Cartagena hosted the 9th edition of the Excellence Cruise Awards at the "El Batel" auditorium.
The event, which brought together more than 250 cruise industry professionals, was attended by prominent figures from the political and business worlds related to tourism. The awards are organized by Cruises News Media Group, a communications company specializing in national and international marketing and promotion for the cruise sector.
The Director of Cruises News Media Group, Virginia López Valiente, along with Mr. Corrales, were the masters of ceremonies for the gala, welcoming the guests and introducing the most excellent Mayor of Cartagena, Don José López Martínez, who presented one of the awards, specifically the City of Cartagena award, "Best Popular Cruise Line," which went to Pullmantur. Captain Antonio Toledo, Director of Maritime Operations for Pullmantur Cruises, accepted the award.
The Port Authority of Barcelona received the Excellence Award for "Best Spanish Port" from the President of State Ports, Jose Llorca, who once again supported the gala with his presence.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean received the "Best Ship in the Mediterranean" award for Allure of the Seas, with Francisco Marco, Regional Sales Manager for the Northwest and East, accepting the award.
Likewise, Virginia López, General Director of Cruises News Media Group, presented the award for “Best River Tourism Company” to CroisiEurope, with its Commercial Director, Tomás Fernández, accepting the award.
Big winners
Pullmantur received another award, that of “Best Crew,” which was accepted by Encarnación Rute, Human Resources Director. MSC Cruises also received two awards. Emiliano Gonzalez, General Manager of MSC Cruises, accepted the BC Agency award for “Best Cruise Line for First-Time Cruisers” from Mario Sennacheribbo, Director of BC Agency. Luis Blanes, Head of Sales for the Levante region at MSC Cruises, accepted the award for “Best Brand Among Consumers.” Costa Cruises also received two awards: the “Best Value for Money” award, accepted by Commercial Director Jorge Serrano, and the “Best Recognition Among Travel Agencies” award, accepted by Sales Director Carlos López. Antonio Sevilla, President of the Cartagena Port Authority, presented the “Best Premium Cruise Line” award to Princess Cruises, which was accepted by Agustín Quesada, Director of Mundomar Cruises.
Most Award Winners
The award for “Best Luxury Cruise Line” went to Silversea and was accepted by Carmen Bigas, Commercial Director of Star Class (Silversea's representative). The Excellence Award for “Best Port/Destination in the Mediterranean” went to Malta, and was accepted by Charles Duncan, Port Operations Manager.
Finally, Norwegian Cruise Line received the award for “Best Animation” presented by Juan José Gudiño Peñalver, Executive Director of Spanish Golf Cruises, with Gabriele Restivo, Head of Business Development, accepting the award.
Special recognition
As in previous years, Cruises News Media Group presented its awards. This year, Viajes El Corte Inglés received the Cruises News Media Group award for being the number 12 agency in Murcia for being the number one cruise sales agency in the Murcia region.
Juan Carlos Gómez, Regional Director of Murcia, Alicante and Albacete, accepted the plaque.
Celestyal Cruises was recognized as the "Breakthrough Cruise Company," with Noelia Dominguez, Head of Sales for the Spanish and Latin American Market, accepting the award.
At the end of the ceremony, the Port of Cartagena presented ASEAM (Cartagena Maritime Business Association) with an award recognizing its contribution to the development of the cruise industry in Cartagena. ASEAM President Jose María Fernández accepted the award.
It should also be added that this edition has been sponsored by the Cartagena Port Authority, the Cartagena City Council, BC Agency, Bags & Go, Spanish Golf Cruises, ASEAM, Autocares Vidal and Cruises Atlantic Islands, with the invaluable support of Medcruise.
On the other hand, it should be said that the gala, in addition to Mr. Corrales' excellent performance, featured the show "Infinity," in which the pair of dancers presented an interactive dance show, an innovative exhibition that combined contemporary dance with audiovisual projections.
And finally, remember that next year will be the 10th Anniversary of the gala, the venue for which is yet to be determined.
