The Cruise360 Australasia 2026 conference, set to take place at the International Convention Centre Sydney on 17-18 September, will feature four international cruise line executives as headliners.
These executives, from Windstar Cruises, Swan Hellenic, Quark Expeditions, and Azamara, will open the conference with a panel discussion.
The panel will provide a global perspective on the current cruise setting, covering topics such as product evolution, consumer trends, and international deployment.
Global Leaders Gather
The four international panellists are Windstar Cruises Managing Director of Global Commercial Helen Beck, Swan Hellenic CCO Mario Bounas, Quark Expeditions President Sam Seward, and Azamara Cruises Chief International Sales Officer David Siewers.
CLIA Executive Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the panel will give Australasian travel advisors a global read on where the market is heading.
According to Katz, the panelists represent an incredible amount of experience from different areas of the cruise spectrum.
The combination of small-ship, expedition, and luxury cruising expertise will provide a full understanding of the industry, enabling advisors to better handle the complex and ever-changing cruise setting.
Each panellist brings a unique perspective, with Helen Beck offering insights into the small-ship cruise market, Mario Bounas sharing his expertise on luxury cruising, Sam Seward discussing the expedition segment, and David Siewers providing an overview of the international sales setting.
Conference Details
The Cruise360 Australasia 2026 panel session promises an executive view of where cruise demand and product development are heading.
The conference will also cover the opportunities likely to shape the next 12 to 24 months, including the expedition segment that is drawing a new generation of solo women travellers.
Cruise360 Australasia runs across two days at the International Convention Centre Sydney, including an industry cocktail event and an exhibition showcasing CLIA cruise lines, destinations, industry suppliers, and CLIA Executive Partners.
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With Australian cruise numbers back near record highs, the travel trade panel will provide CLIA member cruise specialists with a rare global reference point to sharpen how they sell in the year ahead.
As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the panel discussion will offer valuable insights into the future of cruising, helping advisors to build commercial focus locally.
The conference will also provide a platform for advisors to network with industry professionals, learn about new developments and trends, and gain a deeper understanding of the global cruise market.
Industry Insights
The panel will discuss areas like product evolution, consumer trends, and international deployment, giving advisors a better understanding of the global cruise market.
The expedition segment, in particular, is expected to be a key area of focus, with many international brands seeing increased interest from consumers.
Further program details for the conference will be announced soon.
The conference is expected to provide a highly relevant conversation for travel advisors, covering topics that are essential for their commercial success.
The panel discussion will be particularly relevant for advisors looking to expand their knowledge of the cruise industry, improve their sales strategies, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends.
By attending the conference, advisors will gain a unique perspective on the global cruise market, enabling them to provide their clients with more informed and personalized recommendations.
The conference will also provide opportunities for advisors to engage with industry leaders, ask questions, and share their own experiences and insights, creating a collaborative and dynamic environment for learning and growth.
