We chose this cruise because our original river cruise in Russia was canceled because of the war. Once it had been canceled we started looking for a cruise for about the same time period. We found this cruise which was attached to a river cruise. Once we booked it and arrived at the ship we were greeted with the same Viking hospitality that we have become accustomed to. We loved the small ocean cruise ship. If we ever take another ocean cruise it will only be on Viking. The cabin was spacious and we did not feel like we were on an ocean cruise ship, but on one of their river long boats because of the attention to service. The staff went out of their way to call us by name and to cater to our wishes within reason. The World Cafe was nothing like the traditional run of the mill cruise ship buffet. The food was fresh and amazing.My wife had a facial done in the spa and she said it was the best she had ever had. We had lunch out by the pool one day and we were a bit cold and one of the wait staff came by asked us if we would like hot chocolate, which we said yes.It was amazing.