My husband and I were on Viking Forseti for a cruise of the Bordeaux area for the last week in October. Preceding this were three days in the Loire to visit chateaux.

What can I say about a perfectly wonderful escape from all the mundane things we had left behind? Although there was a glitch at the hotel in Paris because our plane had arrived so early, the service and assistance at CDG was perfect, we arrived at our hotel as quickly as possible, and were able to wander along the Paris streets, have a wonderful brunch, nap and enjoy dinner with some new found friends. Our guides were knowledgeable, gracious and helpful from the first in Paris to the last in Bordeaux, Food was varied, well-prepared and presented, and delicious! We both enjoyed the opportunities to dine off the ship as another chance to feel special and connected to the region. We were treated to some of the best wines (and delightful vintners), again adding to the pleasures of the week in the Gironde and expanding our wine adventures. The housekeeping staff kept the ship and our room immaculate and well appointed. Everybody on board treated us like honored guests--even though we know that each week another group of passengers was given the same consideration it never felt forced or faked. We love the easy elegance of Viking cruises, they truly let us arrive home relaxed, our horizons expanded, and anxious to visit another beautiful region of the world knowing we will be well-cared for and given chances to meet interesting people, from the crew to the staff to the other passengers. Thank you, again, for a totally marvelous experience.