P&O and Princess Scoop British Travel Awards

P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises were the big cruise line winners in last night’s British Travel Awards ceremony. The public-voted awards rewarded companies and brands across all aspects of the travel industry from cruising to safaris.

The Venetian-themed awards ceremony was held in London’s Battersea Evolution in partnership with the Daily Mirror.

P&O Cruises scooped the award for Best Family Cruise Line, beating off competition from Thomson Cruises (2^nd place) and Princess Cruises (3^rd). This award kicks off an exciting few months for P&O, who will welcome the Britannia to their fleet in March next year – becoming the largest ship operated by a British company.

The company was also successful in the Best UK Departure Cruise Line, earning first place ahead of Saga Holidays (2^nd place) and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (3^rd).

Consolidating their 3^rd place performance in the Best Family Cruise Line category, Princess Cruises scooped the Best Luxury Cruise Line award – beating off Seabourn (2^nd place) and Hebridean Island Cruises (3^rd).

British Travel Awards chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: “All BTA winners are to be congratulated for getting the most votes in their categories, no mean feat as the voting public has become increasingly discerning and expects the best customer service.

“The winning companies can now proudly display the BTA winners’ logo, a benchmark recognised by the travelling public as the sign of excellence. The British Travel Awards give the travelling public the chance to have their say about which companies really deliver the best products and service in the travel industry.

For the sixth year running, Viking River Cruises scooped the Best River Cruise Line award. The brand beat off competition from Riviera Travel (2^nd place) and Red Sea Holidays (3^rd).

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Yanxin Wang, Raging Wire, Richard Martin