Royal Caribbean has won “Best Mainstream Cruise Line” at Cruise.co.uk’s annual awards evening.
Cruise.co.uk has honoured suppliers from across the industry at the event, which was held during the specialist agency’s 19th annual conference in Obertauern, Austria. Over 30 senior industry attendees celebrated 11 cruise-specific award categories.
Hosted by Chris Gardner, CEO, and Tony Andrews, Managing Director, the awards recognise achievements nominated by the Cruise.co.uk internal teams, alongside various categories voted for by their extensive customer database.
Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises were jointly awarded the title of ‘Best mainstream cruise line’, with Azamara crowned as ‘Best luxury cruise line’, while Seabourn walked away with ‘Best ultra-luxury cruise line’.
MSC Cruises – for which Cruise.co.uk were the number one UK travel agent in 2023 – were highlighted by past guests for their significant year-on-year improvement, winning ‘Most improved’ cruise line.
P&O Cruises were the stand-out winner for the Cruise.co.uk consultants, taking home ‘Best reward scheme’, ‘Best booking system’ and ‘Most helpful cruise line’.
In a new addition to the event, Cruise.co.uk’s sister brands selected their top partners, with MSC Cruises recognised by Seascanner.co.uk and Regent Seven Seas Cruises by Above & Beyond Luxury Cruises.
Chris Gardner said: “The relationships we hold with our cruise line partners are what drives the success of our business; it’s fitting to have so many of them together with us as we mark another positive 12 months.
“Equally, benchmarking customer satisfaction is critical to all suppliers, allowing us to evolve collectively and improve both our product and service offerings.”
Tony Andrews said: “The support we receive from our suppliers and their respective account managers is outstanding – it allows us to showcase the huge variety of sailings available across the industry.
“It’s no wonder passenger numbers continue to grow, both from repeat guests and those trialling cruise for the first time.”
Eithne Williamson VP – UK & Europe for Princess Cruises, said: “I am proud and honoured to collect two awards on behalf of Princess Cruises.
“To be recognised by both the team and our guests means so much. Hugely well done to the whole team, with particular call out to Nikki Dos Santos and Ed Shek, who as sales and commercial work in absolute partnership with Cruise.co.uk.”
2024 winners
Best mainstream cruise line: Royal Caribbean / Princess Cruises
Best luxury cruise line: Azamara
Best ultra-luxury cruise line: Seabourn
Most improved: MSC Cruises
Above & Beyond partner award winner: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seascanner.co.uk partner award: MSC Cruises
Best reward scheme: P&O Cruises
Best trading partner: Princess Cruises
Best booking system: P&O Cruises
Best account manager: MSC Cruises, Amanda Skilbeck
Most helpful cruise line: P&O Cruises
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