The Viking cruise experience is always terrific, and this one continues in that tradition. The Hermod seems to be a newer ship and is beautifully yet tastefully laid out. This particular river cruise did not have a lot of opportunities for viewing from the decks, but the interior experience was luxurious and all of the designated stops were interesting destinations. The food, both on an off the ship, was simply amazing. The staff onboard are so friendly and attentive I felt incredibly spoiled. The local guides were knowledgeable, experienced, and excited to share what made their particular region exceptional. There are excursions ashore for almost every ability level, all of them educational. On this particular cruise we had a few guests who were physically challenged, including one using a wheelchair, and they were accommodated; this made some excursions a bit frustrating for the more physically able, as although the tours were marked as being easy/moderate/difficult, some physically challenged guests attempted tours that were not designed for them (ex: those with canes on a tour with long walks over cobblestones and uneven stairs) which slowed the group down. I learned so much about the history, culture, food, and wines of this beautiful region. I highly recommend this particular tour, as Viking does an excellent job introducing people to the landscape, architecture, culture, and famous flavors of southern France.