The judges have been confirmed for the 11th annual Wave Awards, taking place at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 26 November

New additions to the panel include CLIA UK and Ireland managing director Andy Harmer OBE, trade sales and marketing director EMEA for Disney Destinations International Torey Kings-Hodkin, and senior commercial manager – cruise for The Advantage Travel Partnership, Jonny Peat.

The trio will join an esteemed panel of experts which also includes director of trade distribution for Titan Travel Shane Lewis-Riley, chief commercial officer for ROL Cruise Sarah Wikevand and vice president UK and Europe for Princess Cruises Eithne Williamson. You can view the full list of judges here.

Entries for the Wave Awards, hosted by Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising in partnership with Virgin Voyages, are now open for lines and agents.

However, get your submissions in soon as entries close on 2 June! If you enter four awards, your fourth entry is free.

Trophies up for grabs include Best Retail Agent, Best Port and Best for Accommodation Design, as well as special category The Peter Grant Award and new for this year Best PR Team, Best Initiative for Attracting New to Cruise and Best Technology Provider.

Best for Accommodation Design gong will be handed to the ocean or river cruise line with cabins and suites which can rival anything in the world’s finest hotels – with the unique advantage that guests can go to sleep in one city or country and wake up in another.

The best accommodation, whether it’s for solo travellers, couples or families, offers much more than just a fantastic view of the ocean or river, however. It should elevate the experience no matter what the price point, whether that’s through premium bedding, well-designed bathrooms with modern amenities or 24-hour room service.

Meanwhile, the Best Port has something for everyone – whether it’s incredible passenger facilities or fascinating cultural and historical sights on its doorstep.

It might be a destination its own right, a gateway to a popular capital or have duty-free or boutique shopping, diverse dining or a stunning beach.

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