Combining factors reduced this cruise/tour to nearly unpleasant experience. The two factors were our lack of due diligence studying the time of year for down-under travel and Vikings failure to provide their reputed excellent service with regard to air arrangements and shore excursions. Many other reviews refer to the shore excursions both free and paid-for so no real need to reiterate. We believe Viking learned a great deal from the negativity which we found to be quite vocal on this trip. Do not do an outback at this time of year, and Viking does need to look at their tour providers more critically. We were upgraded to a wonderful cabin, 8011, far above our pay-grade and that alone increased our rating and eased the other discomforts, but not enough to move to above average. We received four free special dining reservations which provided a lovely variation to main dining. Don't recommend "food-court" except for lunch.

One really bright idea: the Maya Ubud Resort which hosted the 3-day pre-cruise. One not so good was Komodo Island which might handle a 200 passenger ship--they were overwhelmed with our numbers.