The cruise industry's most prestigious awards ceremony, the Wave Awards, celebrated its 2025 winners in spectacular fashion at London's iconic The Dorchester hotel this week. Often described as the Oscars of the cruise sector, the event honoured outstanding cruise brands, ships, and travel agents who have excelled in promoting sailings throughout the year.
Celebrating Excellence in Cruise Travel
Organised by Real Response Media, publisher of travel titles World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, the glittering ceremony took place on Wednesday 26 November 2025. The Independent served as a media sponsor for the event, which saw industry professionals and the public alike recognising excellence across 45 different award categories.
Comedian and actress Sally Phillips hosted the evening's proceedings, while entertainment was provided by Virgin Voyages featuring singer and DJ Fleur East, alongside Cunard's The Bright Lights Society cabaret performance.
Judges from across the cruise industry analysed entries and compiled the shortlists, with several categories being decided by public vote, ensuring both industry expertise and customer preferences were represented in the final winners.
Major Winners and Multiple Honours
Riviera Travel emerged as the evening's biggest success story, claiming the coveted Grand Prix accolade after securing victories in three specific categories: Best Initiative for Attracting New To Cruise, Best for Solo Travellers and Best Trade Sales Team.
Vicky Billing, Riviera Travel's trade and partnerships director for the UK and Ireland, expressed particular pride in the Best Trade Sales Team award, highlighting the team's dedication and achievement.
Several other cruise lines achieved double victories during the ceremony. Cunard secured wins for Favourite Luxury Cruise Line and Best For Enrichment, while Hurtigruten collected awards for Favourite Specialist Cruise Line and Best Cuisine.
HX also celebrated two triumphs, taking home honours for Best Expedition and Best Sustainability initiative, reflecting the industry's growing focus on environmental responsibility.
Consumer Choices and Industry Recognition
Seven consumer awards, voted for by readers of World of Cruising magazine, highlighted public preferences within the cruise sector. Qatar claimed the title of Favourite Cruise Destination, while Hays Travel won Favourite Cruise Travel Agent.
Content creator Jenni Fielding, known online as Cruise Mummy, achieved an impressive fourth consecutive victory in the Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer category. She described being "over the moon" with the recognition and expressed gratitude to everyone who voted for her.
The Independent sponsored six awards, which saw Regent Seven Seas win Favourite Ultra Luxury Cruise Line, Marella claim Favourite Ocean Cruise Line, Viking secure Favourite River Cruise Line, and Seabourn triumph as Favourite Expedition Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean, despite facing competition in the Best Ship Launch category from MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, didn't leave empty-handed. The cruise giant won industry-voted awards for Best Family Cruise Line and Best Ocean Cruise Line.
MSC Cruises ultimately secured the Best Ship Launch honour for MSC World America, which launched in April 2025, recognising the company's successful introduction of new vessels to the market.
A Night of Celebration and Achievement
Will Payne, editor of Cruise Trade News, reflected on the success of the evening, describing how the Wave Awards once again showcased "the very best people, companies and destinations that make cruise holidays so special."
He emphasised that winning a Wave Award represents a genuine achievement, given the thousands of public votes in consumer categories and the expert judging panel for trade awards. Payne extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors and partners for their crucial role in making the 2025 Wave Awards another resounding success for the cruise industry.
The ceremony demonstrated both the diversity and excellence within the modern cruise sector, from luxury ocean liners and expedition ships to river cruises and specialist operators, highlighting why cruise holidays continue to capture the imagination of British travellers.
