At Seatrade Cruise Global yesterday, network Cruise Baltic announced that the recipient of the ‘2016 Cruise Baltic Crown Award’ is Bruce Krumrine, Vice President of Shore Excursions and Asia Port Operations for Holland America Group.

Speaking at the annual Award Reception, in front of invited industry guests and Cruise Baltic partners, Claus Bødker, Cruise Baltic Director said: “This year we wanted to recognise Bruce in his important role for the Holland America Group, which incorporates responsibility for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Australia. Bruce has enjoyed a long and prestigious career in the cruise industry and has been actively involved with Cruise Baltic. Late last year Bruce proposed that we embark on an unprecedented destination partnership program with Princess Cruises. We look forward to the coming season and the launching of an innovative program of joint and ongoing initiatives that will ensure cruise passengers enjoy an enhanced guest experience in the Baltic Sea region.”

On receiving his award - presented by Claus Bødker – Bruce Krumrine commented: “I am incredibly proud to accept the distinguished Crown Award. I am also incredibly proud of the close relationship and collaboration we have enjoyed for many, many years with the Cruise Baltic team. Our pioneering Global Partners – Local Experts program, which we are now launching worldwide, began with Cruise Baltic. The very inspiration for this program was the passion, pride and expertise of the Cruise Baltic members. So I would like to share this award with my many good friends at Cruise Baltic. I thank you for inspiring us and helping us provide more authentic, meaningful, personal and exclusive experiences for our guests.”

Background: The Cruise Baltic Crown Award scheme was first 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 significant difference to growing the Baltic Sea Region as a cruise destination.

The Baltic Sea Region’s considerable growth within the cruise industry can partly be contributed to the fascinating and 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.

Cruise Baltic is a network of cruise destinations in the Baltic Sea offering easy access to 10 countries on a string with an ‘ocean of adventures’. The network - founded in 2004 with 12 destinations - has now grown in 2016 to 29 destinations.