Always wanted to see N.Z. and Australia. Had 3 prior experiences with Viking River Cruises and all were fabulous. Felt Viking was the best option to see the highlights of both countries in a predictable, friendly, and known environment. Despite missing multiple ports of call and being "stranded' at sea as some passengers referred to the cruise, the overall time, ship amenities (pool, exercise room, spa, etc.), and most importantly the ship's crew were fabulous. We ate extremely well, drank excellent beverages, had excellent cruise entertainment all delivered by the greatest of crews throughout the entire voyage. Those guests that complained about the voyage being a great disappointment simply failed to see or acknowledge that the crew usually gets a break from us (passengers) for multiple hours on most days when we are on shore tour. That break did not happen for them for 8.5 days. Yet throughout this time, and to a person, all staff bore smiles at each contact, made every effort to meet our needs, and genuinely cared about making a compromised trip the absolute best it could be. Viking's response at cruise's end to provide a 100% credit of this cruise toward a future voyage was a stunning surprise since while some recompense was expected for a voyage far from that anticipated, I chose to think of the cruise problems as affording an 8.5 day stay at an 'all-inclusive' resort with top-of-line facilities, food, and beverage for free and without any marketing requirement. That simply doesn't happen, and kudos to Viking for their response to a troublesome voyage. And again, a shout out to the greatest of crew on a less-than-perfect voyage.