Wave Awards 2026
Recognising and rewarding excellence in the cruise holiday sector
About
The Wave Awards have become synonymous with recognising excellence in the cruise industry, and this milestone year promises to be grander than ever. As we embark on this remarkable journey, we invite entries from across the industry that have redefined the standards of cruise and travel.
Watch the highlights from last year’s event
Wave awards 2025
The finalists of 2026 have been announced
View the shortlist below
SHORTLISTED IN THE AGENT CATEGORIES
Best Homeworking Network
- Brilliant Travel
- InteleTravel
Best Independent / Solo Agent
- Cruise Family
- Cruise Monks
- Harden Holidays
- InteleTravel
- No Fuss Holidays Ltd
- Pure Joy Escapes
- The Cruise Room
Best Luxury Agent / Agency
- Destinology
- Panache Cruises
- SixStarCruises
- The Cruise Room
Best Online Agent
- Cruise118.com
- Iglu Cruise
- Panache Cruises
Best Retail Agent
- Barrhead Travel
- Bolsover Cruise Club
- The Cruise Room
Best Specialist Cruise Agent
- Bolsover Cruise Club
- Iglu Cruise
- No Fuss Holidays Ltd
- Panache Cruises
- Paramount Cruises
- ROL Cruise
- SixStarCruises
SHORTLISTED IN THE CRUISE LINE CATEGORIES
Best Expedition Cruise Line
- AE Expeditions
- HX Expeditions
- National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- PONANT
- Quark Expeditions
- Seabourn
- Swan Hellenic
Best Family Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- P&O Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
Best for Solo Travellers
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- HX Expeditions
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
- Riviera Travel
Best Luxury Cruise Line
- Cunard
- Oceania Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
Best New Ship Launch
- AmaWaterways for AmaMagdalena
- Oceania Cruises for Allura
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises for Seven Seas Prestige
- Virgin Voyages for Brilliant Lady
Best Ocean Cruise Line
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- MSC Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
Best River Cruise Line
- AmaWaterways
- APT Travel Group
- Riviera Travel
- Scenic
- TUI
- VIVA Cruises
Best Specialist Cruise Line
- Azamara Cruises
- Hurtigruten
- Unforgettable Croatia
- Windstar Cruises
Best Ultra Luxury Cruise Line
- Crystal
- Explora Journeys
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Scenic
- Seabourn
Best Value for Money Cruise Line
- Celestyal
- Marella Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- VIVA Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
SHORTLISTED IN THE ON-BOARD CATEGORIES
Best for Cuisine
- Crystal
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Hurtigruten
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- Virgin Voyages
- VIVA Cruises
Best for Enrichment
- Antara Cruises
- Cunard
- HX Expeditions
- Seabourn
Best for Entertainment
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Marella Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
Best for Wellbeing
- Explora Journeys
- Scenic
- Virgin Voyages
SHORTLISTED IN THE INDUSTRY CATEGORIES
Best Advertising & Marketing Campaign
- Accord Marketing for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cunard
- Hurtigruten
- P&O Cruises
- Riviera Travel
Best Ancillary Service
- Holiday Extras
- Lifts To
- Marella Cruises
- Travelpack
Best for Touring and Adventure
- Abercrombie & Kent
- Antara Cruises
- Imagine Cruising
- Newmarket Holidays
- Riviera Travel
- Travelpack
- Travelsphere & Just You
Best Initiative for Attracting New to Cruise
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Travelpack
- Virgin Voyages
Best PR Team
- MSC Cruises
- PR42
- Riviera Travel
- Travelpack
Best Sustainability Initiative
- AE Expeditions
- Havila Voyages
- Hurtigruten
- HX Expeditions
- PONANT
- Portsmouth International Port
- TUI
Best Trade Sales Team
- Azamara Cruises
- Crystal
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- MSC Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Riviera TravelVirgin Voyages
SHORTLISTED IN THE PORTS AND DESTINATIONS
Best for Excursions
- AE Expeditions
- Celestyal
- Hurtigruten
- Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services
- Marella Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- TUI
Best Port
- Associated British Ports - The Port of Southampton
- Portsmouth International Port
Best Tourist Board
- Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
- Grenada Tourism Authority
- Visit Portsmouth
SHORTLISTED IN THE ONLINE AND TECHNOLOGY CATERGORIES
Best Technology Provider
- d-flo Limited
- SystemsX
- Widgety
