London (9th June 2017) – Last night, Viking Cruises proudly collected the Best River Cruise Line award at the Silver Travel Awards 2017, whilst Managing Director Wendy Atkin-Smith was honoured with the Exceptional Achievement Award in recognition of her continued support for the mature traveller.

In a highly successful year for Viking Cruises, which included the launch of two new Ocean Ships, Wendy was praised for her role in raising the profile of the sector, redefined the perception of River Cruising and widening the possibilities for travellers.

'I would like to say a huge thank you for this award – I truly never expected to win! I'd also like to say just how humbling it is to win an award for doing what I so dearly love', says Wendy Atkin-Smith. 'We are also delighted to collect another best-in-class award for our river cruises. In our 20th year, this is proof of our impeccable service, inspiring itineraries and excellent experiences'.

Viking Cruises' success this year has been recognised at the Wave Awards with the Passenger Favourite River Cruise Line accolade following on from eight wins at the Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards 2017, as chosen by past customers.

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Notes to Editor 

For more information or images contact the Viking Cruises press office, vikingcruises@edelman.com

About Viking Cruises:

Viking Cruises offers culturally-enriching, destination-focused river and ocean cruises for travellers curious about the world, its rich culture and varied history. Viking Cruises takes its guests on curated, elegant voyages to some of the most iconic destinations in Europe, the Caribbean and the Far East, allowing a unique window on inspiring destinations and rewarding experiences. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and included shore excursions, Viking's journeys are competitively priced for genuine value.

Since its 1997 inception the company has grown to become the world's leading operator with a fleet of 65 vessels and in 2015 Viking debuted its maiden season of ocean cruising. The sophisticated state-of-the-art Viking Star and Viking Sea (debuting 2016) can each host 930 guests on itineraries that start from the brand's homeland in Scandinavia and the Baltic through to the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

The most award-winning river cruise line, Viking has consistently won customer-voted and industry-recommended awards. The 2015 award season saw the seventh consecutive year Viking held onto the 'Best River Cruise Line' award at British Travel Awards and, most recently won best River Cruise Company at the 2016 Travel Weekly Globe Awards for the 3rd year in a row. 

Viking are committed to bolstering their agent offering and have a series of FAM trips later this year to allow them to experience first-hand the Viking Cruises offering.

In 2015, Viking launched an exclusive new agent online training programme, Made for Trade where agents can increase their river and ocean cruise product knowledge.

For additional information on Viking's River and Ocean offering, contact Viking Cruises 020 8780 7995 or visit the company at www.vikingcruises.co.uk. Follow Viking River Cruises on Facebook www.facebook.com/VikingRiverCruisesUK and Twitter www.twitter.com/vikingriveruk.

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