To celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, my husband and I researched many options. We had done ocean cruises, but had never been on a river cruise. After consideration, we decided to take the Viking River Cruise on the Rhone and Saone Rivers in France. Along with our son, his wife, our daughter and her husband, we sailed on the Viking Buri for seven days from Avignon to Chalon-sur-Saone. The Buri was put into service in 2013. The ship is beautiful and for a long, narrow ship, quite spacious. There are numerous seating areas, both inside and outside. The ship provides a variety of games and books--particularly books on the region being visited. Breakfast and lunch are served in the main dining room as well as the lounge and the Aquavit Terrace which is an inside/outside area at the bow of the ship. Dinner is served in the dining room and there is one seating with no reserved tables. The lounge has a lovely bar area and very comfortable sofas and chairs.

Most activities onboard the ship are centered around the land excursions with talks, question/answer sessions, and information about the passing scenery and towns. The Program Director was terrific and very, very knowledgeable. Each evening he would discuss the next day's shore or on board activities and accompanied the groups on the shore excursions. Although my husband and I did not participate in the later evening activities, there was a pianist who our children said was very good and enjoyable.

From fore and aft, from top to bottom, from port to starboard, the service was impeccable. Our cabin was always immaculate; the Concierge and Reception were welcoming, efficient, and helpful; and the dining room and additional dining area staff were gracious, good humored, and delightful. We could not have asked for better treatment. Read more