readers of a popular US travel magazine -- for the second year in a row.

And the Island has an overall sixth place in the 1999 Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards.

Bermuda beat off competition from St. Martin, Barbados, Bahamas, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to scoop the top Island spot in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda category.

Voted for by thousands of the monthly magazine's readers, Bermuda's activities, attractions, people, restaurants and value were considered the best of 22 paradise islands.

None of the Island's hotels featured in the Top 100 Hotels section, but one was recognised in the regional category.

In the Best Hotels in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda, the Southampton Princess took eighth spot out of 25.

Last year, Cambridge Beaches, the Reefs and Hamilton Princess made the top 25, but all were missing this year.

The hotels were chosen on the basis of their accommodation, ambience, service, facilities, location and value.

The September issue of the magazine reveals all the winners which were chosen by readers via a questionnaire.

And some of the Island's regular cruise ships also featured in the survey.

Celebrity Cruises took second place, up from third last year, with Royal Caribbean International in fifth place, down from fourth, and Norwegian Cruise Line at nine out of ten finalists -- down from seventh in 1998.

Travel and Leisure readers rated the ships for their destinations, rooms, food and entertainment.

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