SHORTLISTED IN THE PASSENGER FAVOURITES CATEGORIES
Favourite Ocean Cruise Line
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
- P&O Cruises
- Marella Cruises
- Cunard
- Princess Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ambassador Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
Favourite Luxury Cruise Line
- Cunard
- Celebrity Cruises
- Viking
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Azamara
- Windstar
- Emerald Cruises
- AmaWaterways
Favourite Ultra Luxury Cruise Line
- Silversea Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn
- Explora Journeys
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Crystal
- Scenic Luxury Cruises
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Favourite River Cruise Line
- VikingTUI River Cruises
- Riviera Travel
- AMAWaterways
- Saga River Cruises
- Emerald Cruises
- Avalon Waterways
- Scenic Luxury Cruises
- APTVIVA Cruises
Favourite Expedition Cruise Line
- Silversea
- HX Expeditions
- Seabourn
- National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
- Viking
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Aurora Expeditions
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Polar Latitudes Expeditions
- Ponant
Favourite Land And Cruise Tour Operator
- Riviera Travel
- Kuoni
- Trailfinders
- Great Rail Journeys
- Saga Travel
- Newmarket Holidays
- Abercrombie & Kent
- G Adventures
- Titan Travel
- Unforgettable Croatia
Favourite Cruise Travel Agent
- Hays Travel
- Fred. Olsen Travel
- Iglu Cruise
- Bolsover Cruise Club
- Cruise Nation
- ROL Cruise
- Cruise118
- Barrhead Travel
- Panache Cruises
- Imagine Cruising
Favourite Cruise Port
- Southampton, UK
- Barcelona, Spain
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Bergen, Norway
- Liverpool, UK
- Sydney, Australia
- Singapore, Singapore
- Oslo, Norway
- Seattle, USA
- Portsmouth, UK
Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer
- Travel Blog Jamie (Jamie Robins)
- Gary Bembridge (Tips for Travellers)
- Cruise Monkeys (Gavin & Luke)
- Fraser at SeaPaul and Carole (Paul and Carole Love to Travel)
- Cruise Mummy
- Ben and David (Cruise With Ben and David)
- Ken Goes Cruising
- Danielle Fear (Cruise Miss)
- Richard & Helen (Visit With Us)
Favourite Family Cruise line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Marella Cruises
- P&O Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
Judges
The Wave Awards judging panel is made up of distinguished experts and industry representatives together with our magazine editors. The judging process is in two stages and involves independent scoring followed by round table discussions.
Our Passenger Favourite Awards are the only categories not judged by the panel but instead are voted for by members of the public throughout the year. All other categories are independently reviewed by our judging panel.
Sponsors
The Wave Awards are proud to be associated with some of the leading brands within the cruise travel industry.
Headline Sponsor
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen originated in Hvitsten, a small town on the shores of Oslofjord, Norway, in 1848 when three Olsen brothers – Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas – bought their first ships and began an international shipping company. 175 years later, and now into the fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operate cruises from the UK and inspirational Grand Voyages aboard three smaller, intimately-sized ocean-going ships and sail to some of the world’s greatest and most authentic destinations to provide guests with simply unforgettable holiday experiences.
Alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Fred. Olsen group also operate a variety of other companies, including Fred. Olsen Travel, and Fred. Olsen Express ferries in the Canary Islands, and has interests in the luxury hotel, aviation, estate management, electronics and offshore energy industries. Fred. Olsen offices are spread throughout the globe, although the group’s main headquarters remain firmly in the family’s hands in Oslo and Tenerife. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is based in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, England.
Entertainment Sponsor
Marella cruises
Marella’ means ‘shining sea’ in Celtic and beautifully captures who we are and what we do. We sail to 100+ ports around the world, so – whether it’s tropical islands or culture-crammed coastal towns – there’s something new over every horizon. We’ve got two decades of sailing under our belt, and we combine TUI’s vast experience in holidays with our warm, friendly cruising expertise.
