The combined 28-day cruise (14-day "Into the Midnight Sun" and the 14-day "Land of the Vikings" offers an excellent overview of Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea area. Included, for no additional cost, land excursions at each port of call provide a great introduction to the each area visited. Additional, more specific focus tours, were available and generally compatible, time wise, with the included tours.

The ship, the Viking Sea, was only 3 months old, and although one would expect "startup" problems, none were evident. The ship is beautifully decorated and conveys a pleasant, peaceful ambiance. The arrangement of the public spaces offers many areas so that you are hardly aware of the 900+ passengers. The ship had an excellent on-board group of singers and dancers that were so talented that you would think you were actually in a Broadway or West End theater. The dining services were spectacular with anytime dining in bright and cheerful rooms with expansive sea views. The food and service (food delivered to you very hot) are excellent. The specialty restaurants offered unique experiences far beyond what I had experienced on other ships. Modern electronics are all over the ship: waiters order on an iPhone, internet service is free, your ship board account is available instantly, and large video displays are all over the ship showing the venues on each deck, the daily schedule, weather, headline news, menus, etc. The crew was exceptionally friendly and accommodating, even the waiters will call you by name. The organization of the excursions was efficient, and the guides and buses were first rate. I have been on 23 previous cruises, and this was truly my best overall experience.