We choose this cruise because we wanted to see Cuba before cruise ship travel there was curtailed. This was our first ocean cruise with Viking and comparing it with other cruise lines we had been on we found the smaller Viking ships to be by far the better choice. Being 1 900 rather than 1 in 4000+ passengers makes a big difference. The ability to get into smaller ports and not having a port flooded with thousands of tourists enhances the overall on shore experience. We found the shipboard experience unmatched: food service was nonpareil, entertainment was excellent, ship cleanliness was notable, staterooms were comfortable and well appointed and the Cuban educational series was outstanding which served us well when we got ashore. The ship's size and design made it easy to quickly leran your way around. The shore excursions really gave us a chance to gain an appreciation for the Cubans and their culture. We would very highly recommend the Viking ocean cruises.