This was our 6th Viking river cruise and it was perhaps the best so far. The pre cruise 3 days in the Loire Valley set the tone, it was a very pretty venture and we thoroughly enjoyed our leisurely bus trip down from Paris to Bordeaux. The Forsetti was our second long boat trip. The long boats are very nice, especially the Aquavit Terrace on the bow of the boat for lunch. Our balcony room was just as nice this time as on our first long boat trip last year. Our crew on the Forsetti was extremely good, the main dining room waiters were especially efficient and friendly. The weather was beautiful for the whole cruise. While perhaps not as scenic as the Rhine or Danube voyages we have been on, we still found our trip on the various tributaries around Bordeaux to be extremely pleasant, especially the shore excursions that included vineyard tours. The dinner served by the kitchen staff of the Forsetti at Chateax Kirwan was exceptional and a very pleasant evening. We also opted for the 2 special additional excursions, the truffle hunt and a visit to Cognac with a visit to the famous Camus brand where you make your own cognac blend. . More expensive but worth every penny. All in all, a great trip and highly recommended