Travel & Leisure Readers Name Viking #1 in River Cruises

[HostDave]

Los Angeles (July 11, 2012) – Currently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Viking River Cruises (http://www.vikingrivercruises.com) has been named No. 1 River Cruise Line by readers of Travel + Leisure. The results of the 17th annual Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey reflect readers’ ratings of cruise lines on the following characteristics: cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value. The 2012 World’s Best Awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worldbest.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Travel + Leisure readers, and I believe this ranking acknowledges Viking’s commitment to being the best river cruise line in the world,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises. “As we plan for our next 15 years, we strive to uphold the standards of excellence that have made us the world’s leading river cruise line.”

The river cruise category was first added to the “World’s Best Awards” in 2010, a sign of the segment’s rapid growth and popularity. Consistently praised for the intimate atmosphere and easy access to culturally rich excursions, river cruising is the fastest-growing segment in the travel industry. In fact, the industry’s popularity has seen annual double-digit growth since 2001. To meet this overwhelming demand, Viking has undergone massive expansion – launching six new Viking Longships in 2012.

Viking will continue growth in 2013, with the launch of six additional Viking Longships— Viking Bragi, Viking Forseti, Viking Rinda, Viking Skadi, Viking Tor and Viking Var. Designed by celebrated maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten—the team behind the Disney Dream and the Yachts of Seabourn—the new ships integrate patent-pending technology and innovations, such as diesel-electric hybrid engines, solar panels and onboard organic herb gardens. Also for next year, Viking has announced four inspiring new itineraries and two new land tour extensions, offering guests a broader selection of choices than any other river cruise line.