Four years ago I had spent 1 1/2 days in St. Petersburg on another cruise. It was not enough time and this opportunity came and we (3 other retired school teachers) planned the trip six months before our departure. I have previously been on Viking River Cruises and appreciate the educational forums and the included tours in each city. The home visits are always attractive to me and I appreciate the opportunity to meet others in the small group settings. The dining room staff was courteous, efficient, and always made us feel special. The food was excellent and I especially enjoyed the root vegetables prepared in numerous ways. I do have a "sweet tooth" and found some of the pastries to be a little bland. My traveling companions had not been on a Viking River Cruise previously and they were positively impressed, also. My next cruise may be to Iceland!