We chose this itinerary because I was interested in the recent history of the area covered by the cruise---World War II, the Iron Curtain, Glasnost. I was reminded of the profound effect that the Soviet occupation had. Along the way the tours, usually lead by locals, were relevant and engaging. We were given enough free time at each stop to wander on our own. Adding the two days in Prague and the two days in Berlin at each end of the tour was a tremendous complement to our experience. Our dinner at the top of "Ginger and Fred" followed by a drink at Bar Hemingway were memorable The Viking people, particularly Viktoria Selig, were with us from the moment we arrived in Prague to the moment we left for the Berlin airport.

We could not ask for more shipboard. The cabin, the food, the service were excellent. The light lunch option in the bar was something we took advantage of daily. We met many wonderful people on board from all over the US (Washington, Texas, Tennessee, Connecticut).

The whole experience fulfilled our greatest expectations.