Cruise experts to debate the impact of AI at Cruise360 Australasia

July 30, 2026 – Australasian cruise and travel industry figures will go head-to-head in a debate over the impact of AI at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference in Sydney, setting the scene for a practical technology focus running through September’s event.

The impact of AI on travel advisors and cruise retailing will be a recurring thread at Cruise360, with three sessions to help delegates understand the latest developments and come away with ready-to-go ideas.

“The conversation around AI can be overwhelming and difficult to relate to, so this year’s Cruise360 will break it down and make it more relevant,” said CLIA Executive Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “We’ll begin with a debate to ignite the discussion and inspire thought, but then we’ll dig down to understand more about AI’s impact on client behaviour and the tools that travel advisors can put to use in a meaningful way.”

AI sessions at Cruise360 Australasia will include:

• The Great Debate: Is AI the Greatest Opportunity the Cruise Trade Has Ever Seen? – Two teams will argue the case in a fast-moving exchange, designed to give a balanced understanding of what AI can and cannot do for travel advisors right now. Featuring Amber Wilson, HX Expeditions Director of Sales AU & NZ; Mark Richards, Carnival Cruise Line National Sales Manager; Steve Labroski, itravel Australia CEO; Stephanie Myers, Travel Industry Mentor; Dave Humphreys, Royal Caribbean Director of Sales AU & NZ; and Susan Haberle, Crystal Cruises VP Sales & Partnerships AU & NZ.
• The Client You Think You Know – Sales performance coach Nicole O’Sullivan will explain how AI and digital searches have changed the client before they ever contact an advisor. She will discuss what personalisation means to the 2026 cruise client, why human connection is becoming a sharper competitive advantage, and how advisors can adapt to engage with today’s client rather than the client of five years ago.
• The Digital Advisor: AI Tools That Will Change How You Work – Focusing on tools with direct relevance to cruise retail, professional training expert Steve Wiggers will explain how to integrate tools into existing workflows, explain where to apply human judgement over technology, and provide tips on how AI can support common travel advisor tasks.

Cruise360 Australasia will offer a packed two-day program at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on 17-18 September, including an industry cocktail event and an extensive exhibition showcasing CLIA cruise lines, destinations, industry suppliers and CLIA Executive Partners. Further program details will be announced soon.

Limited tickets are available exclusively to CLIA members via Cruise360 Australasia 2026.