MIAMI — Royal Caribbean International’s list of Travel Partners of the Year for 2023 includes honours for two of the best-known companies in the Canadian travel industry.
The cruise line has named The Travel Agent Next Door as its Canada Partner of the Year for 2023.
The news comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s launch of Icon of the Seas.
John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Group (left) with Christine James, Travel Leaders Network’s VP Canada, and Roger Block, President of Travel Leaders Network, onboard Icon of the Seas in January 2024 (photo courtesy Toby Saltzman)
The winners also include the 2023 Chairman’s Award recipient, Travel Leaders Network.
The cruise line says the 13 valued travel partner agencies honoured for 2023 are outstanding travel agencies, spanning from newcomers to repeat winners, that have demonstrated unwavering dedication, unmatched passion and the keen ability to book Royal Caribbean vacations.
Here’s the full list …
- .Chairman’s Award for Overall Achievement: Travel Leaders Network
- President’s Award for Overall Achievement: World Travel Holdings
- National Account Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
- Southeast Partner of the Year: Travelmation
- Northeast Partner of the Year: Cruise Brothers
- Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner
- West Partner of the Year: MEI-Travel
- Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door
- Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
- Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners
- Charter Partner of the Year: Entertainment Cruise Productions
- Caribbean Partner of the Year: Travel Planners / Expedia Cruceros
- Automation Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
Royal Caribbean International’s Senior VP, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, said: “These are extremely exciting times for the entire cruise industry – cruise lines and travel partners alike. The sky’s the limit at Royal Caribbean, and the strong performance we’ve seen is thanks in large part to our valued travel professionals and their incredible knowledge when it comes to matching their clients with the right vacation experience.”
Freed added: “I’m very proud to honor these experts who consistently work with us and continue to see success with their businesses. As we dive into 2024 with the exciting launch of Icon of the Seas and then Utopia of the Seas in July 2024, as well as the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in 2025, we’re excited to reach new heights for the entire travel industry. Thanks for the support, and congratulations to the winners.”
