The Geordie capital of Newcastle is the surprise winner in the 2011 U.K. Editors' Picks cruise awards, presented by the influential cruise news and reviews Web site Cruise Critic. The port was named the "Best U.K. Port of Call" in the prestigious annual awards, which honour top cruise lines, ships and ports.

Newcastle's Port of Tyne has benefited from the boom in the British cruise business -- in particular, round-Britain itineraries. According to its latest figures, visitors arriving through the cruise terminal are worth some £44m to the North East's visitor economy and help to sustain about 1,400 jobs in the tourism sector. For 2012, a record 41 cruise ships are expected to visit.

Explaining why the Port of Tyne was selected as the best U.K. port for visitors, Cruise Critic's editor in chief, Carolyn Spencer Brown, said, "Newcastle has some delightful areas - the Quayside, superb museums, restaurants and galleries - and is convenient as both a port of embarkation and a port of call. The city's charms also extend to the countryside, with a range of diversions from castles to cathedrals and the gorgeous scenery of the Pennines."

Britain's largest and busiest cruise port, Southampton, was once again named "Best U.K. Departure Port" for its continued growth and commitment to the cruise industry.

The Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards celebrate excellence in cruise travel and are selected by a panel of cruise journalists. This year, there are 25 different categories embracing a wide variety of cruises, ships and onboard features and attractions available to U.K. travellers.

The 2011 categories have a distinct gastro theme with awards for "Best Dining," "Best Alternative Restaurant," "Best Buffet," "Best Wine List" and "Best Bar." Awards were widely distributed among the cruise lines offering itineraries for U.K. travellers, but Oceania picked up three top honours- Best "Best Buffet" and "Best Suites," both for Oceania Marina, and "Best Dining." for the whole fleet.

Cunard reflagged its ships to Bermuda last month, but remains beloved by British cruisers and also took home three top awards - "Best Itineraries," "Best for Entertainment" and "Best Alternative Restaurant" for The Verandah on its newest ship, Queen Elizabeth. P&O Cruises took top honours for the line's family-friendly ship, Ventura, which was named "Best for First-Timers," and "Best Cruise Ship Bar" was awarded to The Glass House.

Talking about the Cruise Critic U.K. Awards for 2011, Carolyn Spencer Brown said, "The U.K. cruise industry continues to grow year-on-year, despite the tough economy, due in part to the exceptional standard of service and hospitality provided by the cruise lines that keep customers coming back time and time again. That's something the industry as a whole can be proud of. With these awards, however, we aim to honour the cruise lines that deserve credit in specific areas, where we believe they truly excel, such as dining or onboard activities."

The annual Cruise Critic U.K. Editors' Picks Awards complement the Cruisers' Choice Awards, which are announced in the spring and highlight the cruise ships which receive the highest ratings from reviews posted on Cruise Critic.

2011 Cruise Critic U.K. Editors' Picks Awards
Best New Ship: Carnival - Carnival Magic
Best New River Ship: Uniworld - River Antoinette
Best for Luxury: Seabourn Cruise Line
Best for First-Timers: P&O Cruises -- Ventura
Best for Cruising with Kids: Royal Caribbean
Best Itineraries: Cunard Line
Best for Adventure: Star Clippers
Best River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Best Value for Money: Voyage of Discovery
Best for Fly-Cruises: Thomson Cruises
Best for Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Alternative Restaurant Cunard: Verandah Restaurant (Queen Elizabeth)
Best Buffet: Oceania Cruises - Marina
Best for Entertainment: Cunard Line
Best for Healthy Cruising: Celebrity Cruise Line
Best for Solos: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Best Suites: Oceania Cruises -- Marina
Best Cabins: Holland America Line
Best Shore Excursions: Noble Caledonia
Best for Guest Speakers: Voyages to Antiquity
Best for Honeymoons: Princess Cruises
Best for Wine-Lovers: Celebrity Cruises - Solstice-Class Ships
Best Cruise Ship Bar: P&O Cruises - The Glass House (Azura)
Best U.K. Port of Call: Newcastle
Best U.K. Departure Port: Southampton.