Two years to the week when cruising was banned in Australia thanks to the pandemic, a resurgent industry honoured its own this weekend at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney.

“We’re back!” announced Joel Katz, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, the industry body which hosted 500 cheering members of the travel trade at a gala dinner in Luna Park.

Top winners on the night included Robyn Sinfield of Home Travel Company – named Cruise Champion Australasia – and Bicton Travel, awarded Australia’s Small Cruise Agency of the Year.

A highlight was the induction of past CLIA Chairman and former regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruise, Steve Odell, to the CLIA Hall of Fame.

He was recognised for his industry stewardship and his role in cruising’s success over more than three decades.

Cruise Passenger had a ring side seat courtesy of Avalon Waterways – so we were able to enjoy every moment.

Full list of Australia and New Zealand winners:

CLIA chair Ben Angell and Steve Odell

 

Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – Australia

Bicton Travel

Cruise Agency of the Year (Small) – New Zealand

YOU Travel Bethlehem

Cruise Agency of the Year (Large) – Australasia

Ignite Travel Group

Online Agency of the Year – Australasia

Clean Cruising

Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia

Sheron Konig, Travel Associates Rockhampton

Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand

Janine Mallon, Zest4Travel

Mobile/Home-Based Agent of the Year – Australia

Megan Catterall, itravel

Broker of the Year – New Zealand

Sharon O’Brien, Live Breathe Travel

Media Award – Australasia

Michael Ferrante, The West Australian

Rising Star – Australia

Clarees Purkiss, Cruise Travel Centre Green Hills

Rising Star – New Zealand

Marise Barrett, helloworld Strandon

Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australia

My Cruises

Agency Cruise Promotion of the Year – New Zealand

Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel

Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia

House of Travel, New Zealand

Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia

Hunter Travel Group / MTA – Mobile Travel Agents

Cruise Champion – Australasia

Robyn Sinfield, Home Travel Company

Cruise Line Champion – Australasia

Shaun Kavanagh, Princess Cruises

Media Cruise Champion – Australasia

Bruce Piper, Business Publishing Group

 

The crew from Avalon Waterways elevate…