March 13, 2023 – Cruise line leader Steve Odell has been inducted into cruising's Hall of Fame at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards held in Sydney, recognising his leadership role in the industry for more than three decades.

In front of almost 500 guests at an event hosted by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia on Saturday March 11, Mr Odell was announced as the 17th member of the Hall of Fame by the Australasia Chairman of CLIA and Vice President & Managing Director of Norwegian Cruise Line APAC, Ben Angell.

“Steve has been a superb ambassador for the cruise industry and has held senior management roles for several cruise brands across the contemporary, premium and luxury cruise sectors,” Mr Angell said. “He has always championed the industry, and from the very start of his career has been highly respected by his peers, both in cruise and in the travel agent community.”

Most recently the regional head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas, Mr Odell has also held senior leadership roles in Australia and the UK with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Silversea Cruises.

“We're all incredibly grateful for generosity and leadership, and we know that he will continue to be an important friend and mentor for so many of us,” Mr Angell said.

CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz paid tribute to Mr Odell as a dedicated ambassador for CLIA and the wider Australasian cruise community, both as a past Chairman and Executive Committee Member.

“Steve has always been eager and available to share his knowledge and experience selflessly, for the good of the industry as a whole,” Mr Katz said. “During a 20-year involvement in CLIA he has always been available to provide guidance and insight, and we are a stronger organisation for his contribution.”

CLIA's 20th Cruise Industry Awards were held at Luna Park Sydney on Saturday, where a total of 19 awards were presented to travel agents and other members of the Australasian cruise community.

###

Media information: Jon Murrie, jmurrie@cruising.org, +61 2 9964 9600

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

CLIA Australasia is the regional office of Cruise Lines International Association, the world's largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA provides a unified voice and is the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. CLIA represents 95% of the world's ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, and 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. The organization's global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia. For more information, please visit cruising.org.au or follow @CLIAAustralasia on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.