I understand that river cruises have smaller ships and therefore smaller cabins. This was my first river cruise and I can only compare it to Regent Seven Seas, Paul Gauguin, and Carnival. This is not an inexpensive trip and the price per day excluding airfare costs more than RSS and PG but not Carnival. Viking does not come close to RSS in terms of food quality and the quality of the included free excursions. Most free excursions are at most a short bus ride around town and a walking tour. Some were just a tour guide who met you at the dock. Well prepared food but not gourmet quality. Very friendly staff who went the extra mile. Cruise director seemed very friendly and knowledgeable. Unlike ocean cruises one afternoon/evening was spent traveling with a docking in Budapest at 10PM. Seemed like a wasted day to me. I would more than likely not return to Viking. Viking ocean cruises is the top rated line? Must offer a completely different experience.