Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has opened nominations for its 23rd Cruise Industry Awards in Australasia, which will be announced at a gala celebration in Sydney on March 7, 2026.

Among the honours will be CLIA's Media Award, recognising the high standards of cruise journalism in print, broadcast or digital media across Australia and New Zealand.

CLIA invites Australian and New Zealand media to take part. Submission of stories, videos, podcasts or broadcasts that showcase cruising will be accepted from freelance and staff journalists from mainstream, online and trade media outlets.

To be eligible for this award category, the article or broadcast must: 

• Showcase the cruising experience
• Highlight the innovations of the cruise industry in areas such as the guest experience, technology, sustainability, or destination stewardship
• Demonstrate creativity and originality
• Comprise at least 800 words (in the case of print/written)
• Have been published or broadcast in Australia or New Zealand during 2025
• Focus primarily on a CLIA member cruise line(s)

*Only one submission per journalist will be accepted. Advertorial and sponsored content cannot be nominated.

Nominations can be submitted online and must be received by the end of Friday 21 November 2025.

For information and nominations, visit CLIA Cruise Industry Awards.