The Cruise Baltic Crown Award scheme was launched in 2011. Each year the award is given to either an individual from the cruise industry or an organisation whose efforts have made a significant contribution towards making a difference to growing the Baltic Sea Region as a cruise destination.

The Baltic Sea Region’s growth within the cruise industry can partly be contributed to the unique history shared among the 10 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The word ‘crown’ illustrates strong bonds of royalty and acknowledges prestigious governing powers held, whether by Tsars and Regents, Kings and Queens, or heads of empires or states; and appropriately represents an emblem of victory, nobility, achievement and royal status.

This year the ceremony acknowledged Holland America Line President & CEO Stein Kruse for his efforts in bringing international visitors to the region by designing appealing itineraries and also for making the Baltic Sea accessible to cruise passengers by operating several ships annually.

Paul Goodwin, Executive Vice-President of Port & Shore Operations at HAL accepted the Crown on behalf of Stein Kruse, who was unable to attend due to a prior commitment.

“Stein Kruse sends his sincere apologies for not being present personally. With the diversity in this part of the world, there will always be a demand for a cruise product where you can combine well known destinations with smaller, lesser-known places,” said Goodwin.

“The Baltic gives us the opportunity to create some remarkable itineraries and that is why HAL will continue to deploy ships there.”

Cruise Baltic, www.cruisebaltic.com