We chose this cruise as it was one of the shorter ones, through a beautiful region of the world. We booked early and had the drinks package included, and lower deck accommodation. I feel it was very good value and would not hesitate to book this way again. As a first time cruiser, I cannot compare Viking with any other company, but what I can tell you, at least about the staff of Kvasir, is that they made the trip an amazing experience. Every member of staff was friendly and warm and professional. Someone at Viking is doing a very good job picking and training their staff. We left the ship feeling like we had made friends with the wonderful waiting and bar staff, and the ship's manager. The food was pretty good, and instead of always going to the restaurant there is the option of a more casual eating in the atrium area of the ship. This was our favourite spot to spend time on the ship, not only for the amazing staff, but each late afternoon we would meet, have a drink and a chat looking out over the river. On our cruise we had a lovely mix of ages; newly weds in their late 20's, a family of three generations on a celebration cruise and everything in between.