· John Stoll, Vice President, Land & Port Operations, Crystal Cruises, Inc.
· Patrick Schneider, Director, Shore Excursions & Explorations, Royal Caribbean International
Says Bo Larsen: "the new title of "Cruise Copenhagen Ambassador" is awarded to a "Personality" from the cruise industry who has worked consistently towards adding value and prestige to both the City of Copenhagen and the country of Denmark. Patrick and John are great examples of cruise industry professionals, helping us to put not only Copenhagen and Denmark but also the Baltic sea region on the map - working as they do with key players, primarily Destination Management Companies."
"These awards reflect both our vision of creating long-lasting friendships within the industry network and our mission, to initiate access to more business opportunities. If it were not for the cruise lines, not so many visitors would have had the chance to experience Copenhagen and our other diverse destinations in Denmark."
John Stoll and Patrick Schneider were presented with their Ambassador certificates by Ole Andersen, Chairman CCN; and Jakob Brandt on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Frank Jensen. They are also the lucky recipients of a City bike each, specifically designed for the occasion, appropriate with the popularity of bikes with cruise passengers and tourists alike when visiting the "bike crazy country" of Denmark.
The setting for the presentation ceremony in Miami was at the Cruise Copenhagen/Cruise Denmark Booth, where Danish exhibitors and invited guests were greeted by the Tivoli Boys Guard and Michelin-starred chef Paul Cunningham from The Paul, Tivoli Gardens, who created special tastings in celebration of the current success and popularity of Danish gastronomy. Just today it has been announced that the Michelin star has been retained at The Paul – one of 11 Michelin stars in 10 Copenhagen restaurants.
Background on the ambassadors:
John Stoll, Vice President, Land & Port Operations, Crystal Cruises, Inc.:
John first visited Denmark and Copenhagen in the late 1980s, returning there well over a dozen times in his role at Crystal Cruises, with responsibility for turnarounds/pre and post hotel programmes/shore excursions and port operations; prior to that when working with Sitmar/Princess and Silversea Cruises.
"On behalf of all my colleagues at Crystal Cruises, it is an honour and a privilege to accept this new Ambassador award. Copenhagen has always been a fantastic destination for me - it is truly humbling to be presented with this accolade.
Although Copenhagen and Denmark have a great deal to offer, it is the friendliness of the people of Denmark that I have always found to be so special. Copenhagen can always be relied upon to provide a positive experience - and the attractions from the canals, to the walking tours and Tivoli prove extremely popular. The port itself consistently rates very highly and from a tour perspective it is clean, safe and always delivers."
Patrick Schneider, Director, Shore Excursions & Explorations, Royal Caribbean International:
In his capacity today planning tours and shore excursions for RCI, Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity, Patrick recalls over 20 visits to Denmark and each time leaving Copenhagen with impressions of the openness of the people and an over-riding sense of enjoyment and fun, combined with culture and ease of travel.
It was in fact 1999 when Patrick first visited Denmark - before embarking RCCL's ship Century in Copenhagen. On being recognised this week with the prestigious Ambassador award, he comments: "I have always been aware of the strong sense of Royalty in Copenhagen and the country of Denmark and now I have been honoured by the City itself and Cruise Copenhagen Network, making me in turn feel truly 'royal' and most thankful."
Notes to editors:
In 2010 Copenhagen has continued to be one of the top 5 Baltic ports (most passenger visits). Development and growth has been significant in recent years with 37 cruise lines bringing in 67 ships to Copenhagen and Denmark – 2011 expects to see 770,000 passengers to Copenhagen and approximately 870,000 to Denmark.
News just this month is that Spanish line, Happy Cruises has repositioned The Gemini to the Baltic in May sailing week-long cruises out of Copenhagen and Tallinn on traditional Baltic routes. The Gemini will also sail six week-long Norwegian fjord itineraries out of Copenhagen.
Denmark now officially has the world's best restaurant, Noma in Copenhagen. In February the world's best cook accolade was awarded to Rasmus Kofoed, announced at the Bocuse d'Or in France; and in February the Danish Film Director, Susanne Bier, won an Oscar for her movie In a Better World.
For more information, or image requests, please contact:
Bo Larsen
Director, Cruise Copenhagen Network
Tel: +45 6120 9674
Email: bnl@woco.dk
Or
Ole Andersen
Sales & Marketing Director, Wonderful Copenhagen
Chairman, Cruise Copenhagen Network
Tel.: +45 2338 3051
Email: oan@woco.dk