I chose this cruise because my sister and her husband had taken it and enjoyed it. After cruising on other lines, I was pleased to find that the ship was more beautiful than I expected. Our rooms were comfortable and always clean and neat. The food was exceptional, the service prompt and the waiters helpful. Our activity director went way beyond what I expected in making arrangements to get us back on board after the river level began dropping. The captain keep us well informed as to the problem transiting the river. We appreciated the wide variety of excursions Viking offered. I was concerned that the free excursion at each town would not be of the quality of those requiring a small additional charge. This was not the case at all. We took both free excursions as well as those with a small charge and all were terrific. Arrangements for us to return home were flawless. We are looking forward to another Viking cruise in the future.