Special Report: Carnival honours UK trade partners at annual awards

Cruise operator’s brands recognise and reward achievements of trade partners at event in London. Natasha Salmon reports

Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn hosted the UK Cruise Awards at 100 Wardour St bar and restaurant in London last week.

More than 250 people attended the event including 220 agents from multiples, independents and call centres, as well as homeworkers.

Luke Smith, Carnival Cruise Line’s head of sales for the UK and Ireland, said: “The UK Cruise Awards is so important to all Carnival Corporation brands as it gives us a platform to recognise and reward the achievements of all of our trade partners.

“Carnival Cruise Line’s business is significantly made up of trade bookings so it is vital that agents understand how much we value their support and partnership.”

The big winner on the night was Iglu, which took home two awards, outstanding contribution and best travel business, while Bolsover Cruise Club won P&O’s outstanding contribution award for the 30th year in a row.

Seabourn and Holland America Line UK managing director Lynn Narraway said the event had a ‘family’ atmosphere. She said:

“I could really feel the synergy in the room and it felt like we were all at a family party.

“At Seabourn and Holland America Line our trade partners represent 86% of our business so they are crucial for us and it is important to thank them.”

TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith presented the James Bond-themed evening from guests’ tables, which was aired via a live camera feed.

P&O Cruises and Cunard senior business manager Trevor Dupont was awarded Carnival’s outstanding contribution award after working for the company for 39 years. He is due to retire at the end of February.

Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice-president for the UK and Europe, said: “What I love the most about this event is how all our brands unite to honour our trade partners. It is our way of saying thank you to our trade partners for all the amazing work they do to support our brands.”

The shining star award went to Bolsover Cruise Club cruise sales manager Helen Moore.

Carnival UK chief executive David Noyes said: “We have had a groundbreaking 2016 and this is all thanks to our agents so we are here to thank them.

“Sales for 2017 and 2018 are already going really well and that is all down to the support of our trade partners.”

Winners: Carnival UK Cruise Awards 2017

Carnival Cruise Line

Outstanding contribution award: Virgin Holidays Partnership achievement award: USAirtours

Cunard

Outstanding contribution award: Imagine Cruising Partnership achievement award: ROL Cruise

Holland America Line

Outstanding contribution award: Trailfinders Partnership achievement award: Jetline

P&O Cruises

Outstanding contribution award: Bolsover Cruise Club Partnership achievement award: Cruise118

Princess Cruises

Outstanding contribution award: Iglu Partnership achievement award: Cruise.co.uk

Seabourn

Outstanding contribution award: The Sovereign Cruise Club Partnership achievement award: International Travel Connections

Travel business of the year: Iglu Shining star: Helen Moore, Bolsover Cruise Club Outstanding achievement: Trevor Dupont, P&O and Cunard