We were in rather unusual ports - Algiers, Tunisia, Malta, Sardinia - places you might not choose for a destination, but that is exactly what I wanted. It did not disappoint!!! The ship was full, but you never felt crowded or had to wait. The ship was less than a year old and all the fun technical things throughout the ship and in your room were fun and easy to use. The cabin was very large - I wanted to take the bathroom home!! The shower was fabulous and the heated floors...to die for. The food was amazing everywhere! The dining room was wonderful,the Italian specialty restaurant and even the "cafeteria" were great. One afternoon there was duck confit for lunch!! Fabulous sushi for dinner. The high tea was amazing. I absolutely recommend the drink package - if for nothing else than the upgrade of wine for lunch and dinner. I am not a big drinker and I thought it wonderful to have. The staff couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. I have been on Viking River cruises and there were very nice, but their ocean cruises are extraordinary I was on another cruise line for the Mediteanean and both embarkation an disembrkation were a nightmare and felt like a cattle call. On Viking I felt like I was coming and going on my own private ship. No waiting..no lines..no hassle. Fabulous. Everything was so wonderful I booked another cruise while on board. I have cruised a fair amount and never done that. I can't recommend this cruise any more highly..