This was our first trip to Europe and flew in from Newark. Learned a couple things that have nothing to do with the cruise - Don't take Lufthansa 1 leg and then Air Canada (lol). Also when a airline agent asks where you are going - - tell them your FINAL destination.
Viking is an interesting company. You make your reservation and need to pay pretty darn quickly - or you will lose your reservation - if someone books and pays prior to you doing so (paying in full). So we paid for this at least 18 months prior to our trip.
We stayed at Hotel Estherea in Amsterdam and loved it!
Small cabin - French balcony on the main (2nd floor). The bed was comfortable - the pillows not so much.You can ask for different / more pillows. Refrigerator, desk area, hair dryer are all included. The bathroom is a good size for one average person at a time. I loved the shower gel, hair products etc.