As the cruise industry evolves, so do the Wave Awards. This year introduces an exciting range of new categories designed to reflect the innovation, creativity and changing priorities shaping modern cruise experiences. From sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge technology to outstanding customer experience and emerging talent, these new awards ensure that every corner of the industry has the opportunity to be recognised.
Whether you’re delivering unforgettable guest journeys, driving forward new ideas, or setting new standards in service and performance, this is your moment to be celebrated. Entering the Wave Awards is more than recognition — it’s a chance to showcase your achievements, inspire the industry, and be part of a community committed to excellence.
Join us in honouring the pioneers, the innovators, and the leaders of the cruise holiday sector. Submit your entry and be part of something truly exceptional.
For 2026, we are pleased to reintroduce our established categories, alongside four new additions. These new categories are.
Best Tourist Board
The best tourist board is the beating heart of the country it represents. The judges are looking for your entry to demonstrate what makes you the best tourist board, what you have implemented to ensure this, how you support visitors, and initiatives to attract more cruise tourism.
Best Ancillary Service
The cruise industry wouldn’t have reached the heady heights it enjoys today without the vital support of ancillary partners. Whether you transport customers to and from the port, deliver unforgettable shore excursions, provide essential insurance protection, or offer another valuable add-on that enhances a cruise holiday, this award is for you.
Best Ultra Luxury Cruise Line
This new award is reserved for the lines whose product and service rival the most esteemed high-end hotels and tour operators. Not only are they experts when it comes to service and attention to detail, they’re specialists in exclusivity and personalised experiences, offering accommodation and dining that surpass traditional luxury standards.
Best Trade Operator
This new award has been created to recognise a trade operator with a laser focus on helping its industry customers excel. Whether that’s by providing exceptional products, second-to-none training and advice, or by always being on hand to answer a question, the winner will demonstrate they are an essential part of their clients’ success.
Best for Touring and Adventure
The cruise and stay market has rocketed in popularity in recent year. Customers are looking for more immersive experiences onshore and at sea. This new award recognises touring and adventure companies who have bridged the gap between land and sea to give guests a holiday of a lifetime.
Best Luxury Agent/Agency
This new category recognises the very best luxury travel agent or agency operating in today’s rapidly evolving premium market. With demand for high-end cruising continuing to surge, this award celebrates those who are not only capitalising on that growth, but actively shaping the luxury travel landscape.
Judges will be looking for clear evidence of excellence across the judging period. This includes your ability to secure high-value bookings, build and nurture relationships with affluent clients, and consistently deliver standout, personalised experiences. Entries should also highlight any new initiatives, partnerships or approaches that have driven growth, elevated your brand, or enhanced the customer journey.
ENTRIES FOR THE 2026 WAVE AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN
Enter 4 categories and get your 5th for free!
Enter by 25th May 2026.
Judging period: 1 Jan 2025 – 30 April 2026.
Click here for FAQs
Category selections can be made at any time, submissions are to be completed by 25th May.
