This was the fourth Viking River Cruise that my wife and I have taken within the past six years. Of the four cruises we would rate this at #4. The reason being that Viking has set such a high standard with the other three (Seine, Danube, and Russia) that they would be difficult to surpass. This cruise was still very good but simply not on a par with the first three.

The Viking Longship, Ingvi, was only sailing for 8 weeks and the inexperience of the crew was evident. The little extras were just missing. However, the cuisine was outstanding, probably second best to the Seine River Cruise. We added two of the night-time optional tours and this simply made those two days just too long. Our mistake that we will not make again. We have already booked our next Viking River Cruise for May 2015, the Elbe River. We love Viking and the way they cater to their guests. It's a great way to travel.

The cabin was a bit smaller than we had anticipated but very comfortable and extremely clean and well kept. As I said, the dining was outstanding, Chef Bonci Luciano Gino was amazing. Chateaubriand, Beef Wellington, scallops, great soups and wondeful desserts. The shore excursions were good but a few of the optional tours were, in our estimation, not worth the money. The Alsace Wine Tasting was a disappointment. The starting city of Amsterdam was very worthwhile and the port stops were extremely good, Strausberg, Cologne, Heidelberg, Rudesheim and Speyer were all very nice visits.The Kinderdijk windmills were very interesting. Colmar was an absolute treasure. What a picturesque little town. The local on board entertainment was the usual Viking fare, nothing spectacular, but that's not why you river cruise. Cruise Director Nick Hale and Captain Thomas Schlee were top notch. The assistant chef making the morning omelets was extremely friendly and most accomodating. And the omelets were delicious. The tansfers to and from the ship were prompt and the service was curteous and respectful. On board, the Aquivit Lounge was a delight as was the Sun Deck. Too bad the Longships are designed without an elevator to the Sun Deck but if the water level got too high there could be no way to lower and elevator like the bridge can be lowered. All in all this was another Viking pleasure trip and we are looking forward to #5 next year.