We just returned from Waterways of the Tzars with Viking and although the trip was enjoyable there were several problems with the cruise. The boats in Russia are not nearly as nice as the Longships Vikings uses in Europe. They need to be updated and reconfigured. The public spaces are tiny and bar area are so small that they cant hold everyone during lectures and briefings. The outside common area on the back on the boat is allowed for smoking, that is to say they can smoke anywhere outside so non smokers really could not enjoy the back of the boat...which was a shame because we had incredible weather. Viking should rope a particular area off or allow smoking on the outside of the side of the ships or better yet say no smoking at all! There is really no place to exercise or walk and while you do walk on the excursions it isn't enough for people who are fit.

The food was great and as always the crew does there best to keep you happy. We did notice that most of the servers where much younger than on other Viking cruises and while they worked hard the service was not up to what you experience in Europe. Communicating with some was nearly impossible.

Wine and beer choices were limited mostly to Russia even with the Silver package. And we were told that some beer would be available on tap, this was not the case. Again, just little things that start to add up when you are on a cruise for two weeks. Read more