PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 19, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Spirit of Philadelphia harbor cruise ship has won Spirit Cruises' "City of the Year" award. Spirit Cruises, the nation's largest harbor cruise company, operates the Spirit of Philadelphia along with 13 other vessels in six other American port cities. Officials with Penn's Landing, where the Spirit of Philadelphia is berthed, held a ceremony recently to recognize the ship's achievement. They say the award reflects the vitality of the city's waterfront.
The Spirit of Philadelphia won the honor because "it had the best all-around performance of all of our operations in 2002," said Lorna Donatone, president of Spirit Cruises. "This performance is measured in a number of ways, including financial, customer retention, and community involvement."
Ms. Donatone noted in particular the Spirit of Philadelphia's success at increasing its tourism business, even after the events of 9/11.
Spirit of Philadelphia General Manager Bob Gregory said teamwork with various organizations in the Philadelphia area has been key in the operation's achievements.
"We've been fortunate to have developed partnerships that have allowed us to grow our business," he said. "For example, partnerships in the tour and travel arena have really helped us increase our tourism clientele, both domestic and international."
He noted that the Spirit of Philadelphia has worked very closely with a number of community service organizations, including the Kelly Ann Dolan Foundation and the Miss Philadelphia Scholarship Organization. For two years in a row, the ship has hosted Miss America candidates on a dinner cruise during their pre-pageant "Philadelphia Weekend."
Penn's Landing Corporation President Dominic Sabatini said the Spirit of Philadelphia's award is important to the waterfront. "I congratulate Bob Gregory and his team at the Spirit of Philadelphia for this wonderful achievement," said Mr. Sabatini. "The Spirit of Philadelphia is integral to the winning experience we've established here at Penn's Landing and reflects the vibrancy of the Philadelphia waterfront."
The Spirit of Philadelphia offers lunch, dinner, and special cruises, featuring entertainment and sightseeing on the Delaware River.
The ship's parent company, Spirit Cruises, is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. It also has harbor cruise operations in New York/New Jersey; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Richmond, Va.; and Norfolk.
Spirit Cruises is a member company of Sodexho Alliance.