This was my first time on a river cruise and it was a wonderful experience. Cruised from Budapest on the Danube to Nuremberg with stops in Vienna, Passau, Melk and Regensberg. The staterooms on the ship were small but you are hardly ever in them so no big deal. Had a cabin with the French balcony; well worth the extra cost. Could open the drapes and enjoy the view while getting ready for breakfast or dinner. We had friends with cabins with only a window and they were not happy. The food is excellent and plentiful. The staff very friendly and helpful. The nightly entertainment in the lounge was hit and miss. The highlights were when Preston, the Program Director, performed. He has an amazing voice and variety of music genres he could sing. There were also a few nights where outside performers were brought in which were also excellent. There rest of the nights; not good at all, which is a problem when you are cruising because there is nothing else to do. The internet was extremely slow and only one computer station was working. I only used the internet once so no big deal but some people needed to keep in touch with work so this was a problem for them.

The city tours in each location were well organized. The local guides were very knowledgeable and spoke English well. If you go on the city tour or the optional tours you do not have much free time in each location but the tours are excellent so you want to take the tours; a dilemma really. I would have liked more time in Vienna. Cruising through the Wachau Valley was absolutely beautiful! Worth sitting up on the sun deck even in the cold.

I would definitely go on another Viking cruise!