Barbados took home the crown for British holidaymakers’ favourite cruise destination at the 2019 Cruise International awards ceremony on 5 September. The country, renowned for its beautiful beaches and sun-filled summers, was voted for by the British public ahead of the event. It is the second public win for the nation, who was similarly recognised by the British public as a top destination in March.
For travellers hoping to experience island life, cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, P&O, TUI, Marella, Star Clipper, Silversea, Seabourn, and Fred Olsen all offer routes to the champion destination.
The island is forecasted to welcome 840,000 cruises this year, and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) has unveiled plans for a number of strategic initiatives to further boost tourism.
One initiative outlined will take place on a weekly basis at the Pelican Craft Centre, neighbouring Barbados’ most popular cruise ship dock.
The ‘Festive Fridays’ event will give cruise passengers the chance to mingle with Bajan locals who will be selling their hand crafted goods.
Cheryl Franklin, Director of Cruise at BTMI, described the win as: “a truly proud moment for Barbados and all of the operators who make up the diverse sector.”
Meanwhile TUI describes Barbados as : “the ultimate Caribbean dream.
“And at just 21 miles by 14 miles, the island really is your oyster.”
The event, which took place at the House of Lords, also shown a spotlight on Britain’s most loved cruise operator.
Switzerland-based Viking Cruises were took home the title for its combination of well loved river and ocean routes.
The win came in tandem with The Viking Sun liner setting sale for what it hopes to be the world’s longest cruise.
The Ultimate World Cruise, lasting 245 days, will see its passengers travel six continents, 59 countries and 113 of the world’s most renowned cities and ports.
Included in its 55,700 mile adventure are some of the UK’s top coastal destinations- Dover, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, Holyhead and Edinburgh.
Passengers will then go on to explore the phenomenal architecture of Angkor Wat, the Pyramids of Egypt and Machu Picchu.
The ship will also visit world-famous natural wonders such as the Amazon Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef.
It will return to home shores on May 2, 2020.
Alongside Viking, other popular cruise lines that received recognition were Princess Cruises, Silversea cruises and Emerald Waterways.