A TRAVEL agent is has been crowned the best cruise agent in the country after sailing ahead of stiff competition.

Gerald Buck, from ROL Cruise, in Lexden, won the UK and Ireland's Cruise Agent of the Year accolade at the Travel Trade Gazette's (TTG) awards.

More than 100 travel agents entered the agent categories for this year’s awards, completing written submissions which were then judged by a panel of industry leaders.

Judges said: "We were impressed to see how, despite joining the travel industry just three years ago, Gerald has already made a huge impression at ROL Cruise as well as in the wider industry.

"Now promoted into the commercial team, Gerald is clearly a travel professional with a very bright future.

"A very worthy winner indeed.”

TTG group editor Pippa Jacks said: “The TTG Travel Awards recognises the incredible travel consultants who deliver extraordinary customer service and expertise for their customers every single day.

“TTG’s agent winners demonstrate just how much value a travel professional can add, and highlight the vibrancy and quality of the travel agent sector in 2019.

"Huge congratulations to every agent that took home a trophy.”

Gerald Buck said he was amazed to win the award.

He said: "I hugely enjoy working with the team, our cruise partners and of course our customers.

"Receiving positive feedback and seeing customers return again and again really spurs me on.

"This award is the icing on the cake."

The awards took place at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End on September 16, co-hosted by actress and comedian Jennifer Saunders.