We have been on numerous cruises on many different lines, and we think Viking tops them all. Embarkation was inviting, efficient, and organized. Tours at every port were on time, well-led by absolutely outstanding tour guides and well-organized. I keep saying organized, but Viking never leaves a passenger wondering or wandering. Guides in the ports are clearly marked. Embarkation and disembarkation features many Viking stafff holding signs "pointing the way" to the 'correct' bus.
The Viking Sea is elegant and spotless from stem to stern. No casino was a welcome gift. No photographer in your face every day and selling pictures was another welcome gift. An all-adult cruise line was another welcome gift. We dined in each of the four restaurants during our cruise; the food was superior, and the service was equal. I could go on and on listing individual servers and crew who deserve our highest accolades. They are superbly trained and superbly helpful and generous with their time, service, and interminably kind demeanor.
Our Deluxe cabin had a spacious balcony which we enjoyed. The bed was most comfortable, and there was a large wardrobe, and plenty of drawer space. My wife and I are professional musicians, and the entertainment was top drawer. For example, a young tenor singing "Nessun Dorma" is a rarity on a cruise ship, but Constantine 'nailed it' (and I have accompanied many a singer twice or thrice Constantine's age that didn't sing it any better). My wife and I would go on a Viking cruise again in a heartbeat...we're already scheming, in fact, to see if we can manage a trip on Viking's next new ship in 2017 (this was the maiden voyage of the Viking Sea, and we are eager to see the Viking Sky and the Viking Sun, one each in 2017 and 2018).