We selected this cruise based on the recommendation of friends who had taken it and loved it. We were very happy with our choice. We always wanted to visit the Baltic countries and found the Viking Homelands itinerary to be the best by far in the small luxury cruise category. This was especially true for the ports of call in Denmark and Norway. The optional shore excursion choices in all ports of call were extensive with lots of variety and the ability to get out of cities and into the countryside. While some of the optional excursions were a bit costly, all but one that we selected was worth the cost. This was particularly true of the two day optional tour in St. Petersburg which was fantastic !! Onboard service was outstanding. Our room steward never missed getting our cabin cleaned while we were at breakfast. Room service was always delivered exactly at the time requested. We loved this very busy trip and needed a vacation from our vacation upon arriving home :-)