The 2023 Cruise Stars Awards took place at the Middle Eight Hotel on 8 December. Here, a selection of winners explain what their victories mean to them.

Celebrity Cruises EMEA training manager, Leon Hand

Winner of Trainer Star of the Year

“I am absolutely elated, over the moon and overjoyed. To get this recognition in the industry is just a wonderful feeling, so I am very, very happy.

“These events are very important because everyone works so hard, and we do a lot for the trade. We do a lot for the business, a lot for the industry and it’s not just about recognition, it’s about celebration of success and it just motivates you more.

“I’m so excited for next year. We have two more Edge series ships coming out, 2024 is well sold, and it’s going to be even better than 2023 which was a record breaking year – so bring it on.”

GoCruise & Travel cruise and travel specialist, Daniel Hammond

Winner of Above and Beyond Star

“I feel amazing, it’s been a hectic year so it really puts it all in to perspective. It makes everything I, and the team, have done this year worth it.

“These awards are massive for the industry. Agents are unsung – they don’t get a lot of recognition, the cruise lines get more at times, which they should, but agents, we don’t really, we are the little people at times so events like these make us big and more known to the industry.

“It’s going to be tough year next year, my dad is my boss and he’s asked for double what we did this year, so whether I’ll be here this time next year, I don’t know! There’s tonnes of new product next year and people want to experience it so it’s a great time to be in the industry, it’s going to be great next year.”

Riviera Travel channels marketing manager, Roxy Ilbury

Winner of Cruise Line PR & Marketing Star

“I’m feeling absolutely out of this world, I wasn’t expecting it at all, so I am feeling so, so happy and privileged. [Cruise Stars] is such an important part of the year, we are a community at Riviera so it’s not just me wining this award it’s the whole team.

“We are prepared for 2024, we have an amazing peaks campaign coming up so we are very excited and we are planning on growing in 2024.”

Cunard business manager, business development and engagement, James Scott

Winner of Cruise Line Sales Star

“It feels incredible really, it’s one of my first awards in the industry so it means a lot to me. Having only been at Cunard for year, it means a lot to be recognised for all the hard work not only myself but the wider team have put in, it’s great.

“The Cruise Stars Awards is very important. To be recognised for all of the hardwork the industry puts in, not only from a supplier side but also from an agent side, is great.

“For us, 2024 is going to be a huge year. We have the arrival of Queen Anne in May, so it’s going to be huge not only for the brand but also for the industry. We can’t wait to showcase the vessel to all of our partners and bang the Cunard drum.”

Danielle Jade Travel independent travel consultant, Danielle Falcus

Winner of Rising Star of the Year (Travel Agent)

“It’s unbelievable really, I can’t quite believe my name has been called out. Everything I do is about my team and who I work with and the customers I book for, so it’s amazing to get this award on behalf of them.

“I’m really excited for next year. I have a couple of massive cruise bookings and group bookings. I think it will be challenging, people have spent a lot of money post Covid so it could be tough but I think cruise will really take off and that is the way forward.”