Los Angeles, Calif. (July 14, 2009) – Viking River Cruises has been recognized by readers of top travel magazine Travel + Leisure as one of the “Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines” in the periodical’s 14th annual “World’s Best” awards. “This is the fifth time we have appeared on this prestigious list,” stated Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “We are especially thrilled to have moved up to #6 on the list this year.”
The annual “World’s Best” survey allows readers to recognize their favorite travel providers in categories like hotels, airlines, destinations and cruise lines; the “small ships” category is for vessels which carry 600 or fewer passengers. Cruise lines are rated on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value. Voting takes place from mid-January to late March and is limited to readers that are not travel industry professionals; ratings are based on subscribers’ recent travel experiences. Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel + Leisure, said, “This year’s results reflect our readers’ travel interests in this challenging economic reality—value, intimacy, service, and discovery are top priorities.”
“We pay very close attention to these rankings.” declared Mr. Hagen. “The readers of Travel + Leisure are sophisticated travelers, and it is an honor to be recognized by this group. Furthermore, by completing these surveys, participants are telling us exactly how to provide the once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences they want and deserve.”
The world’s largest river cruise line, Viking River Cruises provides its passengers with in-depth, culturally rich travel experiences along the world’s great rivers. The company has a 99.8% satisfaction rating for having met, exceeded or far exceeded the expectations of its guests. “Our passengers have high expectations of us,” said Mr. Hagen, “and we always strive to meet and exceed those expectations. Our appearance on the Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best’ list means we are doing just that—which inspires us to work even harder to delight our new and returning guests.”
Cutting-Edge Viking Legend Recently Launched
Raising the bar for next year’s Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best’ rankings is Viking’s newly launched, most groundbreaking vessel to date—Viking Legend. Splitting its inaugural season between Viking’s popular Grand European Tour and Tulips & Windmills itineraries, Viking Legend boasts hybrid diesel engines and advanced emission control protocols allowing it to cruise the great European waterways with style and greater energy efficiency. Other ship attributes include 98 staterooms, including two of the largest river cruise suites in Europe measuring 310 square feet each; 26-inch flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, hair dryers and in-room safes. Aboard Viking Legend, guests will enjoy fine dining at the ship’s restaurant featuring seasonal menus and local specialties to complement every destination, a cozy library, sun deck with 360-degree panoramic views, onboard boutique and an observation lounge.
Viking River Cruises Reports Triple-Digit Growth
The river cruise industry has been growing rapidly over the past five years. Viking River Cruises, as the largest river cruise company, has been leading that growth, boasting 2009 FIT booking that are up 19% over 2008 and a majority of vessels sailing at occupancy rates of 95%. In all, Viking is enjoying triple-digit growth for its 2010 programs that were announced in May and feature 21 new and classic itineraries in Europe, China, Russia, Ukraine and Egypt.
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 largest 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. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises as “Best Riverboat Cruise Line” by Travel Weekly, “Best River Cruise Line” by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, 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 21 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1 877 668 4546 (1 877 66VIKING) toll-free or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.