Odell honoured at CLIAs

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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Awards (see page 1 and 2) saw Steve Odell join the Hall of Fame.

In front of almost 500 guests at the 20th Cruise Industry Awards in Sydney, Odell, pictured with CLIA’s local Managing Director Joel Katz, was announced as the 17th member of the Hall of Fame by the Association’s local Chair and Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President & Managing Director APAC Ben Angell.

The former regional CLIA Chair was recognised by Angell for his leadership role in the industry for more than three decades.

“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,” Angell said, as he inducted his former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCH) Colleague into the Hall of Fame.

“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.”

“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.”

Odell, who recently departed his role as head of Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises, thanked a number of former colleagues, including fellow Hall of Famer Ted Blamey, and former colleagues Angell, Karen Christensen, Lisa Pile, and Jason Worth.

“Thank you again to everyone,” Odell said.

“My heart has been in this industry for nearly 40 years, it continues to be a very important part of my life...I’ll always be an ambassador.”

Katz also paid tribute to Odell, as a dedicated ambassador for the Association and the wider Australian cruise community, both as a past Chair 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,” 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.”