First-class

Ports of Call: Budapest, Hungary  Vienna, Austria   Melk, Austria  Passau, Germany  Regensburg, Germany  Nuremberg, Germany

Everything here is first-class.
On every stop, and in-between, you’re well taken care of.  The tours, by bus and foot, are led by knowledgeable local guides.  The food on a small ship is excellent.  Dining room  is open seating, so we met interesting couples from around the English-speaking world.

As veteran ocean-liner cruisers, we were impressed at how all-inclusive this was.   Big ships always seem to be looking out for extra money, whether casinos, drinks, land tours, bingo or auctions.  Drinks at meals are free on Viking, so the only charges are for the bar at other times.  Tips are optional, not mandated as on large cruises.  Even the Internet is free.

The trip is extremely well-organized.  The only glitch came when a local bus arrived late, and officers spent the rest of the day apologizing for the few minutes’ delay.

It was a bit too cold in mid-November (we had to wait til the World Series was over for our trip).  I’d recommend going earlier in the year.

Entertainment on such a small ship is impressive, local talent performing local music (folk, opera).  Our only optional tour was to a concert in Vienna, well worth it.