we were given fresh fruit which was a delight. The food was delicious as always. Most of the time Carol and I ate breakfast and dinner in the Aquavit Lounge. It is quieter. At night we would sit at the bar with Radka (the best bartender ever) as Gino played the piano. I have to say, Gino was adorable. He played songs that I loved. And he was so helpful with getting the lounge ready for the evening. I always looked forward to Michael presenting the next day's excursions. The excursions would not have gone as well as they did without Michael's guidance and leadership. The bar with Radka at the helm was superb. The trip was perfect. I already have three more trips planned. In April, I am taking the Paris to Normandy trip again. Read Less

Provence and the Rhône—a feast for all your senses! The food, the wine, the art, the scenery—nothing disappointed. The crew of the Delling went above and beyond. Drinks were created and made to order. The food was all in keeping with the flavors of Provence. Every dinner (except for the first night) was enjoyed on the Aquavit Terrace—there is nothing better than al fresco dining with new friends with the scenery of the Rhône Valley as your backdrop. Special kudos go to our main server Lukas who did anything we called on him to do. Carlos and Veronica and Michael were so accommodating. Our bartender was amazing in creating and recommending spectacular cocktails. From the time we arrived in Paris for our pre-cruise tour to our embarkation in Lyon to our disembarkation in Avignon, we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Bags were transferred and tours went off without a hitch. Our best shore excursion was our cooking class in Avignon—what fun. We discovered the nuances of the wines from both the Beaujolais region as well as the Cotes du Rhône region and will now seek some of the superior wines of each. We experienced the locales and the scenery that was the inspiration of the art of Van Gogh. We learned about the French resistance during World War II. Viking definitely cares about giving its guests memories which will last a life time. Thank you for an extraordinary experience. Read Less

highly recommended by others and was a part of France we wanted to get to know and the Viking experience satisfied and exceeded all expectations. the tours at all stops were well guided by folks who knew all the subject matter and sufficient time was provided to get a rich experience on each tour. would rate the staff as exceptional on this cruise and found them all extremely helpful and knowledgeable. if someone did not have an immediate answer which was rare, they soon found someone to help us out. this was a worry free adventure in the south of France for sure. highly recommend the pre and post elements in Nice and in Dijon. this was our 50th anniversary celebration cruise and found the river boats just perfect we have cruised on many large ships and will favour the viking small ships on european rivers in the future. in summary you should be proud of your product, service and staff Read Less

We picked this cruise because it was the first part of the France's Finest double cruise. The ship was immaculate and the crew was fantastic. The pre-dinner meeting was an entertainment in itself. The program director was witty along with the chef and the maitre d' . They made a fantastic show. The meals were very well presented and tasted even better. The cabin was very clean and well supplied. The shore excursion were varied and they did take into account leisurely walkers. The towns that we visited we steeped in history whether it was Roman or Medieval, Interesting to find both in the same city. Don't forget to visit the Roman Aquaduct It is amazing that it is standing after 2000 years. Take time to roam the streets of the towns. You will find them quaint and very historic.. My husband and I would strongly recommend the France's Finest cruise. Read Less

I have been suggesting this particular river cruise on the Rhone for the last couple of years and my wife surprised me for our anniversary and my birthday to gift this to me. Since I am a culinarian/foodie, I believed this was one of the best opportunities to cover a lot of ground in a short week, and we did. Three of our excursions were to different wine regions with the first being in Beaujolais, the second in Cruzes Hermitage and the third in the Chateneuf de Pape . Stopping in Viene, I was able to stop by La Pyramid, the heart of where modern cuisine started in the 1950's with Fernand Point, the great chef of this restaurant that trained the great chefs of the time including Paul Bocuse, Roger Verge and the Troisgras brothers.. Of course, Bocuse's restaurant is in Lyon which is the gastronomic center of French Cuisine today. Viene also had an incredible farmers' market which we were told is the second largest in France. We were not disappointed with many offerings of cheese and charcuterie that were over the top. Besides culinary history of our cruise being front and center for me, I loved the historic significance of our river cruise as well especially as we headed south to the Provence area visiting Arles, the home of many impressionist such as Van Gogh and Avignon with the Palace of the Popes. While the very worthwhile hectic travel schedule we created for ourselves, it was amazing the incredible service and hospitality we received on the Delling. The staff couldn't do enough for us and made us feel very welcomed and comfortable. I am in the hospitality business and the Delling staff represented the quintessential expression of hospitality. All personnel on the ship were so down to earth and non-pretentious contributing greatly to our unforgettable experience at all levels of management. There light-hearted play amoht the staff was welcomed and tasteful. The entertainment on board was enjoyable. Generally the food was very good with a very wide selection at all times and the ease in which a special dietary request was made. I can only think of 2 minor examples of where I thought the food fell a little short which is a minor complaint since it was excellent overall. The first dinner found some of the items over seasoned, and on the second evening the crab cakes were short of their mark especially after they described by the Chef. Again, over all, the chef and his staff did an excellent job. Read Less

It’s hard to describe in words. I was so impressed with the staff and the organization right from the start. The food was incredible, I truly have no complaints. I just wish we could afford to do it more often. This was our first trip. The excursions were well planned and very enjoyable. It was very hot but being met with a lovely aperitif when we arrived back on the ship was a bonus. We met some lovely people on our cruise and never once did it feel crowded. The bar staff were very friendly and accommodating and the on ship programs were both informative and enjoyable. We had so much fun at the dance party. I thought the idea of a buffet and a full menu was wonderful, there was more food than any one person could ever eat!! Our cabin was a French Balcony and I would choose that again. All in all the cruise was an amazing experience. Thank you Viking......we are hooked. Read Less

We chose this cruise, because we have travel with Viking before, we did the Danube Budapest to Bucharest, and we enjoy it very much, this time we one.. We love the history, the towns we visit were very interested, the Tour guide were great, except we have one that did not speak very good English. but it was ok.. Avignon, we enjoy the Palace of the Popes, and the other towns as well , the tour guide were very informative. We were sorry we did not bring a good pair of shoes, due to the stone they use to build the streets. roads. we wish we had more bus tours. The ship was great, food was ok, no much variety, the cheft need it a little more creativity. to mix with the meat. Also we did not like that dinner was so late in the evening. we went to bed with a full belly, Entertaiment was ok, we would have like when they, more culture , ones. Read Less

This cruise was my wife and I third cruise with Viking. It started out great. The flight from Los Angeles to Frankfurt, Germany left on time and we had TSA pre-screen at no extra cost. We arrived in Frankfurt on time and got to our gate for the connecting flight to Marseilles. That's when things went downhill from there. Our flight to Marseilles was cancelled just before boarding time. Now this is not Vikings fault or the airline's. The problem was at Marseilles airport. The earliest flight out was 4:30PM the next day to Munich then to Marseilles. We did notify Viking about our flight changes to have someone take us to the ship. We were told that someone would be there to pick us up. Nobody was there. After a second call to Viking Customer Relations we got the address where the ship was docked and had a taxi take us to the ship. We got there at 3:00AM the next day. We were reimbursed by Viking for the cab fare of 229 Euros. After all that the trip was really great except for the hot weather. The food, staff and crew were great. Some of the staff were from another ship on our first cruise back in 2015. The guides and the excursions were all very good. We always book a veranda stateroom. The room was always kept clean and is roomy enough for the two of us. We booked the post cruise extension in Paris. The hotel was right next to the Eiffel Tower. The room was big and the bed was comfortable. The breakfast was also good. The lobby layout was bad and the staff was OK. The WI-fi was lousy. We always enjoy traveling with Viking River Cruises. Read Less