The editor-in-chief of the American Porthole Cruise Magazine annually selects his favourite services and destinations. This year, Budapest was given one of the Editor-In-Chief Awards. According to Bill Panoff’s list, the Hungarian capital has the best river port. This prestigious recognition is only given to locations that attract travelers’ attention by providing high-quality services. The number of categories that might have concerned the ports, destinations of Europe was relatively low, therefore the award is an even greater honour. Budapest is on the list together with only 2 other locations on the continent; a luxury hotel in London was recognized and Monte Carlo became the best European port.

photo: szeretlekmagyarorszag.hu

The main source of the Hungarian shipping company, MAHART Passnave Passenger Shipping Ltd. comes from welcoming and serving hotel ships. More than 100 ships sail from Amsterdam to Budapest and between the Lower-Danube region and the Hungarian capital. These usually stay in the capital city for 2-3 days, during which passengers can visit the attractions of the city. They can do some shopping at the most popular locations, in the neighborhood of Váci Street, Andrássy Street, or Nagycsarnok, and in addition, all the parties and programs that they take part in are organized by Hungarian travel agencies.

Therefore receiving ships is always a good business for Budapest and the shipping company attempts to include even more Hungarian venues in the sightseeing programs. On the other hand, it’s not only advantegous for Budapest, but for some rural ports, too. Ships from the Lower-Danube region dock at locations like Kalocsa, or Mohács while the others from Western Europe visit Esztergom and Visegrád.