Bermuda has received a reserved thumbs up by a major US east coast daily paper.

The Washington Post's Sunday edition carried a travel feature on the Island, which criticises the high cost of a Bermuda vacation, but praises for the uniqueness offered by the destination.

Reporter David Segal lamented the price of hotel rooms, taxis and scooters, and bemoaned the fare offered in restaurants and flagged unpredictable weather.

But he commended the Island for retaining its English charm and not succumbing to the commercialisation of many Caribbean destinations.

Meanwhile, some of the Island's regular shipping visitors have scooped awards from a popular cruise magazine.

Porthole Cruise Magazine recognised several lines in their annual reader's choice awards.

Celebrity, whose Zenith and Horizon are weekly summer visitors, won the top platinum award for best cuisine, silver for best service, gold for best midnight buffet and silver for best passenger lounges.

Royal Caribbean International, who operate the Nordic Empress , won silver for best moderately priced line and best children's programme.

The line was also awarded a gold for its onboard activities, silver for shore excursions, singles line and library. It won platinum for its midnight buffet and gold for its lounges.

Bermuda newcomers for the 2000 season Princess Cruises also won praise, getting awards for being environmentally friendly, its activities, excursions and facilities.

TOURISM TOU AWARD AWD