EVRYTHING was handled with precision and detail. From the time we were greeted to the airport until the time we returned home. Our cabin was impeccably clean, comfortable and always had anything we needed or for that matter wanted. The boat was luxurious to say the very least and the atmosphere was superb. The utmost care was taken for our comfort and safety both on board the ship and when on excursions. The excursion buses were beautiful and the drivers were amazing and very friendly. Now about the dining..far superior than I expected. I take my dining very seriously as an event almost and am critical of my food, but the food and service not only met but exceeded my expectations. Our chef Karl was knowledgeable, loved his profession and was funny. He took time from his busy schedule when I asked about the technique he used for preparation of certain dishes to talk with me about it and you could tell he loved food and pleasing his customers. Every meal he came to each table and made sure everything was ok. I thoroughly enjoyed the small aspect of the ship and LOVED the open dining concept. We ( my wife and myself) met very many interesting people. Being retired I enjoyed the fact that there were no young children running around. I love kids and my grandkids but not on a cruise of this nature. This is an active cruise, IF you choose. Our cruise director was awesome and I appreciated the afternoon meeting to summarize the day, explain what was happening tomorrow , what the chef was preparing for our dinner and that evenings entertainment. One evening a classic violinist and pianist played for us and it was just one of the highlights of the trip. Our extended stay in Amsterdam at the end was phenomenal. I wish we had stayed there longer. We loved this cruise line so much that we are very seriously considering booking the islands of the south pacific cruise which is 32 days long. I would highly recommend Viking to anyone, you will not be disappointed. Being a USAF veteran and having seen most of the world in a different way, you will not be disappointed, in any way, shape or form with the Viking. It very simply is Phenomenal!!