ABP says the Port of Southampton has been awarded ‘Best Port’ in the 2021 Wave Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the cruise industry. This latest win for Southampton confirms its status as the UK’s capital of cruising and Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port.

The award was presented to ABP’s Head of Cruise Rebekah Keeler and her team at the black-tie ceremony in London on 15 October. This accolade follows Seatrade Cruise Global awarding the Port of Southampton ‘Port of the Year’ last month at its annual industry event in Miami.

Rebekah Keeler said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won our second cruise industry award of the season. It is fantastic recognition for our teams and the whole port community, acknowledging the level of work that has gone into providing the best experience for cruise lines and passengers.”

The Port of Southampton has been at the forefront of growth in the cruise industry, having spent the last few years investing heavily in its cruise infrastructure. Just this year, the port opened its fifth world-class cruise terminal, the Horizon Cruise Terminal, with an investment of £55 million. The dedicated cruise facility includes Shore Power connectivity, which means zero emissions at berth for ships with onboard capability.

As Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port, The Port of Southampton typically welcomes around 500 cruise calls and two million passengers per year.

Organised by Real Response Media (RRM), publisher of Cruise Trade News, the event saw cruise lines, travel agents, tourist boards and many more come together for an evening of pure celebration.

Guests gathered at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, on Friday 15 October, as winners were announced across a range of categories – including both judged and passenger favourites, as voted for by the public.

Cruise Trade News editor Gary Peters said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people from the cruise industry to the Wave Awards 2021.

“We’ve been waiting for this night for some time, and it did not disappoint. The after-party, sponsored by Royal Caribbean, was one particular highlight, with a retro-games experiencing proving a big hit. Congratulations to all the winners. Stay tuned for more information about the Wave Awards 2022.”

Special awards

The Peter Grant Contribution to the Cruise Industry Award: Lynn Narraway, UK & Ireland Managing Director, Holland America Line and Seabourn

CTN Best Companies: AmaWaterways; Cosmos Tours; Mundy Cruising and The Cruise Portfolio; WTH UK

Grand Prix Award: Saga Cruises

Passenger Favourites

Favourite Cruise Travel Blogger: Cruise with Ben & David

Favourite Cruise Destination: Greece

Favourite Cruise Travel Agent: Fred. Olsen Travel and Fred.\ River Cruises

Favourite Luxury/Premium Cruise Line: Cunard

Favourite Specialist Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Favourite River Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises

Favourite Ocean Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International

Industry

Best Advertising, PR or Marketing Campaign: Accord Marketing & Celebrity Cruises

Best Use of Technology: Princess Cruises

Best Digital or Web-based Platform or Service: Azamara

Best Environmental Initiative: Solent Stevedores

Best Transfer Service: Titan Travel

Best Escorted & Specialist Tour Operator: Riviera Travel

Best Brand Partnership: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and British Legion – D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance

On board

Best for Entertainment: Marella Cruises

Best for Cuisine: Oceania Cruises

Best for Accommodation: Norwegian Cruise Line

Best for Wellbeing/Spas: Seabourn

Best for Enrichment: Holland America Line