Virgin Australia has become the third airline to dive into Australian cruising, by becoming Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia’s new executive partner.
The airline joins Emirates and Air New Zealand, which currently holds Diamond and Silver executive roles with the cruise association.
As part of Virgin’s Silver Executive Partner rank, the airline will actively be involved with the Australasian cruise industry as well as assist in delivering benefits to the association’s 55 members and the public.
Virgin has signed up as an executive partner of CLIA Australasia.
A Virgin spokesperson told KarryOn currently the airline can’t provide more information on the partnership, but stressed the company sees it as a ‘positive step’ and an opportunity to do more work with the industry.
“Like the cruise industry, Virgin Australia’s network extends across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands so it makes sense to foster greater coordination through CLIA Australasia.”
Shirley Field, Virgin Australia General Manager Global Sales
“A strong partnership between Virgin Australia and CLIA Australasia is good news for our customers as it enables us to work more closely to provide a seamless experience for our guests.”
As part of the agreement, Virgin Australia will also be among the 45 companies exhibiting at this year’s Cruise3sixty 2015 conference on 27 February.
Other non-cruise companies currently serving as executive partners to CLIA include Hong Kong Tourism Board, Singapore Tourism Board and Traveltek – gold partners; Rocky Mountaineers and Dubai Tourism – gold partners; and Infinity Holidays, Starwood Hotels, Cruise Travellers plus more as silver partners.
Earlier this month, CLIA worldwide revealed that 23 million cruisers are expected to set sail this year – one million more than 2014.
This comes as 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships launch throughout the year such as Royal Caribbean’s second Quantum-class ship, Anthem of the Seas.
Also setting sail this year is Viking Cruises’ first ocean vessel, Viking Star plus Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Escape.