Windstar Cruises, which specialises in travel to the Greek Isles, Turkey, the Caribbean and hidden harbours, hgas won the Conde Naste Reader’s Travel Award for best small ship in two categories for cruise lines.

Conde Naste Traveller, the premier travel magazine for upmarket tourists also awarded Windstar honours in the areas of staff and service, and decor and ambience.

The magazine this week released its prestigious Top 100 list of Best the Travel World Has to Offer, which featured six cruise companies in total. The awards ceremony was held in London’s Royal Institution of Great Britain, and was accepted by president of Windstar, Diane Moore. Ms Moore stated that she was thrilled with the award, claiming it was recognition of the Windstar’s goal of providing exceptional experiences on board exceptional vessels. Windstar has also been recognised this year American Airline’s Celebrated Living awards, featuring on their platinum list for the third year running, and amongst Modern Bride magazines best cruise ship for honeymooners.

In other categories of the Conde Naste awards, Italy was named favourite country, based on culture, climate and food with New Zealand runners-up, ahead of Turkey, Australia and France. Kenya was voted best value for money while South Africa and India topped the list of most attractions and best scenery respectively.

Usual suspects New York, Paris, Rome, Sydney and Barcelona were the top 5 international cities, while within the UK London beat Edinburgh to the top gong, ahead of Liverpool, Bath and Oxford. Brighton was the friendliest British destination and Manchester best value for money.