Santa Cruz hosted yesterday, for the first time, the celebration of the Cruise Excellence Awards Gala, which in previous editions has been carried out in other cities of the country, such as Barcelona, Malaga or Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The event, which took place in the Auditorium, brought together more than 200 people, including the main executives of cruise companies, authorities, tour operators, ports, travel agents, consignees and businessmen. In total, 16 awards were given, such as those corresponding to the categories of Best Luxury Shipping Company and Best Spanish Port, which went to the shipping company Silversea Cruises and the Port of Barcelona, respectively.
The great ceremony of delivery of these awards, presented by the humorist and showman Mr. Corrales and enlivened by the Pablo Méndez Performance company, began with the performance of the troupe of the Carnival chicharrero Los Joroperos, to continue with the granting of different awards. The Excellence Cruise Awards, whose first edition was held in 2008 in Barcelona, are the result of a macro survey carried out on cruise passengers and national travel agents. These awards are a trademark of CruisesNews Media Group.
The Greek Islands, MSC Cruises, Silversea Cruises and the Port of Barcelona, among the winners
This edition has been promoted and sponsored by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in collaboration with other public and private organizations, such as Puertos del Estado; tourism islands Canary Islands; Tourism of Tenerife; Santa Cruz City Hall; Councils of Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera; Fred Olsen Shipping Solutions; Cepsa; Canary Islands and Atlantic Islands Ports.
The president of the Ports of Tenerife, Carlos gonzález, stated that, “although the cruise sector has suffered a lot from the past Covid pandemic, reducing its activity to zero, that time is behind us and now we see a recovery in cruise calls, even exceeding the pre-pandemic data”. He recalled that the Canary Islands “was a pioneer” in resuming this activity with the so-called bubble cruises.
Likewise, he highlighted the Canary Islands as a tourist destination for cruise ships, emphasizing the numerous excursions offered in Tenerife, such as the Teide, Taganana, La Laguna or Los Gigantes Cliffs. He commented that the Ports of Tenerife “continues working” to increase services to cruise passengers and gave as an example the project for tourist seaplane flights, “with departure and arrival at Puerto Chicharrero.”
Best Boat in the Mediterranean.
It was for the Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean).
Best Boat in Northern Europe.
The recognition went to the cruise ship MSC Grandiosa (MSC Cruises).
Best River Company.
The award went to Croisieurope.
Best Shipping Company First Cruise.
Recognition in this category fell to said gala at Costa Cruises.
Best Spanish Port.
The Port of Barcelona got it.
Best Cruise Destination.
The award went to the Greek Islands.
Best Crew.
It fell to Royal Caribbean International.
Best Premium Shipping Company.
The recognition went to the shipping company Celebrity Cruises.
Best Family Shipping Company.
The award went to MSC Cruises.
Best Luxury Shipping Company.
It was for Silversea Cruises.
Best Brand Image among Consumers.
The award went to MSC Cruises.
Best Entertainment.
The recognition fell to Norwegian Cruise Line.
Best Gastronomy.
The award went to Oceania Cruises.
Best value for money.
The award in this category went to Cosa Cruceros.
Best Itinerary.
It was for Celestyal Cruises 3 Continents.
Best Brand Recognition among Travel Agencies.
Royal Caribbean International.
Acknowledgments.
During the event, special recognitions were also given to Ashotel, TUI Cruises, Loro Parque, the Port Community, the Canary Islands Health Service, Foreign Health, the Mooring Service; Pilot Service; Tug Service; Port Police; Acoeste and Santa Cruz Terminal.
