The winners of the Wave Awards 2024 have shared what it means to be among the very best in the cruise industry as well as their thoughts on the ceremony’s glittering 10th anniversary

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the cruise industry’, the 10th anniversary of the Wave Awards certainly lived up to the billing. Cruise industry executives, travel agents and content creators descended on The Dorchester on 11 November to celebrate the cream of the crop in cruising.

Welcome drinks sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises kicked off proceedings before headline partner Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed attendees to the gala dinner and award ceremony with a show-stopping performance from Pop Up Global, its onboard entertainment provider.

Click here to discover this year’s Wave Awards winners

During the ceremony, hosted by comedian and television presenter Sue Perkins, awards and prizes were handed out while Cunard perked up proceedings with scintillating performances from electric violinist Lizzie Ball and musical theatre star Tosh Wanogho-Maud.

Throughout the night, Cruise Trade News caught up with the winners to find out what their wins meant to them.

Ruth Gardiner, senior manager, Royal Caribbean International

Winner of Best for Accessibility, Best for Accommodation Design, Best Family Cruise Line and the Grand Prix Award – Royal Caribbean International

“We’re absolutely blown away. We weren’t expecting to win the Grand Prix, it’s the icing on the cake. It’s an amazing accolade for the brand and the whole team, we wouldn’t have done it without the amazing people who created these ships. We are one team and we are on a mission to bring the best cruise holidays to the world.

“Congratulations on 10 years. It’s so wonderful to have a ceremony that recognises the best for cruise and the amazing brands, agencies and people that support the industry. It’s a fantastic night.”

Robbie O’Grady, co-founder, The Cruise Room

Winner of Best Independent / Solo Agent – The Cruise Room

“It’s amazing, we’re so pleased, it’ll take a little while to sink in. It’s an exciting time for us and an exciting time for the cruise industry. We’re riding that wave, it’s a really exciting time and there’s lots to look forward to. People have been so supportive of us. It’s our first Wave Awards so we’ve set the bar high. The venue is amazing, the food is great and the entertainment is outstanding.”

Geoff Ridgeon, head of sales, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Winner of Favourite Specialist Cruise Line – Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

“This win feels absolutely amazing. What an amazing night and it’s great to spend it with all these fantastic people. We’re over the moon, it’s an amazing accolade to receive tonight.

“I feel blessed to stand up there, but it’s about the people back in Ipswich building the itineraries, it’s about the crew looking after our guests and to everyone who ensures that what we offer is so different.

“The Wave Awards is always a highlight of the year. I love the way it brings together a niche group of people. We can network and share stories together on this amazing night while celebrating what makes this industry great.”

Hayley Moore, sales director UK and Europe, Princess Cruises

Winner of Best Trade Sales Team – Princess Cruises

“For me the trade is the most important part of Princess Cruises. Thank you so much, we are so proud to have been chosen for this amazing award. Personally, I love the Wave Awards. I have always had a big affiliation with cruise and this event embodies what it means to be a part of the sector.”

Jonny Peat, senior commercial manager – cruise, The Advantage Travel Partnership

Winner of Best Consortia – The Advantage Travel Partnership

“About a third of our leisure business is cruise and we’re working as hard as possible so that our members put cruise at the centre of their clients’ holiday choice. The marketing we put out to members, whether it’s magazines or emails, it’s all about driving cruise business. We just have to pinch ourselves every time we come here.”

Andrew Turner, director of sales EMEA, AE Expeditions 

Winner of Best Sustainability Initiative – AE Expeditions

“Our ships are purpose built, we know where our rubbish goes and we know where our food comes from. Everyone at HQ back in Sydney has done so much great work banging the drum after we became a B Corp. This is my first Wave Awards, I’ve been with AE Expeditions for seven months now and I’m really excited to be celebrating with the industry tonight.”

SJ Walker, director of sales UK, Virgin Voyages

Winner of Best Value-For-Money Cruise Line – Virgin Voyages

“I’m so incredibly proud to have been recognised for the incredible value that we offer our customers. The last 12 months have been incredible for us, we have seen massive growth. We are pleased to be here celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Wave Awards and hopefully we make it a hattrick next year.”

Sefton Monk, founder, My Kind of Cruise

Winner of Best Technology Innovation – My Kind of Cruise

“Incredible, it’s and amazing achievement. Me and the guys have been working really hard to win one of these awards. The team has been instrumental. The guys have been working day and night for last five years – particularly the last two years – to make this happen. It’s a real team effort.

“We strive to be best at what we do. We wanted to build something that invites a new demographic into cruise. We want to bring the age of cruisers down and we’re striving to help expand the cruise industry. We love the Wave Awards. We love you guys. To be part of this special day feels absolutely incredible.”