My wife and I are serious cruisers and have gone on many cruise vacations over the past several years. Our trip on the Kara was our second Viking cruise. Our first trip on the Danube was OK but with some issues but we felt Viking was worth a second look.
Our cruise started in Amsterdam which is a great city and one of our favorites. We took the train from Paris and easily walked to the ship which was berthed next to the main train station. Checking in was as easy as checking in to a hotel and within a few minutes we were in our stateroom. Our room was on the lower level in the economy section. It was small but functional with one window about six feet up from the floor. If you're claustrophobic this may be an issue but we were ok. Besides, this is what we paid for. Bathroom had all the amenities you would expect including a heated floor. The beds were comfortable, the ship and our rooms were very clean and everything worked. The internet service was better than expected.
The ship is one of many of the same design. with three levels of staterooms, a dining room, a bar and a patio that is partially enclosed. Unfortunately, the open air portion was not used as it was too cold. I don't understand why they don't enclose it during the cold weather sailings. The top level has outside seating but again, it was not used because of the cold weather.
Our cabin was in the 'economy' section which is below the water line. A small window up high provided some natural light. It was what we paid for and I'm not complaining. My wife however felt very claustrophobic and had trouble sleeping. Will never take this kind of stateroom again.
It was OK but quite frankly I don't remember what we did there. That's the impression it left.