Welcome Drinks Sponsor
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
With headquarters in Miami and offices around the world, Regent is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a leading global cruise company with a portfolio of three award-winning brands: Norwegian Cruise Line®, Oceania Cruises® and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Together, these brands have the youngest and fastest-growing fleet of the major cruise operators with nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027.
Gold
Virgin voyages
Our voyages are more than occasions to burn annual leave or drink on a beach. They’re truly unforgettable getaways that give you stories worth writing home about — whether the stories are big, like celebrating 40 years of marriage together on sundrenched Caribbean shores, or small stories, like discovering a new favourite dessert on the Italian coast.
With kid-free, superyacht-inspired lady ships that feature our signature red hammocks on most balconies, and a focus on offering nothing less than exceptional service, our unique (and kid-free) vision has been defying expectations since we first hit the water. Now that we’ve taken home Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Large Cruise Ship and Travel + Leisure’s #1 Best Mega Ship in 2024, we’re more thrilled than ever to exemplify the modern luxury and romance of sailing.
Leave pre-set dining times and lacklustre buffets to other cruise lines. At Virgin Voyages, made-to-order food from 20+ unique eateries guarantees a remarkable culinary experience with distinct, delicious flavours. Dine on hanger steak and lemon cheesecake at The Wake and mezze-style bites al fresco at The Dock, or get your crew together for a Korean BBQ free-for-all at Gunbae. No stuffiness, just brilliant service and endless options — with ocean views from every restaurant on board.
Our elevated and epic itineraries are curated with adults in mind and create a place where the only youthful energy comes from your inner-child running free. All the while, you can expect boutique glamour; our ships combine the luxury of a yacht with the diverse options of a larger ship, with spaces that inspire personal and experiential connection while keeping the sea front and centre. And while a lot of travel companies like to trick you with (extra) low prices in their headlines, every voyage gives you over £750 of value, which includes access to all the premium dining at our 20+ eateries with menus curated by Michelin star chefs, group fitness classes, WiFi, gratuities, award-winning entertainment, and a soda and drinks package.
Sun-drenched days, twilit late stays, and starry overnights in captivating locales like Ibiza, Mykonos, Cartagena, and more introduce you to the real people and real experiences that make each port city so special. We’ve got routes ranging from 2 to 16 nights, visiting 100+ destinations across the globe. Take a voyage so indescribable, you can’t stop trying to describe it.
Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is an established, traditional and award-winning cruise line, experts in what they do and guaranteed to deliver a fantastic cruise experience. What makes this cruise line so special is its programme of escorted tours and shore excursions, offering experiences such as tours of wineries not open to the public and special concerts in grand European buildings.
Cunard
For over 180 years Cunard have set the bar, and then raised it. Our rich history and unrivalled seafaring knowledge means that Cunard has grown into a truly iconic brand. A holiday with Cunard brings untold opportunities to experience something new. Art classes and fine dining. Pub fare and karaoke. An opportunity to simply lay back by the pool, cocktail in hand, and do not nothing at all.
Cunard’s fleet comprises four wonderful ships, each is grand in scale, with her own distinct personality and feel, and stylish down to the tiniest detail. The world’s only true ocean liner, the elegant Queen Mary 2 was built to sail the open seas and cut through Atlantic waves with ease. Queen Elizabeth invites you to feel straight away at home, with her variety of different spaces to suit every mood, and Queen Victoria is perfect for basking in the sun as you gaze out to sea and at the shoreline, thanks to a spacious sun deck. And then there’s Queen Anne, inspired by our heritage and designed for our future.
From the very first greeting when you embark to the way your stateroom steward greets you by name, we believe great service is warm and sincere – it isn’t stuffy or hurried. It’s always friendly, but never over familiar. These are the experiences that set Cunard apart. Traditional yet timeless, with an effortless sense of occasion, and delivered with flawless attention to detail.
As we steadily approach 200 years of Cunard, our rich heritage of ocean travel means we have been able to refine what it means to voyage.
Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. More than 50 years later, the line is renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers millions of guests each year the opportunity to immerse themselves in top destinations around the globe, aboard a fleet of 15 modern vessels.
Princess Cruises was catapulted to stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called “The Love Boat.” The weekly series, which introduced millions of viewers to the concept of a sea-going vacation, was an instant hit and both the company name and its“Sea Princess logo have remained synonymous with cruising ever since. The show, which can still be seen around the world, has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the industry.
