I have traveled on 9 previous Viking River Cruises and realize I enjoy smaller ships more!

I chose this ocean cruise because I wanted to see New Zealand and it was the only Viking Cruise available. I found that with river trips, people are more interested in the places traveled while with ocean cruises it seem to be the cruising itself. Also it is easier to get to know people and make friends on a smaller trip. .The ship itself was beautiful and very comfortable and of course the food excellent, the drinks good and the staff very friendly and efficient. The spa facilities and offering were very good, though expensive.

I am sorry we were unable to get into Dunedin due to wind in the harbor as we had booked an excursion there that we were looking forward to. We very much enjoyed the Wildlife Sanctuary in Melbourne and the Walk in Taurange. I was disappointed in some of the other excursions: the description of "Punting on the River" implied it lasted more than 25 minutes and the Auckland City Tour and Planetarium were both disappointing. Many of the shipboard activities did not appeal to us so we did not take part (nightly entertainment was late in the evening). Perhaps this was an error on our part. Read more