Even if there is a legitimate case for the Seafarer of the Year award for 2012, it can only be categorized as strange or even bizarre.
And the winner is…the crew of the Costa Concordia.
The award is given by Lloyd's List, the leading daily newspaper for the maritime industry, and the announcement was made by Costa, looking for any port in a storm when it comes to public relations.
The Concordia is still resting on its starboard side in water off the Italian island of Giglio 
and is a constant and grim reminder of the 32 people who perished that night. The ship's captain is under house arrest and facing charges of multiple manslaughter.
Lloyd's List explained its controversial choice this way:
"What was largely missed in the media storm that ensued [following the accident] were the genuine examples of bravery and professionalism displayed by members of the crew."
On one hand, this is the crew that some passengers criticized for being ill-prepared and unable to communicate in the appropriate language(s). Costa's response on its website is "The claim instead that the staff was unprepared for emergencies is without foundation."
On the other hand, there are the facts…
Passengers who died: 32
Passengers who survived: 4,197.
Norwegian Sky
4 nights
December 3, 2012
Miami (return): Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay
Inside: $149
Cost per day: $37
www.ncl.com