CLIA releases 2026 program for Cruise360 Australasia

August 19, 2026 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its full program for this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference, seizing on the trends and opportunities of a growing international cruise sector under the theme “Future Ready. Client Ready. Cruise Ready.”

Designed to equip CLIA travel advisors for changing markets and digitally connected clients, the program will offer a mix of international cruise experts and local industry figures who will share their insights at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on 17-18 September.

CLIA Executive Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s conference would speak directly to the role of today’s cruise advisor, focusing on the skills, insights and confidence needed to remain trusted and commercially successful.

“This year represents our first two-day conference in Sydney, and we have worked to create a program that is more relevant and forward-thinking than ever,” Mr Katz said. “We have taken a fresh approach to delivering insights that are of genuine benefit to travel advisors, giving them ideas and actions they can put to use right away.”

Among the highlights of Cruise360 are:

• Stop Selling, Start Seducing: Welcome to the Desire Economy - a conversation with new Globus Family of Brands Managing Director Asia Pacific Christopher Leigh, drawing on more than 15 years in luxury retail.
• The Dollars and Sense of Selling to the Edge of the World - Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward will explore ways to begin a serious polar conversation and equip travel advisors with insights needed to take their clients further afield.
• The River Games: Winning the River Cruise Customer – competing cruise lines will explain why river cruising is attracting new investment, which customers are being overlooked, how river can be sold to ocean cruisers or tourers, and what steps advisors can take to grow their river sales.
• Young Guns: The Next Generation Selling Cruise - emerging cruise talent takes the stage to share their journeys, fresh perspectives and lessons learned, from building industry experience and trust to connecting with clients and shaping the future of cruise retail.

Other highlights will include an international panel of industry leaders providing a global perspective; a concise series of conversations around AI designed to break down the hype into more practical advice; and a lively keynote by content marketing expert Hannah Statham who will take delegates on a mission to convert non-cruisers and first-timers into cruise devotees.

Cruise360 Australasia will include a two-day conference program, an industry cocktail event and an extensive exhibition showcasing CLIA cruise lines, destinations, industry suppliers and CLIA Executive Partners.

To view the full program visit Cruise360 Australasia 2026.