Award-winning author Anthony Horowitz CBE has been confirmed as the guest speaker for Cruise Stars 2025

Horowitz, who is one of the most prolific and successful writers in the UK, is best known for his Alex Rider series which has sold more than 21 million copies worldwide.

His Hawthorne stories, in which he appears as an unlikely sidekick, has sold well over a million copies and a sixth book in the series will be published in 2026.

Horowitz has also published three bestselling crime novels – Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders and Marble Hall Murders – have all been filmed for the BBC, starring Lesley Manville.

Working with his wife, producer Jill Green, he also wrote and created the award-winning television drama Foyle’s War. His other books include continuation novels of both Sherlock Holmes and James Bond.

During the awards ceremony, which takes place on 12 December at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in central London, the author will share stories of his career to help inspire attendees.

Categories this year include Cruise Line Sales Star, Mentoring Star and the coveted Star of the Year award, while roving travel agents will also be celebrated with two regional gongs.

Secure your tickets for Cruise Stars 2025 here

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the cruise sector during the ceremony. Tickets are still available to purchase, so be sure to take advantage and book your tickets now to secure your spot.

Last year’s Rising Star of the Year – Travel Agent winner, Iglu Cruise’s Kyle Turner, said: “Honestly? It felt like a punch of pride straight to the chest [to win] – but in the best way. You come into a new industry, full of ambition, full of questions and full of uncertainty. To not just find your feet, but be recognised at that level so quickly, it was humbling.”

Horowitz joins the Cruise Stars 2025 roster as part of our charity partnership with the National Literacy Trust. The organisation is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of words by working with schools, families and communities across the UK to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, empowering people of all ages to succeed in education, work and life.