We chose Viking for the small ship experience as well as the top-notch service this line is famous for. We were not disappointed. Every detail was exceptional. The ship itself is a work of art - comfortable and intimate, yet luxurious. Our cabin was small but there was plenty of storage and the bathroom, with its heated floor, was something I wanted to take home with me. The dining options, while not as extensive as on big cruise ships, made up for the fact with the quality of the food and drink. The waiters knew our names after the first day and made sure we had our choice of table. Our favorite specialty restaurant was Manfredi's but we were just as happy with the fare in the main dining room. There was no frenetic entertainment aboard which suited us just fine as we were there to relax and enjoy the cruise. No casino, no art auctions, yea! Service was, as you would expect, unparalleled. From the cabin steward to the bartenders to the wait staff and the crew - everyone was unfailingly pleasant and eager to please. The shore excursions included with the cruise were very well run. They got passengers where they needed to go with a minimum of fuss. They provided a great overview of where we were going. If we do this cruise again, we will opt for the more in-depth experiences of the other shore excursions. We took the 3-day post-cruise trip to Tuscany and I can't say enough good things about that decision. It was a fabulous trip with scenic stops along the way that included a vinegar tasting in Modena - awesome!! Viking is now our cruise line of choice and we've already signed up for 2 more cruises.