The excellent things were the ship itself. Many many many places to relax about the ship and actually set up like living rooms with throw pillows and everything. The Explorers lounge was amazing, two storys all glass at the front of the ship and plenty of comfortable seating. The Wintergarden and pool area had the best loungers. I enjoyed the World Cafe very much, but wish the weather had been warmer so that the sliding glass doors could be open and we could enjoy eating out on the deck tables. The room was amazing. I loved the bathroom, shelf and drawer storage, long counter, heated floor and an actual shelf the length of the shower in the shower. I loved the vanity that was in the desk as well, storage and lights, just perfect. Our balcony was a perfect size as well. The next excellent thing was the staff (below supervisory). Always there to be of service and always polite and kind. Ready for a little conversation as well if you wanted. We used room service quite a few times at night when we forgot to eat while the venues were open and that was always good. We also had breakfast delivered when we had an early day and that was excellent. The Laundry is free and the soap is included (in the laundramats on each floor). Must have: the waffles at Mamsons, breakfast and sometimes I saw them at lunch too. In the World Cafe I loved having my eggs made for me on the spot and at night when I couldnt find anything I would eat (very picky eater) I could have a NY steak grilled for me on the spot.

The things that need some work and why I gave 4 out of 5 stars: The excursions, tho they get you out on time and back in time there were problems. We had two tour guides that were terrible. One was always way ahead of us and didnt like her lollipop, she moved too quick. The other wanted to impart TOO much information, long after no one was interested, and we were taken to a store to shop, kinda like the carpet factory tours but this one you couldnt skip because she wouldnt tell us where to meet the bus to get back to the ship so we could go off on our own. There were also a couple of really lame tours, like the Ice Bar in Helsinki. And one port that would have made a better sea day, Aalborg. There really wasnt much to see or do even tho we were docked right in the city. It felt like pulling up to my home town and expecting to have a tourist experience. And the really important one is.......Viking upper level employees. This is mostly seen before the cruise, during the booking process and after until you board. No one has the same answer, timelines are rarely kept and there is a certain arrogance you feel when speaking with them. We experienced this both before and during the cruise to some extent. Our particular cruise included the Christening in Bergen so there were alot of VIPs on board for much of our cruise and you could definately see and feel the difference in how the passengers were treated vs the VIPs. We felt like that when the owners were on board as well. And one last thing, the food venues. While they were all great (didnt try Chefs Table, as I dont drink and its based on wine pairings) there were times when nothing was open, there should be something (other than room service) where you can get something. And the alcohol, thats a whole other subject. When toasts are made its always with alcohol and nothing is offered for those that dont drink. Those who chose not to drink for whatever reason should not be left out. This has happened on every Viking trip I have taken, not just this one. This is a sensitive issue and should be recognized.

Overall the cruise was good and the itenerary was excellent. The ship handled beautifully even in a storm we had one night. The captain is personable and you will see him spending time amoung the passengers. I sat next to him at the Russian Ballet and he attended as a passenger on an excursion. The food was excellent, for those that are not as picky as I am there were many choices and all were tasty. The prepayment (in this case almost 2 years) is ridiculous in this day and age and we would not do that again. This was a part of the ships maiden cruise (the 4th leg) and I can honestly say I wouldnt do another maiden cruise unless it was at a large discounted rate.