The primary reason we opted for a Viking River Cruise was the fact that they support Masterpiece on PBS and do so with the most beautiful ads. We certainly were not disappointed.

From the beginning staff aboard were friendly, helpful and very professional. The tour director was outstanding - she knew her ports, their histories and the resources at her command at each stop. Furthermore the cruise line seemed to delegate authority to captain and crew to adjust everything when the unexpected happened. After a recent cruise in Australia where there were no end of problems that couldn't begin to be approached without the ok from head office lawyers in New York, the autonomy exercised by the staff of the Delling was a refreshing surprise. It made us feel like valued customers rather than annoying blockages to the exercise of company policy. The scenery en route was outstanding, and the ship very gracious and comfortable. The food was plentiful and very tasty and the chef tried to introduce local products from the areas we visited. As a passenger on this ship, everything felt first class. I must also compliment the selection of films available on stateroom TVs. Whoever picked that range of films had excellent taste and stayed away fro big action epics in favour of wonderful little films. Part of the pleasure of the cruise was meeting our fellow passengers, and great mix of folks from north and South America, Australia and New Zealand. Even the "bumps in the road" brought on by bad weather were made enjoyable by the attitudes and flexibility of crew. The tour guides assigned to our various groups were excellent - very informative. All in all it was a wonderful experience. We shall sail with Viking again.