We originally chose this cruise to see the beaches @ Normandy because our fathers landed there. We have been to Paris a number of times, so we enjoyed Paris on our own except for a late night "Paris under the lights" bus tour with a stop at the Eiffel tower..We were pleasantly surprised with the rest of the ports we stopped at. Monet's Gardens were extravagant and the excursions being included with local guides over a headset in our ears made it extremely informative. The beaches at Normandy were outstanding with stops at two beaches and an included tour of the museum on the British beach. The ceremony at the American cemetery was emotionally moving with each of us being given a rose to lay on a grave of one of the brave souls who gave their lives to establish a beachhead for the Allies to advance against the Third Reich. The meals and service on board were impeccable. In my estimation it was more than worth the investment. Crew was very friendly. The concierge went out of her way to help a friend traveling with us to pack and ship an oversize picture with frame he had purchased. Even the meal provided in a restaurant in one of the beach towns was outstanding. I will definitely cruise with Viking a third time. We had done the Christmas Markets on the Romantic Danube before this cruise and liked it very much as well. Viking is launching ships and expanding, but keeping the quality of its products and service at a high level. Other European River Cruise companies may appeal to those with "snobby" attitudes, but for my money, the value is exceptional with Viking.