Destinations, cultural enrichment, lack of company "nickel and diming." No casino nor lavish entertainment shows. Complimentary wine and beer at meals -- and it is pretty good stuff too. The enrichment lectures were excellent, including the inclusion of a retired RAF Wing Commander who acted as a ship historian specializing in military history. The excursions were better than other cruiseline excursions we have taken, and the lunches that were served with them were tasty and reflected regional cuisine. The officers were friendly and approachable -- we met two who went out of their way to make our cruise pleasant, including complementary desserts and bottles of wine sent to our rooms. We liked the age group on board (similar to our age -- late 60's early 70's) which you might call "baby boomers" -- who enjoyed as we did dancing to classic rock. All and all we may switch to Viking -- we booked a river cruise of board and they sold it to us at half the catalog price, then gave us $1150 each in extra discounts along with free air.

We have cruised Renaissance, Princess, Carnival, Holland American, Celebrity, and Oceania. But I think we are going to stay with Viking from here out.