Cruise Stars 2026 judges meet ahead of this week's shortlist announcement

On Friday leaders from across the cruise industry gathered at Cruise Trade News’ HQ in London for the Cruise Stars 2026 judging day ahead of the shortlist reveal this Thursday

A total of 18 judges from the likes of Princess Cruises, Iglu, Marella Cruises and Crystal spent the morning deliberating over the 2026 stars of the industry, with a 57 per cent increase in entries giving our panel plenty to consider.

The increase in nominations was in part driven by several new categories, including the Crystallised Moments Star, sponsored by Crystal, which celebrates an agent whose actions have had a lasting impact on others. 

On the new award, the line's VP trade sales, UK & EMEA Luke Smith said: “This award is our way of highlighting people in the industry who have done something, outside of sales – even Crystal sales – that is worthy of recognition. 

Also new for 2026 are the Expedition Agent Specialist Star of the Year and River Cruise Agent Specialist Star of the Year, which will be awarded to agents who has established themselves as a leading specialist in each of those sectors.

Other top awards include the Travel Agent Star of the Year award, which recognises an individual working for a travel agency who has made an extraordinary impact over the past year, and the Cruise Line PR Star, which celebrates exceptional public relations efforts by an individual within a cruise line, celebrating innovative and impactful campaigns.

The shortlist will be officially announced on Thursday 29 October, with the ceremony taking place on 11 December at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, Central London.

Josie Klein, Cruise Trade News deputy editor, said: "Cruise Stars is a fantastic opportunity to recognise those individuals who embody what the cruise and travel industry is all about: excellence and innovation.

"This year's new categories allow for even more recognition within the industry, especially the Crystallised Moments Star, which is a really exciting addition to the awards roster."

A big thank you goes out to the 2026 Cruise Stars sponsors – Celestyal, Crystal, Hurtigruten, Marella, Riviera and Virgin Voyages – and our judges, without whom the awards wouldn’t be possible.