We traveled on a Viking River cruise (Grand European Tour) in 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were so impressed with the warmth of the staff and crew. When we learned about the Viking ocean cruises we were excited to sign up for the Passage Through Western Europe cruise. Fortune had it that this was on the Christening voyage of the Viking Sea. It was an incredible experience on a fabulous new liner. Unlike the massive liners the Viking Sea has retained the intimacy and warmth of the river longboat. We cannot praise the entertainment offered on our cruise enough. The dining experience excellent, enhanced by our favorite waiter, Eric. We really enjoyed the aqua spa! Our excursions were generally excellent. Our visit to the Normandy beaches was so moving! We also enjoyed the Seville, A Coruna, and Fatima excursions. The Christening experience in London and our London tours were a fitting climax to our cruise.

If there was one disappointment it was with our Paris excursion. It was over ambitious in what it promised to accomplish. A long bus trip from the port to the city was extended significantly by traffic and an accident. Arriving in the city, were proceeded to tour the city highlights in our bus fighting more traffic. Our luncheon at the Eiffel Tower was excellent.

However, because of the time lost due to our bus trip, the visit to the Louvre was canceled. Read more