We chose this cruise because neither of us had been to Berline, Prague or down the Elbe. We didn't know anything about Viking except what we saw on PBS ads but we had been on a Danube cruise with another company, so we thought this would be the same.

Boy, were we wrong. From the moment we were met at the Berlin airport until we were helped right to to security at the Prague airport, we were cared for in an extraordinary way. Every detail was perfect, but the service was never overbearing. We have traveled a great deal, and Viking stands out for service, for punctuality and for just plain excellence.

The ship is lovely and very small. Because there are only about 90 passengers, there are only two busses for shore excursions, so getting on and off the ship is easy and quick. No standing in line. No huge group overwhelming a small town. Our cabin was compact and elegant, with every detail thought through. For example, the beds are high enough so that your larger suitcase can slide right underneath and the sliding doors on the bath and closet close onto felt strips rather than banging into wood. Everyone building a house should have Viking's architect. Read more