Loved the smaller cruise ship. It was beautiful and all the Nordic decoration and art were just wonderful. It was very manageable, comfortable, easy to get around, and lots of space to hang out. We did not participate much in any on board activities. Service was above excellent. The staff were all extremely helpful and took super good care of everything, were so polite and friendly. They did a great job at making one feel at home. Places where we stopped were nice and interesting. Port and shore excursions were pretty ho hum. In talking to other passengers, they were very satisfied with their tours. Some of our best shore tours were on our own. Maybe we just had some different interests.

Our cabin was delightful. Spacious enough for two tall people. Very comfortable. Dining was excellent. I am on a gluten free diet and they were so very accomodating. The wait staff were very knowledgable about guten and, I would guess, other's special diet needs. And they managed to serve my appetite with wonderful delicious food. We also appreciated that wine was included with our meals. Thanks Viking for making it simple and not nickel and diming us at every turn.

Entertainment was good. Liked the roving dancers during the late afternoon cocktail time. Loved the talented array of musicians. We did not in any way miss having a casino as we did on other cruises. Thank you again, Viking. Embarkation and disembarkion at our ports were very easy and staff was always helpful in directions and gettting you a cab or what ever information one might need on shore. An added note; my luggage was lost somehow, somehow before ewe bordered, so I only had essentials. I was given a stipend at the store to get what I neeeded and my luggage was waiting for me in out stateroom when we returned from our shore tour at our first port. Thanks to a great staff. Overall, Viking does it right. I would not think twice before going on either another ocean cruise or a river cruise, for that matter, with Viking. Good, well run outfit.