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Editor-in-Chief Awards 2019

2019 Editor-in-Chief Awards

As editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine, Bill Panoff travels a lot. So each year, he reports back on his favorite travel experiences around the world.

Here are this year’s picks of those who left amazing impressions in terms of service, quality, and memorable moments.

On Board

  • Best Lounge: Blue Eye (Ponant)
  • Best Production Shows: Viaggio and Sonor by Cirque du Soleil (MSC Cruises)
  • Best Spa Operator: OneSpaWorld
  • Best Specialty Restaurant: Remy (Disney Cruise Line)
  • Best Cruise Director: Gary Hunter (Crystal Cruises)
  • Best Mobility/Accessibility Provider: Special Needs Group
  • Best New Restaurant at Sea: Rudi’s Sel de Mer (Nieuw Statendam,
    Holland America Line)
  • Best New Activity Enhancement: Le Grand Bistro’s plate projections
    (Celebrity Edge)
  • Best Speaker Series: Crystal Cruises
  • Best Cruise Partnership: Windstar Cruises and James Beard Foundation
  • Best New Ship: Norwegian Bliss (Norwegian Cruise Line)
  • Best Art Collaboration: Wyland (Norwegian Bliss)
  • Best Social Media: U by Uniworld
  • Best Must-Have Cruise App: Ship Mate
  • Best Hawaiian Itineraries: Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Best South American Itineraries: Oceania Cruises
  • Best Caribbean Itineraries: Royal Caribbean International
  • Best Alaska Itineraries: Holland America Line
  • Best Trans-Atlantic Experience: Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line

 

On Shore

  • Best Canadian Port: Quebec City
  • Best U.S. Home Port: Miami, Florida
  • Best Europe Port: Amsterdam
  • Most Improved Cruise Terminal: Long Beach Cruise Terminal
  • Best Destination for Active Travelers: Costa Rica
  • Best Caribbean Attraction: Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios)
  • Best Europe Attraction: Széchenyi Thermal Bath (Budapest)
  • Best Shore Excursions: MSC Family Explorer Club (MSC Cruises)
  • Best Post-Cruise Shopping: Brickell City Centre (Miami)
  • Best Alaska Attraction: Taku Lodge
  • Most Anticipated Island: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (Bahamas)
  • Best Caribbean Hotel: Jade Mountain (St. Lucia)
  • Best Europe Hotel: The Lanesborough (London)
  • Best Hotel Worth the Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Miami
  • Best Airport Experience: Changi Airport (Singapore)
  • Best Caribbean Resort: Amanyara (Turks & Caicos)
  • Best Caribbean Tour Operator: Cox & Company (St. Lucia)
  • Best European Tour Operator: Intertrav Corporation, Be Unique (Italy)
  • Best Caribbean Port Agent: Virgin Port Services (St. Thomas)
  • Best Africa Destination Specialist: Journeys Unforgettable
  • Best Ground Transportation Operator: USA Transportation
  • Best New Shore Excursion: MSC Cruises’ Bike Adventours
  • Best Way to Navigate South Florida: Virgin Trains USA (formerly Brightline)
  • Best Cruise Souvenir: Tortuga Rum Cakes
  • Best Miami Eats: Kyu
  • Best Burger: Steak Burger, Hard Rock Cafe, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Hollywood, Florida)
  • Best New Restaurant: Hard Rock Cafe, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Hollywood, Florida)

Now in its 25th year, Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine is published bi-monthly and available worldwide through digital subscription. It offers the latest news in cruise and travel, with in-depth features on voyages, new ships, the best destinations, readers' picks, onboard cuisine, entertainment, and more!