Cruise industry stars shine at 22nd annual CLIA Awards

March 9, 2025 – The leading lights of the Australasian cruise community have been named at the 22nd annual Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, where hundreds of guests gathered at the weekend to celebrate the flourishing international cruise industry.

Held by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at Sydney’s Star Event Centre on Saturday, the gala dinner and presentation night was hosted by actor and television presenter Luke Jacobz and involved 15 awards for travel agencies and individuals.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s awards reflected an increasingly diverse travel agent community in Australia and New Zealand.

“We can see new faces and first-time winners in this year’s awards, which is a sign of the fresh talent emerging from within an expanded CLIA membership,” Mr Katz said. “At the same time, we can also see several well-established achievers in the Australasian cruise community – members who have consistently shown leadership and inspiration over many years.”

“The cruise industry is incredibly grateful for the passion and professionalism shown by all our travel agent members, and we congratulate all the award winners and finalists for their role in cruising’s global success.”

Top winners on the night included Samantha Renvoye of Clean Cruising, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year, and Natasha Warfield of Toussaint & Turner Travel Associates, awarded New Zealand Cruise Consultant of the Year. Michael Middleton of Ignite Travel Group was named Cruise Champion Australasia, while Jocelyn Pride won the Media Award for her work in Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine.

Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, which was named Australasia’s Multi Location/Brand Cruise Agency of the Year. Destination HQ was awarded Australia’s Single Location Cruise Agency of the Year, while House of Travel Kapiti Coast was named New Zealand’s Single Location Cruise Agency of the Year.

A highlight honour was the induction into the CLIA Hall of Fame of Stuart Allison, who is now based in the UK as P&O Cruises Chief Commercial Officer. Mr Allison was recognised for his longstanding industry leadership and his role in transforming the Australasian region into one of the world’s most dynamic cruise markets, most recently leading Princess Cruises as its Sydney-based Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, UK & Europe.

For a full list of winners visit CLIA Cruise Industry Awards.