The glittering annual Wave Awards, often dubbed the 'Oscars of the cruise sector', returned in style this week to celebrate the very best the industry has to offer.
A Night of Celebration and Achievement
Held at the prestigious The Dorchester in London on Wednesday, the ceremony saw winners announced across a staggering 45 categories. The event honoured everything from the best cruise brands and ships to the most outstanding travel agents. Will Payne, the editor of Cruise Trade News, highlighted the significance of the accolades, noting that winners were chosen through a combination of thousands of public votes and the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, making each victory a genuine achievement.
The Big Winners of the Evening
It was a spectacular night for Riviera Travel, which emerged as the undisputed star. The company not only secured the coveted Grand Prix award but also triumphed in several key categories. These included Best Initiative for Attracting New To Cruise, Best for Solo Travellers, and Best Trade Sales Team.
Other notable winners included:
- Qatar, which was crowned the Favourite Cruise Destination.
- Hays Travel, which took home the award for Favourite Cruise Travel Agent.
- Jenni Fielding (Cruise Mummy), who secured the title of Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer for an impressive fourth consecutive year.
Sponsored Success and Industry Recognition
The Independent sponsored six awards during the evening. Among the victors in these categories were renowned names such as Cunard, which won Favourite Luxury Cruise Line, and Viking, which was awarded Favourite River Cruise Line. The event successfully showcased the dynamism and excellence present across the entire cruise sector, from destinations and operators to the influencers and agents who bring the experiences to the public.
