Viking River Cruises, the world leader in river cruising, today announced its recognition on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List, as featured in the January 2008 issue of the magazine. Viking appears on the Gold List for the fourth time. Viking River Cruises was also included in the "Best Small Ship Cruise Lines" in the November 2007 "Readers' Choice" issue.

"Gold List recognition is a great honor," says Torstein Hagen, Founding Chairman of Viking River Cruises. "It is the ultimate endorsement by sophisticated world travelers. Although it has gained much attention in the past few years, river cruising is still a 'best-kept secret' in some circles, so we are especially pleased that the quality of our product compares favorably with that of the best ocean cruise lines."

In naming a travel company to the Gold List, Condé Nast Traveler reevaluates the rankings given to the magazine's annual "Readers' Choice" issue based upon more general categories and asks readers to give specific commentary about each of the nominees. One Condé Nast Traveler voter commented, "There's something so magical about floating down the river with all these historical sites around you."

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. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 20 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travelers with an interest in geography, culture and history. In 2008, Viking River Cruises offers 20 itineraries for travel through Europe, Russia and China. Details are available from Travel Agents or by calling toll-free 1 877 668 4546 (1 877 66VIKING) to request brochures, or by visiting the company’s website at www.vikingrivercruises.com.