We had previously been on the Viking River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basil. Thoroughly enjoyed it and decided to take a longer cruise this time. Viking lives up to its advertising. The ship is spotless, Staff cannot do enough for you. I have been on "big" cruise boats and will never go back. Viking is our choice. We plan to make a Viking Ocean cruise December of 2018. This time Australia to New Zeland. The limited number of people makes for a much better experience. The river boats have a max of 190 guests and the ocean 998. this is manageable. The barman even knew what I liked to drink on the second night. Great service. The side trips vary. Some are free and some you need pay extra for. The side trips we paid for were worth every penny. Viking uses a microphone for its' guides, you have an earphone and always hear every word of the guide's presentation even at a distance. No having to get to the head of the group to hear what is going on.