Viking Idi

This is the best, most enjoyable vacation we have ever had. Talked about doing it for years - finally did it. Excursions were by far the best way to see the cities. Well worth the money spent. Already planning another one - just don't know which one.

Since all of my photos are on my Cell Phone, and if I download them to put on this review, I will have to start all over again. Suffice it to say, this trip was all that we expected and more. If we were getting younger instead of older, I think we would do another one somewhere.

A very relaxing river cruise.  Viking staff is outstanding -- extremely helpful and courteous.  The Executive Chefs are to be commended on offering a variety of healthy options for our meals.

Excursions were good. The foods was too salty, not good for seniors. Remember most of the travelers are seniors.  The story about lost and found was good.  On the ship, it will be nice to have Bingo or other group games so that all the travelers can have chances to interact with each other.  

All in all, this was a wonderful week of beautiful scenery and history. Our country is so new compared to that of Europe - we just don't have the history that they do and that is reflected in the architecture, etc. One thing not mentioned above to comment on is the Middle Rhine Scenic cruising portion of the cruise. This was between Rudesheim and Cologne. There were castles everywhere as we cruised down the Rhine. It was interesting how the French and Germans were constantly warring (over periods of hundreds of years) and how whenever one or the other conquered an area, the locals had to become either German or French depending on who won the war. We were told in some cases, this happened for a couple of generations and then they would become whatever they were before. Also, after the Reformation, the protestants took over some of the cathedrals and the Catholics were out. Being an American, this seems so foreign. In summation, I would recommend this cruise. It was awash in history of the three countries we visited. Viking took great care of us - I was worried about the food, but, I could always find something to eat. We had a suite on this cruise, and that made it that much better. Having a balcony was great as we could just relax and enjoy the scenery down the Rhine. I don't think I would like to be in one of the rooms with just a little window (those were at the bottom of the boat). Can't say enough about Viking and our cruise down the Rhine.