Travel Weekly is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual Readers Choice Awards. This spring and summer, our readers cast their votes in 38 categories through an open-ballot process online. They identified leaders that demonstrated the most outstanding product and service over the past 12 months.
The candidates in each category were selected as finalists representing the highest standards of service and excellence. Winners of the Readers Choice Awards 2004 were announced at our Night of Celebration gala dinner at the St. Regis Hotel in New York Dec. 14. Proceeds from this event will again help support the efforts of the Nyumbani Village Project in Nairobi, Kenya, and Tourism Cares for Tomorrow (formerly the Travelers Conservation Foundation).
Here are the winners of the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. Look for complete Readers Choice Awards coverage in the Jan. 3 issue of Travel Weekly.
" AIRLINE
Airline, Domestic: Southwest Airlines
Airline, International: Virgin Atlantic
" CAR RENTAL
Car Rental, Domestic: Hertz
Car Rental, International: Auto Europe
" CRUISES
Cruise Line, Alaska: Princess Cruises
Cruise Line, America: Royal Caribbean International
Cruise Line, Caribbean: Royal Caribbean International
Cruise Line, Europe: Holland America Line
Cruise Line, Luxury: Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
Cruise Line, Overall: Royal Caribbean International
Cruise Line, Sales & Service: Carnival Cruise Lines
Cruise Ship, Luxury: Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line
Cruise Ship, Overall Individual: Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line
Cruise Ship, Rookie: Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line
" DESTINATIONS
Destination, Asia/Pacific: Australia
Destination, Canada: Vancouver
Destination, Caribbean: Jamaica
Destination, Europe: Italy
Destination, Hawaii: Maui
Destination, Mexico: Mayan Riviera
Destination, South America: Costa Rica
Destination, United States: Hawaii
" HOTELS & RESORTS
Hotel Chain, Caribbean: Sandals Resorts
Hotel Chain, Domestic: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Chain, Europe: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Chain, International: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Chain, Luxury: Ritz-Carlton
Resort Hotel, Domestic: Bellagio
Resort Hotel, International: Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Resort Hotel, Luxury: Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
" THEME PARK
Theme Park: Walt Disney World
" TOUR OPERATORS
Tour Operator, Caribbean: Gogo Worldwide Vacations
Tour Operator, Domestic: Gogo Worldwide Vacations
Tour Operator, Europe: Globus
Tour Operator, Hawaii: Pleasant Holidays
Tour Operator, International: Abercrombie & Kent
Tour Operator, Mexico: Apple Vacations
Tour Operator, Sales & Service: Tauck World Discovery
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
Alan Fredericks, Alex Harris, Fred Kassner