Los Angeles, Calif. (July 16, 2010) – Viking River Cruises has once again been recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure in its 15th annual “World’s Best” awards, featured in the publication’s August 2010 issue. The company is included in the inaugural year of the magazine’s brand-new category, “River Cruises.”
“This is the sixth time that Viking has appeared on this magazine’s prestigious list—which is more than any other river cruise line—and we are delighted to have received this honor,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “As a company, we respect the opinions of sophisticated travelers, and I am proud to say that Travel + Leisure readers have ranked us among the world’s best.”
Editors of Travel + Leisure have indicated that the survey received a record number of votes this year. In addition, with the increased popularity of river cruising, they decided to create the new category of “World’s Best River Cruises.”
“While being on the list is a great achievement, the recognition of the river cruise industry as a whole is an even greater accomplishment,” adds Hagen. “Ever since entering the U.S. market, Viking has aimed to make river cruising a mainstream travel option. This acknowledgment of the river cruise category reaffirms what we have been working toward for the past ten years.”
The world’s leading river cruise line, Viking River Cruises provides its guests with in-depth, culturally rich travel experiences along the world’s great rivers. The company has a satisfaction rating of over 99% for exceeding or far exceeding the expectations of its guests worldwide.
Viking River Cruises has recently embarked on a $250 million fleet development program that begins in 2011 with the introduction of two brand-new ships including Viking Prestige, a 188-passenger sister ship to the company’s flagship Viking Legend, the industry’s first “green” river cruise vessel, which will sail the popular 8-day Romantic Danube itinerary. In China, the 264-guest Viking Emerald will make its debut as the newest and most elegant ship on the Yangtze River and will feature the largest suites in river cruising with the 840-square-foot Presidential Suites. There will also be two completely refurbished ships sailing in 2011—Viking Pakhomov in Russia and Viking Schumann on the Elbe.
Viking’s all-inclusive pricing features accommodations, all onboard meals, daily guided shore excursions and more. Also, Viking is the only river cruise line to include port charges in the cruise fare.
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com. Travel agents can receive exclusive information and services by visiting the company’s travel agent portal.
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. The company has been honored multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as recognized as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best River Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support” by TravelAge West. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 18 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. With a $250 million investment in a fleet development program, by 2013 Viking will have several refurbishments plus the introduction of eight new ships beginning with Europe’s Viking Prestige in 2011. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546 (1-877-66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online.