Cruise association Clia UK and Ireland named its new chair and honoured top agent members at this years annual dinner.
The Cruise Excellence Awards 2014 was held onboard Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Black Watch and during the event the new chair of Clia was named as Lynn Narraway, UK managing director of Holland America Line and Seabourn. She takes the helm from Celebrity Cruises’ Jo Rzymowska who has served as chair for the past four years.
The Cruise Excellence awards recognised people who demonstrate “exceptional levels of knowledge, leadership and inspiration”.
The Rising Star award was a new award for 2014 and was presented to Cruise Nation for its “ability to innovate and adapt to the changing scene within the cruise market”.
The Cruise Village picked up the gong for the Innovation in Cruise award.
Homeworker of the year went to Martin Hay of GoCruise.
World Travel Holdings’ Katy Porter picked up the young travel agent of the year award.
Iglu won the online cruise agency if the year, for utilising all aspects of commerce and ensuring staff were continually trained and updated on the industry.
High street cruise agency of the year went to Trailfinders despite cruise being a relatively small share of the overall business.
Travel agent business of the year went to Works Travel Holdings.
The Clia UK & Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to the UK & Ireland Cruise Community was jointly presented to Michael English of Celebrity Cruises and Angela Flynn from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines for their significant contribution to the success of UK cruising.
Clia UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: ‘I’m delighted we have been able to recognise some truly outstanding people and companies who have gone over and above expectations in promoting and selling cruise holidays.”