More than 500 travel agents, cruise line personnel, sponsors and media celebrated the best of the cruise sector at the 17th annual Cruise Industry Awards over the weekend – a far cry from the turnout when the vent first started.

Sharp specials and rain combined to drive big numbers into Flight Centre’s Travel Expo at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland this weekend.

SKAL Auckland has a new president after yesterday’s AGM despite the absence of the traditional handing over of the presidential chains yesterday.

The chains were ‘being fixed’ and the handover will happen at the travel industry fellowship organisation’s next lunch – at Mama Mia restaurant in March.

Having ‘another player’ in the upper-end of the cruising market is exciting New Zealand travel agents and was a factor in attracting some 120 of them to a ship inspection in Auckland over the last two days.

Viking Sun is continuing its New Zealand journey now, with stops in Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

A busy year for Brand USA culminated in an end-of-year celebration at Dr Rudi’s Roof Top Bar in Auckland earlier this week, hosted by Wayne Mitcham, account manager and Matt Fletcher, director.

• Alisha Palin and Lisa Milne,... Alisha Palin and Lisa Milne,...
• Wayne Mitcham, Brand USA with... Wayne Mitcham, Brand USA with...
• Amanda North and Hayley Willis,... Amanda North and Hayley Willis,...
• Jay Soysa, Aim Holidays; Jacqui... Jay Soysa, Aim Holidays; Jacqui...
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