Riviera Travel claimed the biggest accolade of the night at the 2023 Wave Awards on Monday (13 November), as cruise industry peers gathered to celebrate the very best in the sector.

The river cruise and touring specialist scooped the coveted Grand Prix award as well as Favourite River Cruise Line, Best for Solo Travellers and Best Escorted and Specialist Tour Operator.

“It feels absolutely incredible,” said Riviera head of commercial partnerships Vicky Billing. “It means the world to us. We work so hard and we want to always do the best for our customers, so winning this means so much to the team.”

During the glittering ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London, comedian and TV personality Joel Dommett handed out a total of 38 awards to agents, cruise lines, ports, destinations and bloggers.

‘The Wave Awards really is the Oscars of cruising’

Described as the “Oscars of the cruise industry”, the Wave Awards – now in its ninth year – is the UK cruise industry’s premier accolade ceremony with both travel industry experts and the general public deciding the rightful winners.

Bolsover Cruise Club were crowned Favourite Cruise Travel Agent, with the agency’s chief operating officer Katie Wilson thanking the team for “all their hard work”. “We are so proud of the team at Bolsover for winning this award, it’s really for them,” she added.

“For us an award like this is so important because it is voted for by our customers, which is why we do what we do. It feels amazing to be back at the awards, it’s so great to see everyone.”

P&O crowned Favourite Ocean Line during 2023 Wave Awards

Meanwhile, P&O Cruises was named Favourite Ocean Cruise Line and Cunard – who showcased new entertainment during the ceremony – picked up the gongs for Favourite Luxury or Premium Cruise Line and new award Best for Wellness and Enrichment.

“We are over the moon, these awards are the ones which really matter to us and it shows our guests care for our brand and the messages we are sharing are really getting through,” said Cunard senior vice-president Angus Struthers.

The Favourite Specialist Cruise Line award was handed to Viking Cruises, with Greece being crowned Favourite Cruise Destination.