Cruise partners were invited to the event hosted by Cunard Cruise Line, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises in order for them to recognise the success of their partners in the last year.

From the distinguished city of Hamburg, everyone boarded the ship for a night of celebrations before sailing back to the port of Southampton the next day.

After an introduction from executives of the three brands, over 30 awards were presented and between Iglu Cruise and our partner company Planet Cruise, we won six.

From P&O Cruises we won the Best Newcomer Conversion award and Planet Cruise won Tour Operator of the Year.

Cunard Cruise Line presented us with Greatest Growth and Travel Agent Call Centre of the Year as well as awarding Planet Cruise with Best Newcomer Conversion.

Princess Cruises presented us with the Greatest Growth award.

Accompanied by a delicious meal and exciting entertainment, the awards were a huge success and enjoyment was had by all who attended.

Congratulations to all of the winners.

Held at the prestigious London location, it saw the biggest names in the industry come together for an afternoon of cruise spectaculars! TV presenter Jenni Falconer presented the awards along with Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International.

Iglu Cruise won the award for Best Cruise Agent, an important award for us as it is chosen by our customers. Sarah Strang, Head Of Marketing collected our trophy which was presented by Jenni Falconer and Andy McGowan from Sea Dream Yacht Club.

The award for best cruise line went to Royal Caribbean International who were also Highly Commended for Best Affordable Cruise Line, Best for Activities, Best for Families and Best Cruise Product.

The Best River Cruise Line was awarded to Viking River Cruises and the Best Luxury Cruise Line was given to Cunard.

The new Royal Princess from Princess Cruises’ which was launched in May of this year and named by The Duchess of Cambridge won the award for Best New Ship.

Carnival Cruise Lines picked up the award for Best for Activities, Disney Cruise Line won Best for Families and Best for Entertainment and Fred Olsen Lines was awarded Best Affordable Cruise Line.

A Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Larry Pimental, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises for his amazing contribution to the cruise industry. Pimental is responsible for the strategic direction of Azamara Club Cruises and made a large contribution to the AZAmazing Evenings programme.

Liz Jarvis, Editor of Cruise International said, “2013 has been a brilliant year for the cruise industry, with fabulous new ship launches and exciting new itineraries. The Cruise International Awards celebrate the best of the cruise industry, and because they’re voted for by the holidaymakers themselves, they’re an excellent benchmark of consumer opinion.”

Congratulations to all of the winners and here’s to cruising!

P&O and Cunard has announced that passengers will no longer be able to smoke on stateroom balconies and smoking will only be permitted in specific areas. In a joint statement they said “Following feedback from guests and the results of recent customer research, smoking will no longer be permitted on stateroom balconies. Smoking is therefore not permitted in staterooms, balconies or public areas but will continue to be permitted in designated areas of the open deck.”

Both lines have said they will however allow electronic cigarettes to be used in staterooms, on balconies and in other designated areas onboard.

P&O and Cunard have said that these changes will take effect on all cruises departing after the 2014 world cruises.

Soon after this news broke, industry giant Royal Caribbean revealed they too will be changing their onboard smoking policy from January 2014.

Smoking is already banned in staterooms onboard all Royal Caribbean ships but smoking has been allowed on stateroom balconies and in designated areas. However, from 2014 smoking will no longer be allowed on balconies.

As well as balconies the line has also extended the interior smoking ban to all public spaces on its ships, with the exception of the casinos. The casino, Connoisseur Club and some areas of the starboard side of outer decks will be the only designated smoking areas. The new restrictions also apply to electric cigarettes.

Effective on all cruises from January 1st 2014, Royal Caribbean said the new smoking restrictions are the result of "careful consideration and review of guest feedback."

Extensive research, guest reviews and feedback were used to make these decisions by the cruise lines and it is anticipated that these changes are going to bring positive feedback from guests.

Whilst the level of protection for customers booking a flight inclusive package has not changed, we welcome the introduction of this standard document, which will undoubtedly give all travellers additional peace of mind.

We're delighted to report that our systems are up and running. At the first time of asking, we'll be issuing the ATOL Certificate for customers whom have either booked an ATOL package where Iglucruise.com are acting as the operator, or whether you have booked an ATOL protected holiday organised by one of our many Tour Operator partners.

So, what is an ATOL package?

If you have booked a holiday with a flight out of the UK, with overnight accommodation overseas or car hire for an inclusive price, your holiday will be protected under the ATOL scheme. Furthermore, if you cruise out of the UK and return by flight as part of the package, you will also receive an ATOL Certificate outlining that your holiday is similarly protected.

It should be noted that all package holidays, including all cruises, offered by Iglu.com are financially protected. Further details can be found at www.iglucruise.com/terms.

Example certificate

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