We were reluctant to ever take a cruise base on varied feedback from friends and associates. Ship way to crowded, restaurants busy and crowded. Being nickeled and dimed, etc... THEN WE CAME ACROSS Viking Cruises opening up Ocean routes with new vessels. Alaska intrigued us and of all that we had heard we heard all GREAT on Viking River Cruises. So we said lets give a cruise with Viking a go! Wow, we were overly impressed about everything from boarding to disembarking on the last day. Our cabin was spectacular. Our dining experiences were splendid. We especially enjoyed the reservations required dining. The food was mouth watering the service was attentive and always seeking to please. The evening entertainment. We almost could not wait for the next evening to attend another event they were so good and so entertaining. Excursions at every port were provided plus many that could be purchased . Provided excursions were good, a couple perhaps a little less so -- BUT still good!