This was our first river cruise ever. Everything about it was A+ - an absolutely fabulous vacation. I really enjoyed being met at the airport by Viking personnel. Although I have been in and out of De Gaulle airport a number of times, I disliked it each time I have been, except this time when I did not have to hassle with anything other than finding my bags. The guide that we had for both the Louvre and Versailles was so good that I wish I could have taken one of his courses at the college where he teaches in Paris. The food was very, very good - not gourmet (the calories for which I do not need) but very tasty and very well prepared. The onboard teaching (e.g., Joan of Ark, the impressionists, etc.) was very helpful. The facilities on board are not like an ocean cruise ship, not even exercise rooms; but you do not need them as you are not on board much during the day since there are daily excursions. Since returning, we have now booked 2 more future cruises with Viking.