Chandra Hamzah
Sydney, Australia – The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) hosted its 23rd annual Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney last night, a landmark event that brought together nearly 600 members of the Australasian cruise community at the International Convention Centre (ICC). The gala celebrated the exceptional achievements of cruise travel agents from across Australia and New Zealand, marking the largest awards night ever staged by the region’s cruise industry. This significant gathering underscores a period of unprecedented growth and investment within the global cruise sector.
The prestigious event served as a vibrant platform to acknowledge the dedication and expertise of travel professionals who play a crucial role in connecting passengers with the ever-expanding world of cruise holidays. As the industry gears up for a future filled with innovation and increased capacity, the awards highlighted the vital contribution of these agents in navigating complex itineraries and delivering unparalleled customer service.
A Sector Poised for Significant Expansion
CLIA Managing Director Australasia, Joel Katz, opened the evening by painting a compelling picture of the industry’s robust health and promising future. He revealed that cruise lines worldwide have over 75 new ships on order, representing an investment exceeding US$100 billion. This substantial financial commitment is a clear indicator of confidence in the long-term viability and growth potential of the cruise market.
The surge in investment is mirrored by a dramatic increase in passenger demand. Global cruise numbers have seen a year-on-year growth of nearly 10 percent, with approximately 37.7 million people embarking on a cruise last year alone. This sustained upward trend is attributed to a diverse range of travellers, spanning multiple generations, who are increasingly recognizing the broad appeal of cruise holidays, encompassing a vast array of destinations and unique onboard experiences.
"This year has brought our biggest-ever awards night, and we’ve never before had so much involvement from our travel agent members across Australia and New Zealand," Katz stated, emphasizing the record number of CLIA members in Australasia and the palpable optimism within the industry community. "The excitement around these awards reflects the record number of members we now have in Australasia and the enormous opportunity our community sees in cruising right now."
Recognizing Excellence in Cruise Travel
The gala presented a total of 15 awards, recognizing outstanding performance from 83 finalists selected from across Australia and New Zealand. The sheer volume of nominations received – approximately 1,200 from CLIA members – set a new record, reflecting the heightened engagement and competitive spirit among travel professionals. These awards serve as a benchmark for excellence, highlighting agents and agencies that consistently provide exceptional advice, expertise, and service to cruise passengers.
Individual Accolades and Emerging Talent
In the individual categories, Tina Wheelock of Cruise Express was crowned Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, a testament to her exceptional service and deep knowledge of the cruise market. The coveted New Zealand title in the same category was awarded to Lisa Wharfe of Pukekohe Travel, underscoring her significant contributions to the industry in that region.
The "Rising Star" award, designed to celebrate emerging talent, saw Jason Rigg of Phil Hoffmann Travel Glenelg recognized for his achievements in Australia, while Flynn Cox of Travel Associates Howick earned the equivalent honour in New Zealand, signaling promising futures for these young professionals.
Agency Prowess and Industry Leadership
The evening also celebrated the success of cruise agencies, with Ignite Travel Group taking home the prestigious Multi-Location/Brand Cruise Agency of the Year award for Australasia. In the single-location categories, Main Beach Travel was recognized as Australia’s top agency, while Pukekohe Travel secured the same esteemed title in New Zealand. These awards acknowledge agencies that have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, customer engagement, and a commitment to promoting cruise travel.
A Legacy Honoured: Induction into the Cruising Hall of Fame
A particularly poignant moment of the evening was the induction of Gavin Smith, Vice President & Managing Director Australia & New Zealand at Royal Caribbean, into the Cruising Hall of Fame. This honour recognizes his decades-long, transformative impact on the growth and development of the cruise sector in the Australasian region. Smith’s tenure has been marked by significant strategic initiatives, including the establishment of Royal Caribbean’s first Australian office in 2008. His leadership has been instrumental in elevating Australasia to its current status as one of the world’s leading cruise markets, fostering innovation, expanding capacity, and driving passenger numbers.
Smith’s induction serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and vision required to shape an industry and highlights the deep roots and ongoing evolution of cruise travel in Australia and New Zealand. His contributions have not only benefited cruise lines but have also created significant opportunities for travel agents and provided countless memorable experiences for passengers.
