Good question, Chris. I don’t think so. I have IBS (so I’m sympathetic to your issue), and Viking is really good about making frequent stops and allowing restroom breaks during guided tours.

Oooh, the Christmas cruises are spectacular. I, too, am a solo traveler and I love how the river ships are small enough to allow for communal dining and hanging out with fellow passengers, but also offer quiet nooks and spaces (as well as a small library) for alone time.

The staff are friendly and very adept at taking care of passengers. I think that’s owing to the fact that the ships only carry about 150 people. The staff are knowledgeable about the excursions, ports of call, restaurants/shopping and help you avoid tourist traps and the like. When the ships dock, there are always staff members handing out wallet cards with the ship’s name, location, and telephone number in the event you get separated from the group or get lost while venturing out solo. If you go on a Viking-sponsored excursion, the guide always carries a branded “lollipop” (a large circle on a stick for easy spotting), and there’s a headcount before departing. I’ve been known to spend a little too much time shopping and holding up the rest of the group–the guides have always been gracious and I’ve never been stranded.

When it comes to dining, I prefer dinner to any other on-board meal. Breakfast is good and offers a nice variety, but lunch is almost a complete throwaway–not very appetizing or creative. Dinner is where the culinary staff shines–local, seasonal produce that often reflects the cuisine of whatever location you’re in. For example, on a Viking ocean cruise to the Arctic Circle, the chef prepared reindeer loin in a juniper berry sauce. Delish!

The excursions are interesting and education- and culture-oriented–a bit war-heavy, but that’s unavoidable when discussing European history, I suppose.

Room service (which is available 24/7 and free of charge) is only offered on Viking ocean cruises, not river. FYI, spa treatments are only available on ocean ships as well.

I hope this helps and, if you go, please let me know your thoughts!