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:
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
