CLIA Awards finalists revealed after record nominations

January 19, 2026 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the finalists for its 23^rd Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia after a record level of nominations from across the region’s travel agent community.

A total of 83 finalists have been named from Australia and New Zealand and will be in the running to win one of 15 awards to be announced at a sold-out gala celebration in Sydney on 7 March, 2026.

CLIA Executive Director Australasia & Asia Joel Katz said this year’s awards had attracted more contenders than ever before, with around 1,200 nominations received.

“The judging process will soon get underway and it’s clear we have a very high standard of finalist to consider this year,” Mr Katz said. “At a time when the cruise industry is enjoying record levels of demand globally, it’s clear our Australasian travel agent community is among the most dedicated and professional in the world, and this is reflected in the calibre of this year’s nominations.”

Key awards this year include Cruise Agency of the Year, Cruise Consultant of the Year, Home-Based Cruise Agent/Broker of the Year, Rising Star, and a Media Award. In response to the level of nominations, CLIA has added an additional award, splitting the Network Cruise Promotion of the Year category into two separate categories covering small networks (up to five agency locations) and large networks (more than five agency locations).

The 23^rd Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Saturday 7 March, 2026. Tickets to the event have sold out, but CLIA members can email info-aus@cruising.org to join a wait-list.

For the full list of finalists visit Cruise Industry Awards.