Celestyal Cruises
Founded in Athens in 2014, Celestyal has built a strong reputation for offering authentic travel experiences. With deep, firsthand knowledge of the destinations they visit, Celestyal ensures that travelers don’t just see a place – they experience it like a local, not a tourist.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is one of the world’s great journeys. Since 1893, we have sailed the length of the Norwegian coast – connecting communities, carrying generations of locals, and welcoming travellers who want to experience Norway as it truly is.
Our journeys are shaped by a simple philosophy: Norway, your way. Whether you travel for a few days or a few weeks, there is a voyage to match your pace and curiosity. From the southern fjords to the far north and Svalbard, our routes follow the natural rhythms of the coast. Many guests choose to combine their voyage with scenic rail journeys and land tours, creating a deeper, richer experience of Norway and the Nordics.
Charity Partner
Cruise Trade News is proud to support the National Literacy Trust as our chosen charity for the 2026 Wave Awards.
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to transforming lives through the power of words. They work with schools, families and communities across the UK to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, helping people of all ages succeed in education, work and life.
This partnership is a natural fit for World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, where words, stories and communication are at the heart of everything we do.
Why literacy matters:
One in six adults in the UK has very low literacy levels, rising to one in three in the poorest communities.
Literacy gives people the power to shape their future, from better school results to greater job opportunities.
In 2026, the National Literacy Trust will lead the National Year of Reading, a campaign to inspire millions to rediscover the joy of reading and create a lasting legacy for the next generation. With your support, we can help people change their life stories. For more information, visit literacytrust.org.uk.
FAQs
WHO CAN ENTER?
The Awards are open to Cruise Lines, industry innovators and travel agents who sell cruise holidays.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY FEES?
Entry fees are £250 + VAT. **Enter 4 awards and get your 5th for FREE!**
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS ARE ACCEPTED?
Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit, payment by invoice.
WHEN DOES THE CALL FOR ENTRIES CLOSE?
Entries for 2026 Wave Awards are now CLOSED
WHAT ARE THE AWARD CATEGORIES AND HOW MANY CAN I ENTER?
There are over 31 award categories and the full list can be viewed here. There is no limit to the number of entries you can make.
However, you SHOULD NOT submit the same generic entry across several categories. Avoid copy-pasting the same entry text in different categories
as all entries should be aligned to the specific criteria for that category.
WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY PERIOD?
Your award entry should ONLY include achievements over the last year.
The judging period is 1st January 2025 to 30th April 2026.
WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE IN THE ENTRY?
- Contact details
- Company name
- Website and social media links
- Aims and Goals (200 words)
- Implementation of Initiatives - what did you do and how? (200 words)
- Summary of results measured – should be quantitative and relevant to the category (200 words)
NB: To make the most of the word counts, avoid including details that are not relevant to the category.
- Up to two supporting attachments (maximum file size 40mb). The following file formats accepted: png, jpeg, jpg, gif, pdf, doc,
docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, txt, rtf, zip, 7z, mp3, m4a, eps, ai - Up to two videos (youtube or vimeo links). Ideally, videos should be no more than five-minutes, and they should not require a password.
If a password is required, please include the details within your entry.
WHAT IS THE JUDGING PROCESS?
A number of experts from across the industry will come together to determine the final shortlist and winners in July.
The judging process is confidential and judges are asked to sign an NDA.
Details of your entry may be included within post-event coverage. If any element of your entry should remain confidential, please mark it as **For Judges eyes only**.
Entrants will only be judged on the information included in an entry, so they should not assume that the judges know something about their brand / products.
CAN I SEE PREVIOUS RESULTS?
Yes, view previous winners and finalists from 2025 here.
FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Please email [email protected] if you have any further questions.
The winners of the Wave Awards 2025
The 11th annual Wave Awards was held on Wednesday, 26th November 2025 at The Dorchester, London hosted by Sally Phillips. This glamorous ceremony was the biggest and best Wave Awards yet as guests gathered in the ballroom for a night of sumptuous food, incredible entertainment and a chance to meet and reconnect with industry colleagues and friends.
