For our purposes not as good as a river cruise. Excursions, food and free time not as good as on a river cruise. Food on this cruise not as varied as what we had been accustomed to on the river cruises. River cruise you just get off the boat and you are there, whereas with the ocean cruise you have to walk further or take a bus/shuttle or tender to get started for the day. Viking has figured out how to do things right. They do not skimp on anything that we can see and the people go out of their way to assure that YOUR vacation is one that will be a positive experience with lots of good memories. The crew members are always so nice and genuinely caring about the passengers. They will go out of their way to get whatever you need if it is in their power to do so.