The winners of the Wave Awards 2025 have shared what it means to be recognised among the very best in the cruise industry 

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of Cruising’, the 11th iteration of the event certainly lived up to expectation, with cruise industry professionals, travel agents and content creators descending on The Dorchester in London on 26 November for an evening of glitz, glamour and glory.

Welcome drinks sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises kicked off proceedings before headline partner Virgin Voyages welcomed attendees to the gala dinner with a show-stopping performance by singer and West End star Fleur East.

Click here to discover this year’s Wave Awards winners

During the ceremony, hosted by comedian and television presenter Sally Phillips, awards and prizes were handed out while Cunard offered a glimpse inside its onboard entertainment offering.

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

Edwina Lonsdale, owner, Mundy Cruising

Winner of the Peter Grant Award

“It feels amazing and so wonderful to win this award. I’ve loved working with different groups of students, bringing them in and immersing them in the sector. It really re-energises people within the cruise industry. We’re setting up our programme for 2026, so watch this space – the support from the cruise lines has been fantastic.

“It’s lovely to be here tonight and recognise so many people, it’s a big eye opener for people that don’t know the industry well, there is so much going on and this is an amazing way to celebrate the amazing talent in our incredible sector.”

Stuart Milan, president – North America, Riviera Travel

Winner of Best Initiative for Attracting New to Cruise, Best Trade Sales Team, Best for Solo Travellers and the Grand Prix Award

“It’s absolutely amazing. It just shows how great of a job the team have done. And to come away as the winners of the winners is just incredible – the best feeling ever. These awards are a testament of the work we’ve done over the last few years. We wouldn’t be here without our incredible trade partners and the work they have done.

“These events are so important. The recognition, the people in the room, the fact that it’s about trade and consumer, it’s really nice and worthwhile. We love it. We’re going to have to put up so new shelves in the office for these!”

Chris Hackney, managing director, Marella Cruises

Winner of Favourite Ocean Cruise Line

“It’s amazing, really, we’re really delighted that we have got the consumer vote for this award. It reflects the work we’ve been doing, the customer experience we’ve delivered this year, and tonight really tops that off.

“It reinforces that our customers have had a fantastic time. We have a fantastic proposition which is so well loved, which is reflected with this award. A massive thanks to everyone who voted!”

Robbie O’Grady, The Cruise Room

Winner of Best Independent / Solo Agent

“We are elated. It’s been a really tough year. And we’ve felt a bit of pressure having won last year, but we are so happy and so thankful. This award is huge for us, you cannot overestimate how important this is for us.

“We need to celebrate and shout about all the good things we’re doing, and support each other to make this industry grow. We really need to get together and shout about these things. This is one of the most well-recognised awards, so it’s really good accreditation for what we do.”

Paul Beale, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Winner of Favourite Ultra Luxury Cruise Line and Best Accommodation Design

“We feel absolutely fabulous, over the moon! Representing ultra luxury as we do, to win these awards is absolutely incredible. Winning awards and getting that recognition from the trade is just incredible.

“To have this accolade in the venue we’re in is really top notch. It means so much to all of us at the company. We are absolutely stoked and over the moon.”

Jenni Fielding (AKA Cruise Mummy)

Winner of Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer

“This is amazing. I love the Wave Awards, it’s such a fantastic event and it’s such an honour, especially because it’s voted for by the public, it’s so nice to be recognised for all the work I do. I’m so happy.

“There aren’t any other awards like this, the Wave Awards stands out when it comes to recognising all the hard work we do.”