Our Viking River Cruise from Budapest to Bucharest was fantastic in every way. I had been reluctant to go on any form of cruise previously and had finally agreed to try this one. I would go on another one in a heartbeat! We chose this cruise both because my family background is Hungarian and because we would not be likely to visit the other four countries without some type of guide. We spent two extra days in Budapest before the start of the tour and so we had four days there before getting on our ship. It is a beautiful city, full of places to explore. Almost everyone speaks some amount of English and it was very easy to be a tourist there.

Our embarkation experience was seamless as was every part of the trip. Our cabin was comfortable and kept stocked and clean by the incredible housekeeping staff. The food on the ship was delicious and plentiful, with many choices at each meal. The staff all worked together as a team, looking after every detail to make our experience luxurious. One example was how when we returned from a long, hot day of touring, they would be waiting for us at the end of the gangplank with cold towels and beautiful snacks.

All of our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. One of the highlights of the trip was our home visit in Croatia, during which we spent time with a young woman and her family, sampling her studel and homemade cherry brandy, and discussing life in Croatia. Read more