This was our first cruise - we never thought we'd enjoy it - but we were looking for a complete decompress, R&R experience where we wouldn't have to make any decisions once we got where we were going, but we could see some new things, in beautiful surroundings. (Plus we love being on the water.) Viking delivered.

The ship was gorgeous - brilliantly planned and executed, from the stateroom (all verandas, heated bathroom floor, excellent espresso coffee maker, friendly attentive room attendants) to the amazing spa (which you can use even if not having a treatment) to the many lovely sitting areas around the ship - inside and out - to the incredible Norwegian Success Cake in the Explorers' lounge. I would call this the mid range of luxury.

The ship is relatively small at 900 passengers. This was a big plus for us. We got to know a number of other people, but it was big enough so we weren't always with the same people, and we never felt crowded. Read more