Our cruise started with a 2 day pre cruise hotel at the Hilton Venice which was excellent. We are regular cruisers with this being a first with Viking. We have sailed with P and O , Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Fred Olsen. We have to say Viking excelled in everything and wouldn’t hesitate to go with them again if the itinerary was right. Yes they are initially more costly but this is offset with the included excursions which are varied and drinks included with lunch and Dinner. Also free use of the spa facilities excluding treatments. The food is the best we’ve had on any cruise and with the alternative restaurants at no charge this gives you great variety without paying a subsidy. We definitely liked the more intimate nature of the smaller ship compared to the newer mega ships which are getting too big for our liking. Ports of call excellent and overall a fabulous cruise.