This itinerary - sailing from Bordeaux to Bordeaux - isn't much of a cruise. BUT, it's a lot of fun and very informative. Definitely focused on wine - which is what we wanted. The smaller towns we visited were very worthwhile (St. Emilion, Pouillac, Margaux, Blaye & Bourg) - you really get to see the REAL France, not just Paris. We went on 2 of the optional tours - to Chateau Siaurac & Archacon - and they were super great. All of the optional tours on this cruise got great reviews from the other members we talked to. The ship & crew were everything you could expect from Viking. The service was impeccable. There was always something to do, no matter what your preference. We really liked the upper deck on the boat - that was our favorite place to hang out!
For this cruise, don't bother with the verandas. You could get the French balcony & be very happy. Or the rooms on the lower level. The times we spent in port, we looked at concrete posts & brick underways. We NEVER spent time on our veranda. I would say that was the most disappointing part of our cruise. Not worth the extra money. But the cabin was very nice - clean, heated floors in the bathroom, plenty of space for clothing & suitcases. Turn down service was excellent.
Very informative & fun!