Broader Implications for the Cruise Industry and Consumers
The record-breaking nature of the CLIA Cruise Industry Awards and the overwhelming positive sentiment surrounding the event carry significant implications for both the industry and prospective travellers. The sheer volume of nominations and the high attendance at the gala underscore the growing importance of the travel agent channel in the modern cruise booking landscape. As cruise lines introduce increasingly diverse and complex offerings, the expertise and personalized service provided by these agents become more valuable than ever.
For consumers, the awards list serves as a valuable resource, identifying the most reputable and skilled cruise specialists in the region. These are the professionals who possess the in-depth knowledge to match individual preferences with the ideal cruise, from selecting the perfect ship and itinerary to navigating booking complexities and pre- and post-cruise arrangements. The recognition of "Rising Stars" also signals a pipeline of future talent dedicated to elevating the cruise booking experience.
The substantial investment in new ships and the continued rise in passenger demand suggest a robust and optimistic outlook for the cruise industry. This growth is likely to translate into more diverse itineraries, enhanced onboard amenities, and a wider range of cruise experiences catering to an even broader spectrum of travellers. The CLIA awards, therefore, not only celebrate past achievements but also set a high standard for future excellence, promising an even more exciting era for cruise travel in Australasia.
A Glimpse into the Full Spectrum of Cruise Promotion and Expertise
The comprehensive list of award winners reveals the multifaceted nature of success within the cruise industry. Beyond individual agent performance, CLIA recognized excellence in various promotional activities and niche markets.
In the realm of marketing and promotion, "Explorations by Norwegian" by My Cruises secured the Agency/Agent Cruise Promotion of the Year award, demonstrating effective campaign execution. House of Travel Papamoa Group was lauded for its "Small Ship Cruising Travel Showcase" in the Small Network Promotion of the Year category, highlighting targeted outreach. Travel Associates’ "The Travel Associates Film Festival" earned them the Large Network Promotion of the Year, showcasing innovative engagement strategies. Globe Trotters Cruise & Touring’s "Explore, Discover, Cruise" campaign was recognized as Cruise Month Promotion of the Year, signifying impactful awareness-building efforts.
The media played a role in shaping public perception, with Lee Tulloch from The Australian receiving the Media Award for her piece "Greenland Immersion," demonstrating the power of compelling travel journalism in inspiring cruise aspirations.
Further underscoring the depth of talent and specialization within the sector, Trish Seeherr of TS Travel Ltd was named Cruise Broker of the Year in New Zealand. Lauren Jenkins of MTA-Mobile Travel Agents received the Home-Based (Mobile) Cruise Consultant of the Year award for Australia, highlighting the growing importance of flexible and remote service models. Clean Cruising was acknowledged as the Online Cruise Agency of the Year for Australasia, reflecting their proficiency in the digital space.
These diverse awards highlight that success in the cruise industry is not monolithic; it encompasses innovation in marketing, personalized service, digital proficiency, and a deep understanding of various cruise segments, from large-scale voyages to intimate small-ship explorations. The collective achievements celebrated at the CLIA Cruise Industry Awards paint a picture of a dynamic, professional, and rapidly evolving sector poised for continued success.
Full List of CLIA Award Winners 2026:
- Agency/Agent Cruise Promotion of the Year: My Cruises – “Explorations by Norwegian”
- Small Network Promotion of the Year: House of Travel Papamoa Group – “Small Ship Cruising Travel Showcase”
- Large Network Promotion of the Year: Travel Associates – “The Travel Associates Film Festival”
- Cruise Month Promotion of the Year: Globe Trotters Cruise & Touring – “Explore, Discover, Cruise”
- Media Award: Lee Tulloch, The Australian – “Greenland Immersion”
- Rising Star – New Zealand: Flynn Cox, Travel Associates Howick
- Rising Star – Australia: Jason Rigg, Phil Hoffmann Travel Glenelg
- Cruise Broker of the Year – New Zealand: Trish Seeherr, TS Travel Ltd
- Home-Based (Mobile) Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia: Lauren Jenkins, MTA-Mobile Travel Agents
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand: Lisa Wharfe, Pukekohe Travel
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia: Tina Wheelock, Cruise Express
- Online Cruise Agency of the Year – Australasia: Clean Cruising
- Cruise Agency of the Year – Single Location, New Zealand: Pukekohe Travel
- Cruise Agency of the Year – Single Location, Australia: Main Beach Travel
- Cruise Agency of the Year – Multi-Location/Brand, Australasia: Ignite Travel Group
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