Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer of Azamara Cruises, and Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer of WorldVia Travel Network, have been named as co-chairs of the CLIA Trade Relations Committee (TRC) for 2026 and 2027.
The TRC serves as a strategic advisory body representing both cruise lines and the travel trade across CLIA’s North American travel trade membership. Committee members include leaders from CLIA Global Cruise Line Members, Global River Marketing Affiliates, Premier Agency Members, and select Travel Agency Members. The group collaborates on priorities that advance the cruise industry and support the success of travel advisors.
Lardizabal and Harrell will serve concurrent 24-month terms, with one co-chair representing the cruise line segment and one representing the trade, ensuring a balanced leadership structure and broad industry representation.
Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA’s vice president, industry and trade relations, said that: “Michelle and Joshua are widely respected leaders with deep experience supporting the travel agency distribution channel. Their insight, leadership, and commitment make them exceptionally well suited to guide the TRC in elevating collaboration across cruise brands and the advisor network.”
As co-chairs, Lardizabal and Harrell will help guide the committee’s work as it advises CLIA on key trade-facing initiatives. This includes advancing meaningful collaboration between cruise lines and travel advisors, offering strategic input on CLIA programs and communications, and contributing perspective on opportunities and challenges shaping the advisor relationship landscape.
They will also support CLIA in its ongoing efforts to deepen member engagement and expand professional development across its travel trade community.
Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer, Azamara Cruises, said: “I am thrilled to step into the role of co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee. Travel advisors are the heart of our industry. They inspire travelers, fuel demand, and help shape the future of cruising through their expertise and passion.”
And Lardizabal continued: “I look forward to partnering with Joshua and the dynamic voices represented across this committee to strengthen the connection between cruise brands and the advisor community. Together, we will champion innovation, collaboration, and growth for everyone we serve.”
Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer, WorldVia Travel Network, said: “I am honoured to serve as co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee alongside the incomparable Michelle Lardizabal. CLIA’s leadership and education keep travel advisors connected to the cruise industry, providing them with the tools to deliver unforgettable cruise experiences for their clients.”
And Harrell added: “Throughout my term and beyond, I look forward to helping accelerate and amplify CLIA’s impact on the advisor community and the cruise partners they champion.”
The TRC meets throughout the year, including an in-person session at Cruise360’s Premier Summit and scheduled virtual meetings.
Go to www.cruising.org for more.