Below is a full list of all winners on the night.
Technology Awards
- Best Technology Innovation (sponsored by Riviera Travel) : ROL Cruise
- Best Technology Provider (sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines) : Digitaltravel.io
Special awards
- The Peter Grant Award (sponsored by Royal Caribbean International): Edwina Lonsdale, Mundy Cruising
- Special Recognition Award: Steve Williams
- Grand Prix Award: Riviera Travel
Ports & Destinations
- Best Port (Sponsored by Princess Cruises): Portsmouth International Port
- Best For Excursions: Quark Expeditions
Consumer Awards
- Favourite Cruise Destination (Sponsored by Celestyal) : Qatar
- Favourite Cruise Travel Agent (Sponsored by Cunard): Hays Travel
- Favourite Cruise Travel Influencer (Sponsored by Marella Cruises): Jenni Fielding (AKA Cruise Mummy)
- Favourite Luxury Cruise Line (Sponsored by The Independent):Cunard
- Favourite Ultra Luxury Cruise Line:Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Favourite Ocean Cruise Line (Sponsored by The Independent): Marella
- Favourite River Cruise Line (Sponsored by The Independent): Viking
- Favourite Specialist Cruise Line or Tour Operator (Sponsored by The Independent): Hurtigruten
- Favourite Expedition Cruise Line: Seabourn
Agent
- Best Independent/Solo Agent (Sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises): The Cruise Room
- Best Homeworking Network (Sponsored by Virgin Voyages): InteleTravel
- Best Online Agent (Sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines): Iglu Cruise
- Best Retail Agent (Sponsored by Princess Cruises): Barrhead Travel Group
- Best Specialist Cruise Agent (Sponsored by Riviera Travel): Panache Cruises
Cruise line
- Best Family Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
- Best Specialist Cruise Line: Unforgettable Croatia
- Best Value-for-Money Cruise Line: Celestyal
- Best Luxury Ocean Cruise Line: Seabourn
- Best Luxury River Cruise Line : AmaWaterways
- Best for Solo Travellers : Riviera Travel
- Best Expedition Cruise Line: HX
- Best New Ship Launch:MSC Cruises (MSC World America)
- Best River Cruise Line :APT Travelmarvel
- Best Ocean Cruise Line (sponsored by TravelZoo): Royal Caribbean International
Industry
- Best Escorted & Specialist Tour Operator (Sponsored by TravelZoo): Travelsphere & Just You
- Best Advertising, Marketing or PR Campaign: P&O Cruises
- Best Sustainability Initiative (sponsored by Cunard): HX
- Best Transfer Service: Lifts To
- Best Initiative for Attracting New to Cruise: Riviera Travel
- Best PR Team: PR42
- Best Trade Sales Team: Riviera Travel
On board
- Best for Wellbeing: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
- Best for Enrichment: Cunard
- Best for Cuisine: Hurtigruten
- Best for Accommodation Design (sponsored by Chewton Glen): Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Best for Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
Gallery 2025
Getting there
The Dorchester Hotel
Overlooking Hyde Park on Park Lane in Mayfair, The Dorchester is a 1930s luxury landmark hotel, an iconic and exciting venue for hosting The Wave Awards 2026.
https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/the-dorchester/
By Train
Marble Arch or Green Park London Underground (The Tube) Travel to Marble Arch, served by the Central line, or to Green Park served by the Piccadilly, Jubilee and Victoria lines. On arrival to Marble Arch walk south on Park Lane where you will see The Dorchester on the left. Coming from Green Park, walk down Piccadilly until you reach the park, and walk north up Park Lane until you see the hotel on the right.
By Car
Take the M3 or M4, taking the exit for the M25 into London, and then back onto the M4 into central, driving east until Chiswick where you merge onto the A4. Continuing onto Knightsbridge and onto Piccadilly and then Park Lane. Safe and secure parking is available at Q-Park Park Lane / Marble Arch just over the road from the hotel.
By Bus
Dorchester Hotel (Stop S) Transport for London (TfL) no longer accept cash to pay for bus fares. You can pay with a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, Travelcard or UK-issued contactless payment card
Location
Wave Awards 2026
Recognising and rewarding excellence in the cruise holiday sector
