We were aboard the Portraits of Southern France cruise to nowhere on the flooded Rhone. Firstly, Viking are not responsible for water levels; that being so all of the staff made the very best of a bad situation. We enjoyed comfortable, well organised, coach trips to Beaune, Vienne and Arles and when it became clear the river levels were not dropping (indeed the authorities closed the river) we swopped ships with the Northbound Buri. Same cabin number, same layout and even the Programme Director and Concierge transferred with us - thus providing continuity.

Lunch en route to Avignon was organised (at short notice) at the beautiful four star Domaine de Clairefontaine, excellent food and service, as was the case on both ships.

On our return home a letter of apology from Viking was waiting for us offering a discount on a future cruise. We will be taking up their offer as the overall service and care from Viking is truly first class and, all things considered, worth the money.