As Marriott Destination Club owners, we worked with Marriott to book this cruise. Outgoing flight was with KLM (very cramped and crowded). Arrival into Amsterdam was smooth, with Viking agents in the baggage area, taken directly to boat and settled in quickly. Our cabin was a Veranda Level cabin (3rd deck toward the stern). Room was very nice, with a veranda that accommodated 2 chairs and a small table. We sat out there on sunny afternoons as the boat cruised through beautiful vistas. Meals were very flexible, either buffet or table service. Every offering was excellent and servers were great. The head chef took a personal interest in every passenger, and it was demonstrated in his fare. We received an upgrade in our drink package, and the beverage selection was superb. All tours were professionally guided and handled well...no rush and very comprehensive. The only disappointment was the Mercedes Benz factory tour. It turned out to be at a time when the factory was partially shut down and the "guide" was a young woman who was more interested in finishing the tour than providing us with a good experience. This tour was $ optional and we voiced a complaint, with Viking fully refunding us for the bad experience. The best tour was with a professional guide to the Audie Murphy Colmar Pocket stand, an amazing and comprehensive tour highlighting his incredible wartime survival through overwhelming odds against German troops (do not miss this tour). Our return trip to the U.S. was on British Airways, much more comfortable going home.

Our experience was so great that we purchased ahead Viking dollars for future Viking cruises, at a 50% discounted rate. Definitely our best cruise to date.