This was our first river cruise. We had wanted to try one and finally took it a few months ago. We flew to Amsterdam and left from there. Sadly we did not choose to stay there for the extra time, we regret that. Next time we will add the days. everything that we experienced exceeded our expectations. From our ship to our crew, to food and excursions. We saved and purchased the cheapest tickets. You would have thought from our whole experience, that we spent a fortune. We were taken wonderful care of from the minute they brought us from the airport to the ship, to the minute they escorted us to the airport to come home. We had everything that we could ever need. The cabin was nice, even heated floors in the bathroom! The food was unbelievable. We felt like we dined at a 5 star restaurant. The staff is the best part of the cruise. They know your name and what you like to drink the first day! We cannot say enough nice things about the staff. They will help you with anything. Of course there are daily excursions. Viking has it's own buses and tour guides. They know so much about the places they take you to. On your way off the ship they give you bottled water and an umbrella if you need one. Then when you return you are greeted with a warm towel or a snack. We didn't travel with small children and I don't know if this kind of trip would be good for them. I know this sounds like a commercial but I mean every word and we will travel with them as much as possible in the future!