We just returned from our 5th & perhaps one of our most enjoyable river cruises with Viking. The Viking Fontane can carry up to 112 passengers in 56 cabins, but we sailed with 106 others. It was a very mixed group of Irish, Scottish, English, Australian and U.S. couples. She's little, but specifically designed for cruising the River Elbe. Very shallow draft (less than 1 meter), no keel, with waterjet propulsion to navigate like a sports car. Cabins are a standard 135 square feet in all classes except for the 8 Veranda Suites which are 200 square feet. Since we only were in the cabin for sleeping, it was never an issue. While onboard, we spent all out time in either the lounge located forward or on the Sundeck. The restaurant serves 3 meals (buffet breakfast, sitdown lunch & dinner) but a buffet lunch which is excellent, is served in the lounge. The restaurant consists of tables for 4 or 8 so there's always a lively exchange with other guests.

The cruise director was a stellar Englishman, full of fun, always cheerful and an outrageous sense of humor. He's perhaps one of the best we've had. The Captain was the most sociable of any Viking captain we've encountered. A citizen of the Czech Republic, he's worked for Viking for 10 years and been a Captain for 8. He & the rest of the crew were outstanding in terms of attitude, cheerfulness, professionalism and treating guests like company.

The Elbe has been a bit shallow this year as the Captain said it was only the 3rd cruise he was able to make to Melnik. All others have originated further down river in Litomorice, the second stop we made in the Czech Republic. Read more