Virtuoso has released its 2026 ‘Cruise Icons’ list, adding 37 Australian advisors. We talk to seven of them about what the accolade means to them and their business.
Virtuoso’s Cruise Icon Program recognises the top one per cent of cruise advisors within the prestigious Virtuoso network.
“The Virtuoso Cruise Icon designation represents the very top tier of cruise advisors globally, with an elevated qualification standard ensuring the recognition remains truly exceptional,” says Virtuoso General Manager, Australia & New Zealand Greg Treasure.
“This year, just 178 advisors worldwide earned Cruise Icon status, and Australia is proud to represent 37 of them – about 21 per cent of the global cohort. These advisors place their clients at the centre of everything they do and are respected leaders in our industry, helping define excellence across every style of cruising while consistently delivering outstanding results.”
Advisors on the list get access to exclusive benefits on more than 450 select cruises offered by 13 separate cruise lines via the Virtuoso Voyages program. These include a dedicated onboard host and a choice of an additional perk ranging in value from US$500 per couple to several thousand dollars, depending on the sailing.
Thousands of Virtuoso members meet up every August for the network’s powerhouse Travel Week. Cruise Icons also gain access to exclusive travel opportunities focused on emerging destinations and new cruise products.
In 2026, this includes two dedicated charter sailings with AmaWaterways on Colombia’s Magdalena River.
Seven-time winners
Bicton & Claremont Travel, founded in 1998 by Carole Smethurst, now has seven Cruise Icons in the highly successful group, with the addition of Phil Smethurst this year.
Co-directors Carole Smethurst, Byron Horne, Katie Lapierre, Hollie McCann, Julie McMillan, and Lee Van Dongen have also been named Icons.
“Being recognised as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon is incredibly special, and a real reflection of the strong relationships we’ve built with both our clients and our cruise partners,” says Phil Smethurst.
“At Bicton Travel and Claremont Travel, cruising is such a core part of what we do, so it’s very rewarding to see that expertise acknowledged within the Virtuoso network.
“To have seven members of our team recognised as 2026 Virtuoso Cruise Icons is something we’re particularly proud of. It speaks to the depth of knowledge across our advisors and the passion they bring to creating exceptional cruise experiences for our clients.”
For LUXE by itravel in NSW, two members made the list, and for Megan Catterall, it was her third year in a row.
“It’s a hat trick for me being a Virtuoso Icon, and it means the world to be recognised on such a global scale. I love selling luxury travel, and my clients trust me,” says Catterall.
“It’s only mid-March, and I have already taken clients to Antarctica on Seabourn with land in South America for 20 days, and next week I sail with Regent Seven Seas with my second group on the ‘Sakura Odyssey’ around Asia with Rolls-Royce and Bentley car lovers.
“I find niches, and being a CLIA cruise master and having the support of our cruise lines means it’s no trick for me!”
For her colleague, Sharon Godden, being named on the list is “truly meaningful”.
“When I launched my business less than two years ago, I set out to specialise in expedition cruising – a niche I’m deeply passionate about. It’s rewarding to see that vision come to life.
“My partnership with Virtuoso and LUXE by itravel has opened doors I once only hoped for, and I’m honoured to grow a business centred around something I genuinely love.”
It’s third time lucky for Fay Cohen at NSW’s Wentworth Travel, too.
“It is truly an honour to be named a Virtuoso Cruise Icon for the third time, especially as I thought I was retiring. Selling travel is in my blood, and I find it hard to say no to my loyal clients.
“It is the wonderful cruise companies that make us look good, and I am very selective about the cruise operators I recommend for my clients. Icon status helps with the fine-tuning of a booking.
“The cruise representatives and the staff at the beginning of a booking and onboard are the ones who excel. The best travel experiences begin the same way everywhere: someone is there to meet you, someone knows what comes next, and someone makes you feel looked after. That is the secret to a happy client and repeat business.”
For two advisors from Tasmanian company Home Travel Company, it’s the second time they have been honoured.
Robyn Sinfield and colleague Kyle Duffield have both been listed for a second year running.
“It recognises my professionalism, as a top performer and how I define excellence in everything I do for my clients and with my partners in cruise across all styles of cruising – contemporary, premium, luxury, expedition, small ship, yacht and river,” says Sinfield.
“Then there is the collaboration with colleagues, networking with like-minded cruise advisors in person on the reward cruises or quarterly via webinars. Being a Virtuoso Icon takes our business to the next level.”
“It’s great recognition for all the effort I put into matching my clients with the right ship and voyage,” says Duffield.
“I specialise in cool-climate destinations and have many clients who want to travel to the Arctic and Antarctic, so I do lots of expeditions. I also do plenty of Scandinavia, including cruise.
“I travel to these destinations for my own holidays, so I share these experiences with my clients. Funnily enough, I was never a big cruiser until I got hooked – now I’m always looking for my next voyage.”
For Gemma Smith, who set up her own agency, The Travel Gem, in WA very recently, and has 30 years’ experience in the luxury cruise industry, being recognised is “both an honour and a reflection of the trust my clients place in me”.
“Cruise travel is one of the most immersive and luxurious ways to experience the world, and this recognition highlights my commitment to curating exceptional cruise journeys and maintaining strong partnerships with the world’s leading luxury cruise lines.
“For my business, it reinforces my dedication to expertise, personalised service and delivering unforgettable experiences at sea for every client I look after.”
For more information, visit Virtuoso.
