Hundreds of cruise industry professionals will descend on Sydney this week for the 2026 Cruise360 Australasia conference.
Hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the event will take place at ICC Sydney on 17–18 September.
This year marks the first time Cruise360 Australasia has expanded to a two-day format in Sydney.
Under the theme “Future Ready. Client Ready. Cruise Ready.”, the conference will focus on helping travel advisors capitalise on growth across the global cruise sector.
Global cruise passenger numbers are forecast to reach a record 38 million this year.
CLIA executive director Australasia Joel Katz said the growth was creating major opportunities for the trade.
“Global cruise passenger numbers are on track to reach a new record of around 38 million people this year,” Katz said.
“Cruise lines are investing many billions of dollars in new ships and new innovations to help capture the growing worldwide demand for cruising.
“This year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference will be focused on understanding that growing demand and equipping our members to harness the opportunities it brings.”
AI, luxury and expedition cruise on the agenda
The two-day program will feature both international cruise executives and local industry figures.
In particular, sessions will examine the evolving role of cruise-specialist travel advisors. They will also focus on the skills and confidence needed to remain commercially successful.
AI will be another major topic.
One session will offer practical insights for travel advisors, while a separate debate will examine the technology’s impact on travel.
Meanwhile, other sessions will focus on opportunities in river cruising and the “dollars and sense” of selling expedition cruising.
Luxury travel will also feature, with high-end brands sharing insights on how advisors can better reach affluent clients.
International cruise leaders head to Sydney
A panel of visiting cruise executives will open the conference with a global overview of the sector.
Speakers include Windstar’s Helen Beck, Swan Hellenic’s Mario Bounas and Quark Expeditions’ Sam Seward.
Azamara Cruises’ David Siewers and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jason Krimmel will also take part.
In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will serve as Cruise360 Australasia’s headline partner for the first time.
The partnership builds on HKTB’s longstanding involvement with the event.
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