Conde Nast Traveler Awards - If You Didn't Believe They Were A Joke Before, You Will Now!

For years I have noted, complained and even ranted that the Conde Naste awards were worthless "awards" which were nothing more than the result of the explicit stuffing of the ballot boxes with the knowing consent of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. This year it makes the elections in Iran and Afghanistan seem legitimate.

The results for the for Best Small Ship Cruise Line:

1. Sea Cloud 2. Yachts of Seabourn 3. Regent Seven Seas

I pause and ask, "How many of you have even heard of Sea Cloud?" and then I ask, "How many of you know that this very small line has two sailing ships and two river boats?" I am not saying Sea Cloud is not a good product, but if the votes are from those that have actually sailed on the line, one must wonder...seriously wonder. Each ship carries no more than 64 passengers.

So, I must ask, "Who voted and how many times?"

But then I got to wondering, "Where the heck is SeaDream Yacht Club?" "Where is Silversea?"

And then I pondered, "How does Regent Seven Seas qualify as a 'Small Ship Cruise Line'?"

I could go on...but why should the facts get in the way of a sham. What a shame. Heck, aren't the three best hotels in Hawaii all Four Seasons?????????????????