Get ready for Cruise Month 2026
More Reasons to #LoveCruise is back this October
Download the 2026 Agent Toolkit NowWhy Participate in Cruise Month?
October is Cruise Month, a chance to share our love of cruising in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
This year, we’re bringing the Australasian cruise community together once again with a month-long celebration. Get ready for new cruise promotions, bigger awareness campaigns and a roster of events designed to generate excitement and harness the passion of cruise travellers.
Throughout October, CLIA travel agents are invited to mount their own #LoveCruise marketing campaigns using CLIA’s Cruise Month marketing toolkit.
Your Guide to Cruise Month
Watch our guide to discover how you can get involved, make the most of the campaign and bring Cruise Month to life for your clients.
How to get the most out of Cruise Month
Plan ahead and maximise your business impact with these actionable steps:
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Attend a Cruise Month Webinar
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Follow CLIA social media accounts
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Access marketing resources
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Promote Cruise Month across your own channels
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Arrange a Cruise Month event
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Complete a Cruise Month module (or two)
Weekly Cruise Month webinars
Join our weekly sessions designed to help advisors effectively market and sell key cruise sectors during Cruise Month.
Ocean Cruising
October 4–10Strategies for capturing mainstream demand and converting first-time cruisers.
River Cruising
October 11–17How to position European and global river itineraries to high-net-worth clients.
Expedition Cruising
October 18–24Selling adventure, remote destinations, and sustainable expedition travel.
Luxury Cruising
October 25–31Unlocking premium upgrades, high-end amenities, and bespoke client experiences.
Membership FAQs
What is the difference between a Travel Agency Membership and an Individual Agent Membership?
- Travel Agency Membership covers bricks-and-mortar or online agencies and extends directly to direct employees under an employer-employee relationship.
- Individual Agent Membership is designed for home-based or mobile brokers, independent contractors, or self-employed agents whose agency does not hold an enterprise-level CLIA membership.
Can I join CLIA as an independent contractor under my host agency’s membership?
No. Agency memberships only cover direct employees on payroll. If you operate as a contractor, broker, or self-employed consultant, you must hold an Individual Travel Agent Membership to access benefits, use the logo, and participate in the accreditation program.
What proof of trading do I need to provide when applying?
To ensure memberships remain exclusive to active travel professionals, you must provide proof of trading, such as a valid IATA accreditation, proof of ATAS/TAANZ membership, or two trade references from CLIA member cruise lines.
How does the CLIA Certification Program work?
CLIA provides the official global cruise industry accreditation scheme. Members unlock access to over 80 online training courses covering everything from first-time cruiser basics and luxury ships to technical sales and sustainable cruising.
You can progress at your own pace through structured tiers: Enrolled, Accredited, Master, and Fellow.
Are the training modules suitable for experienced cruise sellers or just beginners?
Both! While foundational courses help new agents build baseline confidence quickly, advanced and specialist modules dive deep into niche sectors such as expedition cruising, luxury river ships, and technical onboard layouts to sharpen the skills of veteran agents.
What is the CLIA Travel Agent Rewards Program?
Full-price members gain access to the annual Rewards Program, which gives agents opportunities to earn bonus commissions and special rewards on eligible new bookings made with participating CLIA cruise lines.
What marketing tools and resources do I get access to?
Members gain entry to the CLIA Members Hub, which features campaign toolkits such as official Cruise Month assets, social media templates, consumer-facing brochures, and the official CLIA Member logo to display on your website, email signature, and collateral.
How does the "Search for a Cruise Specialist" directory help my business?
Consumers using the official CLIA consumer portal are directed straight to the agent locator tool. Being a member ensures your profile or agency is visible to active high-intent travellers searching for certified local experts in their area, driving direct organic referrals.
When does my membership run, and are fees tax-deductible?
CLIA memberships run on a calendar year from January 1 to December 31. Invoices are issued in November for the upcoming year.
For Australian and New Zealand agents, CLIA membership fees are fully tax-deductible as a professional business expense.
Can I join part-way through the year?
Yes, pro-rata memberships are available for agents joining later in the year, offered at CLIA’s discretion.
Please note that pro-rata memberships do not include enrolment into the Travel Agent Rewards Program, which requires a full-price annual membership.
