We chose this at the last minute after having to cancel another trip the month before. We were so glad that we did. Everything Viking did was first class and the many little surprises they added made it extra special. The service and food were outstanding and the staff was extremely courteous and helpful. The cabins were very clean. The excursions were designed to let you truly experience the culture of Russia. The Russian cities were more beautiful than we'd expected. The subways were far better than those we've experienced in the US and Europe. Our biggest surprise was how friendly and helpful the Russian people were. We had an unplanned stop due to bad weather in a city not usually visited by tourists. A lady who was working in her yard motioned for us to wait a minute while she went over to her garden and picked a bouquet of flowers to offer us. She didn't speak English and we didn't speak Russian, but we had the greatest conversation ever. The whole trip was well organized and we always felt safe. I've recommended this trip to many friends since our return (including our many friends who, when they heard we were going to Russia, commented, "I hope you come back." They could not have been more wrong and need to go and see for themselves.) We also made friends on the cruise that we continue to stay in touch with. It was just an awesome experience.