This was our first river cruise and our first time with Viking.

From the time we got on till the time we left the crew and staff could not have been better. Everything other than drinks in the lounge and some extra tours were included. The informational and cultural tours were fantastic. At each town that we stopped at there was a walking tour by a local guide. We have been on about five other cruise ships, but there is no comparison to the smaller boats. There was less than 150 passengers on our boat and it was much more pleasant than with big crowds. You actually get to know the staff and they you. At the end of the river cruise we extended three more days in Paris. We did everything through Viking and they took care of everything from transportation to a Viking host at the hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Republique, which was a charming old world fine hotel. In a great area that was convenient to the Metro. We would recommend Viking to anyone that enjoys the less hectic, more intimate cruising. It's a little more than some of the others, but you get what you pay for.

We are already planning our next trip with them.