We had toured parts of Europe on or own before and thought a cruise would provide a convenient lodging structure that would allowed us to spend time in various cities without searching for hotels and the flexibility to participate in group excusions or to go our own way. The Viking Cruise was perfect. We spent six days and nights prior to the cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium befoe boarding the Alruna and embarking from Amsterdam. At the conclusion of the tour in Basel Switzerland, we added another week to tour Switzerland on our own.

We were very impressed with the ship. It was like being in a very upscale hotel. Service was outstanding, the room, while small, was plenty spacious, well appointed and very comfortable. It actually lived larger than I expected. This was partially because the rest of the ship was so available and comfortable at any hour as lounge, lobby, restaurant, observation platform, bar, library, etc. Food was very good, entertainment fine.

Cruising the middle Rhine while on the upper deck was all that it is cracked up to be and offered amazing views and an excellent informative narrative. Shore excursions kept us busy, entertained, and educated but there was plenty of time for us to explore on our own. I have to say that our Activities Director, Alex was a highlight of the trip. His tours, and programs are simply outstandking! His contributions especially were educational but presented with great humor, and knowledge. He not only informed but entertained us. It was a joy to benefit from and watch such an accomplished professional at his craft. We really can't imagine what a cruise line could do to top the experience we had with Viking and we will go again.