We chose Alaska because my parents lived in Alaska before I was born and I have always wanted to go.

We chose Viking because we had taken the Viking River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest -- and LOVED it! We loved the smallness, the service, the food, the sightseeing! Everything about it made us want to take an Ocean Cruise with Viking. And we found the same positives on the Orion. It was much larger--but small for an ocean liner. No negatives --all positive experiences.

We have talked to people who have taken other cruises and find that Viking is the premier way to go. The cabins were large and well equipped. So many things that cost extra on other lines are standard on Viking. Once you are onboard nothing is extra unless you want to take one of the additional excursions. I loved not having to worry about paying for extras, because they were all included--including the gratuities! Read more