Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the full program for Cruise360 Australasia 2026, expanding to a two-day conference for the first time, running from 17 to 18 September at the International Convention Centre Sydney.
Program targets advisor confidence and commercial skills
Themed “Future Ready. Client Ready. Cruise Ready.,” the conference combines international cruise experts and local industry figures addressing the skills and insights advisors need to remain competitive. Sessions include a conversation with Globus Family of Brands managing director Asia Pacific Christopher Leigh on shifting from selling to seducing clients, and a session with Quark Expeditions president Sam Seward on selling polar and expedition itineraries.
Other sessions cover river cruising, including why competing lines are investing in the sector and how advisors can grow river sales, alongside a segment featuring emerging cruise industry talent sharing perspectives on building client trust. The program also includes an international leaders panel, a series of practical AI-focused conversations, and a keynote from content marketing expert Hannah Statham on converting first-time cruisers.
Joel Katz, CLIA’s executive director in Australasia, said the program was designed to deliver insights advisors can apply immediately. “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,” Katz said.
Event includes exhibition and networking
Alongside the conference sessions, Cruise360 Australasia will run an industry cocktail event and an exhibition featuring CLIA member cruise lines, destinations, industry suppliers and CLIA executive partners, giving advisors direct access to supplier representatives across ocean, river and expedition cruising.
For CLIA-accredited advisors and agencies selling cruise product, the expanded two-day format signals a broader training opportunity ahead of peak cruise selling periods, with sessions spanning traditional ocean cruising through to emerging river and polar segments.
