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Melissa Araya Virtuoso with Melinda Gregor, Gregor + Lewis, and Matthew Upchurch CEO Virtuoso.
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Virtuoso recognised the network’s best in cruising at the 36th annual Virtuoso Travel Week including two new categories – Best Small Ship Cruise Line and the Cruise Ambassador in Australia’s Melinda Gregor of Gregor and Lewis Bespoke Travel of the Sunshine Coast.
The new categories were added to the ballot this year, in addition to the traditional categories, Best Ocean Cruise Line, Best River Cruise Line and Best Expedition Cruise Line.
The Cruise Ambassador was selected internally by Virtuoso leadership, while nominations for the partner awards were determined by a survey of Virtuoso advisors, who then cast votes to determine the winners.
As the cruise category expands in market size and consumer demand, competition is fiercer than ever. This year’s winners share a commitment to excellence, innovation, support of the travel advisor community, client satisfaction and, of course, unforgettable travel experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Winners were honoured Tuesday, August 13, at “Cruise Night Out,” one of the hottest tickets of the week, which hosts the network’s cruise partners and its cruise-focused advisors for a by-invitation-only celebration. Taking place August 10-16, Virtuoso Travel Week has brought together more than 4,700 top luxury travel professionals, travel advisors and preferred partners, from 97 countries.
Feature image: Melissa Araya Virtuoso with Melinda Gregor, Gregor + Lewis, and Matthew Upchurch CEO Virtuoso.
And the winners are:
CRUISE AMBASSADOR
Cruise Ambassador recognises the Virtuoso advisor whose commitment to the network’s cruise partners
stands out for their support, amplification and engagement. This advisor has made a measurable impact on Virtuoso cruise sales and innovation.
Winner: Melinda Gregor / Gregor and Lewis Bespoke Travel
L to R: Sharon Kitchener, Mosman Travel; Melinda Gregor, Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel; Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company.
BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISE LINE (350 passengers or less)
Winner: Aqua Expeditions
A recognised global leader in luxury small-ship expeditions, Aqua Expeditions explores the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations aboard best-in-class vessels. Guests can expect tailored five-star itineraries, a highly exclusive one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, world-class dining and small group, expert-guided activities and excursions. Aqua Expeditions operates river explorations on the Amazon (Peru), the Mekong (Cambodia and Vietnam) and coastal yacht voyages to Komodo National Park, Ambon and the Spice Islands, as well as Raja Ampat (East Indonesia), with its latest superyacht sailing the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).
Aqua Expeditions Aria Amazon.
BEST OCEAN CRUISE LINE
Winner: Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s small luxury ships are designed for those who delight in the thrill of discovery, while indulging the mind and body in the most lavish surroundings imaginable. Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 900 destinations on all seven continents – more than any other cruise line. Plus, with expanded all-inclusive service, door-to-door transfers and added shore excursions for classic voyages, sailing the world has never been so seamless.
BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE
Winner: AmaWaterways
A family-owned company since 2002, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 29 ships sailing through Europe, Asia, Africa and soon-to-be South America. With exquisite locally sourced cuisine, a variety of included shore excursions in every port, personalised service, twin-balcony staterooms and fleetwide wellness activities, AmaWaterways is redefining the river cruise experience. It is also the only river cruise line inducted into La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organisations.
AmaWaterways opens 2026 cruise reservations
BEST EXPEDITION CRUISE LINE
Winner: Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions has been the leading provider of expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic travel for over 30 years. With a diverse fleet of specially equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, Quark Expeditions offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. The spirit of exploration runs deep in the cruise line’s polar pedigree with a passion for creating transformational experiences for fellow adventurers visiting these regions. Quark Expeditions offers the highest expedition guide-to-passenger ratios (1:6), providing the highest level of education, photography and overall experience for passengers on board.
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