I have always resisted the idea of a cruise with 5000+ strangers, but the river cruises did attract my interest. The Viking Rhine River cruise was wonderful! Every aspect ... the staff, the guests (fewer than 200), the food, and the shore excursions ... were outstanding in every regard. The ship, the Viking Hlin, was quiet with no sounds of the engine thrumming; the staterooms were very comfortable and efficient in use of space and never felt crowded. But, the best parts were certainly the people: the staff just could not have been more helpful and professional, and they were genuine in their attention to each guest. A wonderful trip!