I must begin this review by noting that: (1) this was our second Viking River Cruise, (2) we are vegetarian, and (3) I am a bit of a wine snob (a self-proclaimed oenophile is the nicer way to put it). This background is essential for our first cruise, The Romantic Danube was remarkable and set the standard, and our expectations, for Viking. This cruise, the Portraits of Southern France, when measured against the Danube cruise, failed to measure up, in small and significant ways.

THE SHIP

The Viking Delling is one of the newest of the Viking Longships, first placed in service last year. It is the standard model of Longships, and but for decorating touches, could easily have been the Viking Idun on which we sailed the Danube. Modern, thoughtfully laid out, it is an excellent craft, but not (see below) particularly well suited to sailing the Rhone River. Read more