Our twelve day cruise aboard the Viking Kirov was enjoyable. Traveling with friends, we made many memories to share. Our flight to St. Petersburg from Southern California arrived at 10:30 PM, long after our fellow cruisers had retired for the nite. The first morning, we were up and on the road, off to The Hermitage. Exhausting day with time change, etc. Would suggest that first day in St. Pete be a bus tour of the city to get bearings and general orientation, then The Hermitage second day. We were sooo fortunate to have Victoria as our guide. She was sensational!Well spoken, well-informed, never repeated herself. Even read us Pushkin's short stories while coach was trapped in traffic on the way to Moscow. She is a true gem -- and sensational asset to Viking. Loved the lectures and classes. Learned a lot. Leaving early in AMs was described by up the passageway passengers as "oh, my, another forced march." Would appreciate breakfast service until 9:30 a.m.(for those who choose to stay aboard) -- and more food items on breakfast coffee station (juice, fruit, yogurt, pastries) for self-service. The dining room soups were especially delicious. Felt very rushed and set aside on final nite in Moscow. Passengers attending the (optional) Bolshoi excursion dined early and were sent off to the theater in Moscow. We who remained felt rushed and pressured to dine quickly -- this on our last nite aboard, which we hoped to enjoy leisurely.Food was excellent, service attentive and pleasant.Yes, we'd go on another Viking!!
Would appreciate chair for seating, rather than using the bed and pillows.