Royal Caribbean Celebrates Double Win at AFTA National Travel Industry Awards

MIAMI, July 18, 2016 – Royal Caribbean International has taken out the two top gongs for the cruising category at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards 2016 for the very first time. The line known for the largest and most feature-packed cruise ships was awarded Best Cruise Operator – International, and Best Cruise Operator – Domestic.

Since 2005, Royal Caribbean has been the proud recipient of Best Cruise Operator award and 2016 marks the first time the line has secured both the international and domestic prize, a particularly special achievement, according to Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean’s managing director in Australia and New Zealand.               

“These awards are significant because they demonstrate recognition from the travel industry. Our travel agent partners play a huge role in the success of our cruise brand sailing here in Australia and around the world.

“It’s a great honour to be recognised and solidifies our commitment to delivering our style of innovative and international holidays at sea. We are truly grateful to the industry for their ongoing support.”

“Our congratulations go out to all other finalists and winners of the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards,” Armstrong concluded.

The upcoming 2016/17 summer season will see Royal Caribbean International’s capacity increase again, with five world class ships sailing in the region including the highly anticipated US$1 billion Ovation of the Seas – Australia’s very first new-build, purpose-built for the region.

As the newest, biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship ever to be deployed down under, Ovation of the Seas will introduce a new category of holiday – SuperCruising – which will be unlike anything ever seen down under before. Ovation of the Seas joins Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas sailing from Sydney, while Legend of the Seas will sail from Brisbane. Together, the five ships will offer 73 sailings around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service by every staff and crew member.

Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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