Gavin Smith joins Cruising Hall of Fame at 23rd annual CLIA Awards

March 7, 2026 – Longstanding cruise line executive Gavin Smith has been inducted into the industry’s Hall of Fame at the 23^rd annual Cruise Industry Awards for Australasia, honouring his leadership in the development of the region’s cruise sector over many decades.

At a gala celebration in Sydney hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) on Saturday, Mr Smith was announced as the 20^th member of the Hall of Fame by Peter Little, the Chairman of CLIA in Australasia and Senior Vice President & Country Manager for Carnival Corporation.

“Gavin has played a defining role in the evolution of our local cruise sector over many years, helping guide its growth from what was once a relatively small regional market into the major international cruise hub we know today,” Mr Little said. “He has led through periods of transformation and expansion, always with a clear focus on strengthening the industry and the partnerships that support it. He has been a strong advocate for collaboration, for the travel trade and for the long-term success of cruising in this region.”

Gavin Smith is the Sydney-based Vice President & Managing Director Australia & New Zealand at Royal Caribbean and has held other roles including Senior Vice President, International, based in London. He opened Royal Caribbean’s first Australian office in 2008 as Managing Director, and has led other cruise brands in the region including as Managing Director of P&O Cruises Australia.

CLIA Executive Director Australasia Joel Katz said Mr Smith had been a defining figure in the Australasian cruise industry for several decades.

“Gavin has been a highly respected member of CLIA’s Executive Committee in Australasia over many years and has served as Chairman on multiple occasions, always placing the interests of the broader industry at the forefront and helping foster a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose,” Mr Katz said. “His commitment to this region and his unwavering support for our industry and its people have made an extraordinary difference.”

CLIA’s 23^rd Cruise Industry Awards were held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Saturday 7 March, where 15 other awards were presented to travel agents and other members of the Australasian cruise community.