After more than two dozen ocean cruises, I gave in to my wife's desire to do a river cruise. Since her mother came from Vienna, the Viking's 'Romantic Danube' cruise seemed a perfect choice. And, it was!

A well-appointed 'Longship' Freya was very comfortable, well maintained, and staffed by a crew who exceeded our expectations with their high level of service and attention. A relaxing river cruise, with several ports of interest was enhanced with morning walking tours lead by local, knowledgeable guides. Every point of interest was explained in detail by each guide, and every question answered. In Vienna, an optional, evening excursion to the concert hall for a performance of Mozart and Strauss, combined with vocalists and dancers, was worth many times more than its' cost. A perfect evening. Aboard ship, the crew saw to every want and wish and kept all guests informed of their following day's excursions and location through a pre-dinner gathering in the lounge. Meals were superb! Very good food, well prepared; and a 'Bavarian Evening' with musicians, costumes, and tours through the kitchens (for those that desired it) was well received. We disembarked in Budapest, Hungary and stayed for a few additional day. The cruise line's choice of the Merridien Hotel was excellent. Good food, good accommodations, and a central location for walking and sight-seeing made for a great stay. Both my wife and I were so pleased with every aspect of our Danube River Cruise with Viking, that we have booked an ocean cruise with them. We expect we will receive the same high level of service and value-for-our dollar that we received on the Danube.