In 2009, Viking has won greater consumer and industry recognition than ever before. I attribute this to the efforts of our travel consultants, customer service team and onboard staff, all dedicated to providing our guests with the travel experience of a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2010.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman
Viking River Cruises
Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List
Ranked by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, a premier monthly travel magazine, in the annual Gold List awards in 2010. Additional recognition was received in the annual Reader’s Choice awards in 2009 and Best Small Ships list in 2010. Also won in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
World Travel Awards
The most prestigious, comprehensive and sought-after awards program in the global travel and tourism industry. Viking has been voted “World’s Leading River Cruise Operator” by 167,000 travel tourism and hospitality professionals across the globe.
Travel + Leisure World’s Best
Recognized for the fifth time by the readers of Travel + Leisure, a leading monthly travel publication, as a “Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Line” in its 14th annual World’s Best awards. Also won in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything
Viking’s Imperial Jewels of China itinerary featured in National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything: An Ultimate Guide for Travelers, edited by noted author and world traveler Nathaniel Lande.
Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence
Viking has been nominated “Best River Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises.” As stated by the magazine, “The awards bestow honor upon those individuals, destinations and travel companies that add true panache to the world of luxury travel.”
2009 TravelAge West WAVE Awards
Honored with 2009 Western Agents’ Votes of Excellence (WAVE) Awards for “Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising” and “Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support.” Also won in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
British Travel Awards
Named the “Best River Cruise Line” in the 2009 British Travel Awards for the first time. Based on votes by tens of thousands of travel consumers, agents and industry professionals, the awards are considered the authority on travel industry performance in the U.K.
Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Award
Named the “Best River Cruise Line” by readers of this prestigious industry publication three years running and nominated as a finalist for 2009. Winners announced in December. Won in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Recommend Reader’s Choice Award
Readers of Recommend have awarded Viking “Best River Cruise Line” in the magazine’s annual survey of its travel agent readers. Also won in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Leisure Travel Leaders Awards
A total of 98,000 travel agents voted this year and Viking has been awarded “Best River Cruise Line.” This reflects the top preferences of the largest number of leisure-selling travel agents in the U.S. Also won in 2007 and 2008.