The line said the fourth edition of the event, held at the Leadenhall Building in London, heralded the start of an “incredibly exciting” 12 months featuring Celebrity Silhouette’s first season homeporting from Southampton, Celebrity Eclipse sailing out of Dublin and the launch of its newest ship Celebrity Edge.
Eleven awards were presented to partners to celebrate their “achievements and commitment” to Celebrity during 2017.
Winners included Iglu Cruise, Trailfinders, ROL Cruise and Cruise.co.uk.
More than 40 trade partners were in attendance at the ceremony hosted by the cruise line’s president and chief executive, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo; Dondra Ritzenthaler, senior vice president, sales, trade support and services and Jo Rzymowska, vice president and managing director for the UK and Ireland and Asia.
Claire Stirrup, director of sales, UK and Ireland, Celebrity Cruises said: “The Travel Agent Appreciation Awards are a fantastic way to start an incredibly exciting year for Celebrity Cruises.
“2017 was a record-breaking year for us and we couldn’t have done it without the hard work, support and commitment from our agent partners. Choosing who takes the top spot is always a difficult decision but huge congratulations to all of our winners and we look forward to continuing great work through this ground-breaking year and beyond.”
Winners of the Travel Agent Appreciation Awards included Iglu as Top Cruise Specialist, while World Travel Holdings scooped Top Cruise Specialist for Growth.
The Travel Network Group won the line’s Top Consortia, UK, with Worldchoice Ireland taking home the Top Consortia, Ireland gong.
Top Homeworking Agency went to Travel Counsellors and the line’s Innovation in Marketing and Social Media accolade was awarded to Cruise.co.uk.
The Top Performer in Suite Class for 2017 went to ROL Cruise, the Rising Star award was given to The Cruise Village and Trailfinders secured Top High Street Agency.
Top Agency, Northern Ireland was won by Oasis Travel, Top Agency for Southern Ireland went to Trailfinders Ireland.
