In the first year that Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards of Australia has featured river cruise operators in a dedicated category, Viking has come out in first place.The cruise line was flanked by Scenic and APT who were both named as runners-up.
Viking Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Michelle Black said the accolade was an incredible honour. “This recognition is a testament to the trust we’ve earned by consistently delivering culturally immersive river voyages that resonate with our guests,” she said.“This recognition as a ‘Trusted Brand’ in Australia underscores the strong connection we’ve built with our local community and the unwavering trust our guests place in us.”Meanwhile, Louise Waterson, Editor-in-Chief of Reader’s Digest magazine Asia Pacific, attributed Viking’s win to its extensive range of destinations and its strong reputation earned over 28 years in operation.Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.“As the first winner in the new River Cruise Operators category of the 2025 Most Trusted Brands survey, the team at Viking are to be congratulated for setting such a high benchmark in the industry,” she said.“This endorsement is proof that Viking’s efforts to ensure their guests have only the best choices in river journeys, visiting some of the world’s most culturally charming and captivating locations, have been well worth it.”Over on the ocean cruise front, Royal Caribbean came out in the top spot, followed by runners-up Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.The awards, compiled by an independent survey of over 4,000 Australians, represent a snapshot of the Australian population.This year marks the 26th anniversary of these awards in Australia, making it one of the oldest consumer awards initiatives in the local market, celebrating the brands Australians trust most.
