we chose this cruise for the amount of ports we were going to visit...they were all spectacular from Barcelona to the french Riviera to Italy's coastline to Croatia and ending in Venice.Viking let us get on the ship right away but we couldn't access our room, which was ready ahead of schedule. we did not go early into Barcelona because the sip was docked in port overnight. The process was very smooth and fast! the ship was beautiful...nicer than any ship we have been on. It was our first time sailing on Viking and I think we have been spoiled. No kids are allowed on board so it was nice and peaceful! the food was above average and their specialty dining was even better! the ship and cabin overall could have been cooler...I found it quite hot everywhere, but the average age of the cruisers were in their late 60s to mid 70s. I found it frustrating on the excursions that people with canes who needed much more than that signed up for demanding walking tours and couldn't keep up since our group was mid forties age to early 50s. But the excursions and ports were amazing despite the people on the ship not being able to navigate the streets and steps very well.It was overall a wonderful cruise and would take another cruise on Viking...they are top notch!