We chose this cruise because of the timing that worked out for our younger daughter and son-in-law as well as for us (mid-May), the discounted cost ("two-fer" in terms of cabin costs) and because it covered a part of Europe we had not yet visited. (We had been in Budapest but not any of the other Balkan countries we visited). We had high expectations, and the trip exceeded them. I cannot remember any bad or even difficult moments (except perhaps for the heavy rain on the Budapest day - but that's not under the control of the Viking planners). The food and service were superb, varied, interesting and with more than enough choices. I cannot believe it was cooked so well in the small kitchen we toured. The chefs and helpers obviously work together very closely and very well! The entertainment and lectures were excellent. I learned more about Balkan history than I ever thought I'd want to know, but enjoyed the lectures/presentations, and now have a better understanding of WWI, WWII, and even the Balkans today. The entertainment, especially the folk-dancing, in Romania during lunchtime, and other times on the boat, were a delight. My husband and I enjoyed the Port trips we could take (he has some walking limitations) and the optional trips we added. One highlight was the cooking class in Bulgaria. "Ramona's Banitsa" will now be added to my cooking repertoire. A second highlight - and probably the most interesting - was the visit to the violin maker in Kovacica, Serbia. I seem to talk about that particular afternoon, and show the pictures I took of Jan Nemcek that show how he made violins more than any other part of our trip. Two other highlights were visits to homes in Croatia (actually "B&B's") where we met and enjoyed talking with the hosts in our small groups, and the Hungarian "horsemanship" show in Puszta. We had been to Budapest before, so on the second day (now with good weather) we hired a "TukTuk" and had a 2-hourguided trip to revisit the important and meaningful "Shoe Memorial" along the river, and Chris, our guide, then took us some small parks and meaningful sculptures that we would not have known about without him. We enjoyed the trip so much we have made reservations for another Viking Cruise next May - and this time we will share it with our other daughter and her husband!