The brightest stars of the cruise industry gathered in Sydney for the 22nd annual Cruise Industry Awards, celebrating the achievements of travel agents, cruise professionals, and industry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand.
A night of recognition and celebration
Hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at Sydney’s Star Event Centre on 8 March 2025, the gala event welcomed hundreds of guests, with 16 awards presented to individuals and agencies. Actor and television presenter Luke Jacobz led the evening’s celebrations, which featured performances from the Brent Street performing arts academy and musical tributes.
CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz said the event highlighted the dedication and passion of the region’s cruise professionals.
“We celebrate not only the travel agents who drive the industry forward but also the entertainers, crew, and onshore staff who make Australasia one of the world’s most dynamic cruise regions,” Katz said.
Top award winners
Among the night’s standout winners was Samantha Renvoye of Clean Cruising, named Australia’s Cruise Consultant of the Year. Natasha Warfield of Toussaint & Turner Travel Associates took home the same honour for New Zealand, while Michael Middleton of Ignite Travel Group was recognised as Cruise Champion Australasia.
The Media Award went to Jocelyn Pride for her work with Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine.
Agency winners included Ignite Travel Group, awarded Australasia’s Multi Location/Brand Cruise Agency of the Year. Destination HQ was named Australia’s Single Location Cruise Agency of the Year, while House of Travel Kapiti Coast won for New Zealand.
Stuart Allison inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame
A highlight of the night was the induction of respected cruise executive Stuart Allison into the CLIA Hall of Fame. Announced by CLIA Australasia chairman Peter Little, the honour recognised Allison’s more than 25 years of leadership in the cruise industry.
“Stuart has been a driving force behind the growth of the Australasian cruise market, always looking ahead to the next opportunity,” Little said.
Now based in the UK as P&O Cruises chief commercial officer, Allison previously led Princess Cruises as senior vice president for Asia Pacific, UK & Europe. His influence has played a key role in shaping the region’s cruise landscape.
Full list of winners
- Agency Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Luxury Escapes
- Cruise Month Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Cruise Express
- Rising Star – New Zealand: Melissa Duder, House of Travel Taupo
- Cruise Champion – Australasia: Michael Middleton, Ignite Travel Group
- Home-based/Mobile Cruise Agent of the Year – Australia: Lauren Jenkins, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – Australia: Samantha Renvoye, Clean Cruising
- Cruise Agency of the Year, single location – New Zealand: House of Travel Kapiti Coast
- Cruise Agency of the Year, multi location/brand – Australia: Ignite Travel Group
- Network Cruise Promotion of the Year – Australasia: Travel Associates
- Media Award – Australasia: Jocelyn Pride, Signature Luxury Travel & Style
- Rising Star – Australia: Shane Black, SW Black Travel
- Cruise Broker of the Year – New Zealand: Robert Schroder, Mondo Travel; Michelle Downey, Bucket List Travel (joint winners)
- Cruise Consultant of the Year – New Zealand: Natasha Warfield, Toussaint & Turner Travel Associates
- Online Cruise Agency of the Year – Australasia: Cruise Guru
- Cruise Agency of the Year, single location – Australia: Destination HQ
- Hall of Fame – Australasia: Stuart Allison, P&O Cruises UK
The 22nd Cruise Industry Awards were supported by headline partner Qatar Tourism, with entertainment sponsored by Norwegian Cruise Line and an after-party presented by Royal Caribbean.
