When the opportunity arose to travel to France with family and friends, a river cruise seemed like the perfect way to see a part of the world we'd never been too before. The Viking staff took great care of us, including attention to my special dietary needs. Having one place to call "home" for the weeklong cruise while visiting several interesting sites along the way made the trip so much easier than busing from one hotel to another.

As to be expected on any trip, there were a few snags along the way--"no car Sunday" in Paris being one we and our travel mates hadn't planned on--and apparently neither had Viking, as several travelers were rerouted again and again on the way from the airport to the dock. I do hope Viking makes better arrangements for Sundays in the future!

The food was excellent, the ship was immaculate, and the excursion guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We especially enjoyed the visit to the American National Cemetery and Omaha Beach in Normandy, a truly humbling experience.