The Australasian cruise industry’s best performers have been recognised for their contribution to Australia and New Zealand’s growing cruise market at the International Cruise Council Australasia’s 2009 awards dinner.

The International Cruise Council Australasia is inviting top cruise consultants to take to the rivers of China this August for its 2010 Masters Conference.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has joined forces with its US counterpart, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), to offer Australian and New Zealand cruise consultants the opportunity to attend the high-profile North American cruise industry conference, Cruise360

One of the founding members of the International Cruise Council Australasia, Discover the World’s Richard Cranmer, has retired from its board after 13 years. Mr Cranmer formally resigned at yesterday’s ICCA Annual General Meeting in Sydney. The Treasurer position has now been filled by APT General Manager Chris Hall.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has added destination management company Dragonfly Africa to its growing associate member ranks. Cruise Council General Manager Brett Jardine said Dragonfly Africa’s decision to join reflected the increasing importance of the cruise sector to a wide range of travel businesses.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has unveiled the details of its 2009 industry awards to be held in Sydney next year. A highlight of the cruise industry calendar, the gala event will be held at Dockside Darling Harbour on Saturday January 23, 2010.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has expanded its cruise line membership, welcoming exploration cruise operator Cruise West to the industry association.

The International Cruise Council Australasia has added South African Tourism to its growing associate member ranks. Cruise Council General Manager Brett Jardine said the latest membership reflected the growing importance of the cruise sector to a wide range of destinations.

The number of Australians taking a cruise holiday surged by 26 per cent last year to reach a record 330,949 passengers, according to new statistics released today. The International Cruise Council Australasia figures reveal that despite the economic downturn the local cruise industry last year experienced its strongest growth in five years.