In an impressive display of continued maritime excellence, Tenerife is set to host the prestigious Cruise Excellence Awards for the second year in a row, confirming its rising status in the global cruise industry. The gala event, scheduled for February 1, 2024, will take place at the iconic Tenerife Auditorium, set against the backdrop of the island’s breathtaking scenery.

This announcement, made in Madrid on November 23, 2023, marks a significant milestone for Tenerife, which last year celebrated the awards for the first time, a festivity previously held in various Spanish cities including Barcelona and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The decision by Cruises News Media Group to return to Tenerife underscores the island’s allure and growing influence in the cruise sector.

The choice of Tenerife is not without merit. Recent data from the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife paints a picture of robust growth and vitality in the local cruise industry. Between January and September 2023, the island’s ports welcomed a staggering 662,260 cruise passengers, nearly doubling the figure from the same period in 2022. This 91% increase is even more remarkable given a 13.6% decrease in the number of ships, indicating a shift towards larger, more capacity-rich vessels.

As the cruise season hits its stride in September, Tenerife’s ports are poised to host some of the world’s most luxurious and sizeable ships, including the Silver Moon, Seven Seas Splendor, Iona, Arvia, and MSC Virtuosa. This season will also see the arrival of new vessels such as the Queen Anne, Sun Princess, and Mein Schiff 7, further enhancing the island’s maritime allure.

The Cruise Excellence Awards, determined by the votes of cruise passengers and travel agencies, celebrate excellence in 17 categories, ranging from onboard entertainment to culinary delights. These awards not only honour the best in the industry but also spotlight the preferences and trends among cruise enthusiasts.

The upcoming gala is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a congregation of industry leaders, including top executives from cruise companies, ship agents, cruise tour operators, ports, travel agents, and the press. The event promises to be a grand affair, uniting professionals and entrepreneurs from Tenerife and beyond, culminating in a sophisticated cocktail dinner.

Tenerife’s hosting of the Cruise Excellence Awards for a second consecutive year is a testament to its emerging prominence in the cruise industry. As the island gears up for this prestigious event, it stands poised to showcase its unique blend of natural beauty, hospitality, and maritime prowess to the world’s cruise elite.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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