CLIA cruise industry event announcements

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced several upcoming industry events and conferences aimed at supporting travel advisors and promoting the cruise sector.

In Sydney, the Cruise360 Australasia conference is scheduled for September 17–18, 2026, at the International Convention Centre. Operating under the theme ‘Future Ready. Client Ready. Cruise Ready.’, the program will cover topics such as polar expeditions, the growth of river cruising, luxury retail, and the practical application of AI. The event has expanded to a two-day format to address a growing global cruise sector projected to reach a record 38 million passengers this year. Sessions aim to equip advisors to handle demand in luxury, river, and expedition cruising.

Other announced initiatives include Cruise Week in London, running from September 14 to 20, 2026, to increase consumer awareness through social media and in-person events. Additionally, CLIA has released details for its 15th anniversary RiverView Conference, set for March 5–8, 2027, which will feature a sailing through Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. The RiverView program includes business sessions in Vienna and ship tours from providers such as Avalon Waterways, TUI River Cruises, Scenic, and Riverside Luxury Cruises, with a new ‘Lite’ registration option available for a shorter, Vienna-based schedule.

To further support professional development, CLIA has opened applications for its 2027 Cruise Champion training programmes. These six-month hybrid learning courses are designed for frontline agents to build expertise in the river and expedition cruise sectors through webinars, workshops, and product training.