Three well traveled couples with at least a dozen ocean cruises among us took their first river cruise. We were a bit out of Viking's demographic--early 50's--but had a wonderful time. My husband and I let Viking do our air, which worked out fine, but we live on the east coast in a hub city, so we went Munich to Prague, and home from Budapest via Munich. We all went early for 3 days in Prague, which we planned on our own. We hired a driver to take us to Chesky Krumlow for the day and then on to the boat in Passau. We also added a couple of nights, also on our own, in Budapest. The weather was chilly, but comfortable when walking. Traveling off-season meant fewer crowds.

Embarkation was a snap (ok, we were the last ones aboard!). Room was tight, but whoever designed the cabin interior is a genius! There were 2 shallower and one deep drawer per person, a closet with hanging (and real hangers), shelves and a safe, and my humongous hardside suitcase easily stowed beneath the bed. Bed was well dressed and comfy. My nit piks would be better pillows (ours were feather but thin) and a throw---for napping without getting into bed in your clothes, or wrapping up to sit on the balcony. We had the balcony, but with it being November, and most of the sailing in the dark, and occasional dockings against other boats, we didn't use it much. I did go out to see us in the lock. But frankly, we were hardly in the room except to sleep. The bath was tiny but workable, with decent storage. There were also "running lights" below that stayed on so you didn't have to wake your cabin mate if you used the bath in the middle of the night. My favorite part? The dial on the back wall that heated the tile floor!! (I grinned like an idiot every time I stepped into the bathroom.)

I will mention that our companions' room had a non-visible but very smell-able shower drain issue, but after 24 hours and 4 persistent calls, the problem was uncovered and cured, and Viking comp'd their beverages for the cruise. Read more