The cruise industry is growing at an unprecedented rate in Australia (21 per cent in the past year alone), as travellers of an ever-widening age range explore the incredible itineraries – and ships – on offer across the globe. Last year, one in 19 Australians (1.28 million of us) went on a cruise, the highest per-capita rate in the world. The panel of 10 top cruise specialists and travel advisors have nominated the most impressive luxury cruise lines, big, small, yachting and expedition. The judges ranked their selections for each sub-category, which we then converted to points to determine the overall winners.
JUDGES
ALISON DI PAOLO
Claremont Cruise & Travel Centre
This year is Alison’s 41st year in our exciting industry, and she has been with Claremont Cruise & Travel for 11 years. Her specialty is luxury travel and cruising.
JUSTINE SEALEY
Ramsgate Travel Service
Justine has been with Ramsgate Travel Service for the past 24 years, and has an in-depth knowledge of the cruise industry. Riverboats are her specialty.
ANTHONY GOLDMAN
Goldman Travel Group
As a third-generation travel professional, travel has always been in Anthony’s blood. The Goldmans are at the forefront of travel advisory in Australia.
MELINDA GREGOR
Gregor & Lewis
Melinda has been in the travel Industry for over 30 years. Gregor & Lewis is an award-winning luxury boutique travel agency specialising in luxury cruising, www. greg or lewis .com.au
CLAUDIA ROSSI HUDSON
Mary Rossi Travel
Claudia has loved cruising since the ‘60s. After 40-pi us years in the family travel business, she has introduced cruising to thousands of delighted passengers.
PENNY SPENCER
Spencer Group of Companies
Named in SmartCompany’s 2017 list of Australia’s Top 30 female entrepreneurs, Penny leads a portfolio of companies specialising in corporate and leisure travel.
JASON KROUPA
House of Travel
While Jason’s team is based in the small New Zealand town of Motueka, their specialist knowledge of luxury cruising makes them leaders in their field.
PHILIP HOFFMANN
Phil Hoffmann Travel
Philip was awarded an Order of Australia in 2012 for his contribution to the travel and tourism industries. He employs 220 South Australians in 10 branches.
JO GOSTIN
FBI Travel
Jo owned and operated her own agency until 2001 when she merged with FBI Travel. Her extensive expertise as a travel advisor lies in the cruising market.
PHILIP SMETHURST
Bicton Travel Premium
Philip creates bespoke travel experiences for luxury travellers. Bicton Travel has been named Australia’s leading Cruise Travel Agency six times in the CLIA Awards.
LARGE SHIPS CATEGORY
(351-2500+ passengers)
BEST CABINS
Crystal Cruises
Oceania Cruises (Marina, Riviera)
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC (Yacht Ciub)
BEST SERVICE
Crystal Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST CUISINE/DINING EXPERIENCE
Oceania Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS
Oceania Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST DECOR/AMBIENCE
Crystal Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
Oceania Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Cunard
Viking Ocean Cruises
MSC
BEST WELLNESS PROGRAMMES
Crystal Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST EMBARKATION PROCESS
Crystal Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Cunard
MSC
BEST VALUE
Oceania Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
MSC
Crystal Cruises
Cunard
BEST ITINERARIES
Viking Ocean Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Cunard
MSC
WINNERS
#1 Oceania Cruises (Marina, Riviera)
Our judges loved the emphasis Oceania places on cuisine, particularly aboard the 1250-passenger Marina and Riviera. Its tagline ‘Finest Cuisine at Sea’ is well deserved. Elegance without pretence is this cruise line’s manifesto.
#2 Crystal Cruises
The luxurious Crystal fleet is known for its impeccable service, world-class dining and entertainment, and an engaging enrichment programme. The ships have the highest per-guest space ratios of any ships in their class.
#3 Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking ships transport up to 930 passengers to ports around the world. Staterooms are spacious and well-appointed, and all have a verandah. The Swiss-trained crew members offer personal and genuinely friendly service.
#4 Cunard
#5 MSC (Yacht Club)
