The Wave Awards 2024 marks a decade of recognising excellence in the cruise industry.
- Held at The Dorchester, the event drew executives, agents, and creators to celebrate top performers.
- Royal Caribbean International shone with multiple accolades, highlighting accessibility and family offerings.
- The Cruise Room and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines were recognised for their unique contributions.
- The industry praised the event as an invaluable networking and celebratory night.
The 10th anniversary of the Wave Awards 2024 was held at The Dorchester, with attendees from the cruise sector gathering to honour outstanding achievements. The event started with welcome drinks, setting a tone for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence in cruising.
Royal Caribbean International received awards for accessibility, accommodation design, family offerings, and the prestigious Grand Prix. Ruth Gardiner expressed their delight, attributing success to the dedicated team creating exceptional ships, all united in delivering the best cruise holidays.
The Cruise Room was thrilled to win Best Independent/Solo Agent, marking their first Wave Award. Co-founder Robbie O’Grady highlighted the excitement of being recognised and the supportive industry environment, setting high standards for future achievements.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines took home the Favourite Specialist Cruise Line award. Geoff Ridgeon emphasised the importance of teamwork from those in Ipswich and the crew, which makes their offering unique. He appreciated the opportunity for networking and sharing stories during this esteemed event.
Princess Cruises was awarded for having the Best Trade Sales Team. Hayley Moore stressed the critical role of trade in their success and expressed pride in being part of an event that embodies the cruise sector’s spirit.
The Advantage Travel Partnership’s Jonny Peat celebrated winning Best Consortia, reflecting on the central role cruises play in their business. The focus on promoting cruise holidays through various channels remains a priority for them.
Andrew Turner from AE Expeditions was proud of winning Best Sustainability Initiative, thanks to their eco-friendly operations and B Corp status. The award was a testament to their commitment to sustainability within the cruise industry.
Virgin Voyages’ SJ Walker accepted the Best Value-For-Money Cruise Line award, recognising substantial customer growth and value delivered over the past year. The aim is to continue this success into the next awards.
My Kind of Cruise clinched Best Technology Innovation, with Sefton Monk acknowledging the hard work and dedication of his team over the years. Their goal is to attract a younger demographic to cruising, contributing to the industry’s expansion.
The Wave Awards 2024 was a testament to the cruise industry’s innovation and dedication, celebrating achievements in various categories with a spirit of excellence.
