The results from 100,000 public votes were announced at the Silver Travel Awards 2018, hosted by Classic FM presenter John Suchet at the National Portrait Gallery, on 9 July.

To coincide with a new ‘On The Wall’ Michael Jackson exhibition having just opened at the gallery, the event featured a live performance from a Michael Jackson tribute act.

Cruise Trade News’ sister publication, World of Cruising (WoC), was one of the sponsors of the event, while WoC editor, Karen Pasquali Jones, presented the Best Specialist or Expedition Cruise Line and Best River Cruise Line awards.

The awards recognised a total of 21 winners in an expanded range of travel categories, including ocean, river and expedition cruising, as well as escorted, adventure and cultural tours, and more.

For the third year running, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines took home the prize of Best Ocean Cruise Line, while Great Rail Journeys won Best Rail Holiday Company for the fourth time.

Debbie Marshall, managing director of Silver Travel Advisor, said: “These awards are a real test of how well travel companies across the travel spectrum are addressing the opportunities to attract, impress and create loyalty in the over 50s sector, a honeypot of people with the time, money and ambition to travel further and more frequently than ever before.”

Cruise/tour-related categories

Best Ocean Cruise Line
Runner-up: Saga Cruises
WINNER: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Best Luxury Cruise Line
Runner-up: Celebrity Cruises
WINNER: Silversea

Best Specialist or Expedition Cruise Line
Runner-up: Noble Caledonia
WINNER: Hurtigruten

Best River Cruise Line
Runner-up: Noble Caledonia
WINNER: Viking

Best Luxury River Cruise Line
Runner-up: Uniworld
WINNER: Scenic

Best Escorted Tour Operator (UK Tours)
Runner-up: Grand UK Holidays
WINNER: Shearings Holidays

Best Escorted Tour Operator (Europe and Long-Haul Tours)
Runner-up: Jules Verne
WINNER: Wendy Wu Tours

Best Luxury Escorted Tour Operator
Runner-up: Kuoni
WINNER: Cox & Kings

Best Cultural Tour Operator
Runner-up: Wendy Wu Tours
WINNER: Jules Verne