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LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ----

Viking River Cruises was again honored this month with the 2008 WAVE Award and "Editor's Choice" Award for Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising at the third annual TravelAge West Western Agents' Votes of Excellence (WAVE: 5.02, +0.11, +2.24%) Awards.

WAVE Awards are awarded on the basis of votes by the trade. Travel agent professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TravelAge West were invited to vote on the "best of the best" from a list of Editor's Pick award recipients chosen by Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, site visits, a survey of a select group of travel agents and online research.

"The WAVE Awards are a celebration of excellence in travel products, services and destinations," said Michelle Rosenberg, publisher of TravelAge West. "This year's WAVE winners have consistently demonstrated excellence within the travel marketplace." TravelAge West will also feature Viking River Cruises in a special WAVE Awards Spotlight Issue due out in August 2008.

"We're very proud to be named Best Overall River Cruise Line for the third year in a row," enthused Mike Wiersema, Vice President, Sales, Viking River Cruises. "We value our travel agent partners so highly, and it is gratifying to realize that this dedication has helped us serve travel professionals and their clients effectively. Given today's exchange rates and fuel costs, there has never been a better time to sell all-inclusive, dollar-priced vacation packages, and we look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, affordable and memorable travel experiences to our clientele."

More than 136 companies, individuals and destinations were celebrated by the readers of TravelAge West at the WAVE Awards ceremony. Honorees were recognized in 48 categories spanning the cruise, tour operator, airline, hotel and resort, and destination travel fields. The awards gave travel agents in the Western United States the opportunity to recognize outstanding travel supplier partners.

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 Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" and Travel & Leisure's "World's Best" Awards. Travel agents have also recognized Viking River Cruises in 2006 as "Best Cruise Line: River Cruise" 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 (will be 22 in 2009), and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546) toll-free or visit the company online at vikingrivercruises.com.

SOURCE Viking River Cruises

River Cruises from Viking River Cruises - Voted Top 10 by Conde Nast

Viking River Cruises Wins 2008 WAVE Award Recognition - FOXBusiness.com

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