Los Angeles, Calif. (December 17, 2007) - Travel agents across America have cast their votes for the best of the best in the travel industry, and the results are in: Viking River Cruises was named the Number One River Cruise Line for the second year running.
“This is the industry insiders’ award,” said Arnie Weissmann, Travel Weekly’s Vice President and Editor in Chief. “Travel Weekly’s readership understands what it takes to ‘wow’ a traveler. Not only are the travel professionals who vote avid travelers themselves, but they also hear firsthand the unvarnished truth—the compliments and complaints—from thousands of American consumers. To be voted a winner in any category is confirmation that you’ve won the hearts of American travel agents and their customers.”
“We are extremely pleased and honored to once again receive this outstanding recognition from the industry,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman, CEO and founder of Viking River Cruises. “We strongly support our travel industry partners, and work hard to ensure that our quality standards not only meet but exceed the expectations of both travel agents and their clients. We appreciate the support of our travel partners and guests.”
Travel Weekly readers were invited to submit nominations for the fifth annual “Reader’s Choice” Awards in a variety of categories during open voting this past summer. Finalists were selected from the leading submissions, followed by a second round of voting that ran through November 2, 2007. Winners were announced at a gala black-tie event in New York City on Thursday evening, December 13, 2007.
In addition to being honored by Travel Weekly readers, Viking River Cruises has received similar recognition from travel industry professionals this past year when they were named “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” by Travel Age West, as well as being named the #1 River Cruise Line by Recommend, a key monthly trade publication. The company was also honored with a Condé Nast Traveler’s “Reader’s Choice” Top Ten listing for Small Ship Cruise Lines, and CruiseReport.com named Viking “Best River Cruise Line” as well.
About Travel Weekly
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Travel Weekly is the nation’s leading business-to-business information source for the travel industry, reaching some 150,000 readers in the industry each week. It is part of Northstar Travel Media, a worldwide provider of information, news and data for the travel and hospitality industry.
For more information on Viking River Cruises, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com
About Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises, the world's largest river cruise company, offers quality service, gourmet cuisine and comfortable scenic cruising along the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China. 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 in 2006 and 2007 as "Best Riverboat Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, "Best River Cruise Line" by Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, and in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" 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 www.vikingrivercruises.com.