Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announces 2026 Hall of Fame winners
Washington D.C. (April 25, 2026) - Cruise Lines International Association, the leading authority of the global cruise industry, announced the 2026 CLIA Hall of Fame award winners on April 23, 2026, at a gala event during its annual Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The awards honor individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry.
"The 2026 Hall of Fame honorees have helped build the modern cruise industry and strengthen the travel advisor community at the heart of its success," said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA. "They have led with vision, created opportunity, and made a lasting mark on cruise travel. We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions to the industry's future."
Lifetime Achievement Award winners
This award is given to two individuals who are lifetime champions of cruise travel and have made monumental contributions to the cruise industry. One winner is selected from the CLIA North American Travel Trade Membership and one from either a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member or River Marketing Affiliate.
Dondra Ritzenthaler, Chief Executive Officer, Azamara Cruises
Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO, Azamara Cruises (center) accepts CLIA's 2026 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award on April 23, 2026 from CLIA President and CEO, Bud Darr (left) and CLIA Vice President of Industry & Trade Relations, Charles Sylvia, ECC (right).
Dondra Ritzenthaler's career in the travel industry spans more than four decades, during which she has become one of the industry's most respected and influential leaders. Known for her people-first approach, she has built a reputation for fostering strong relationships across the travel advisor community, mentoring future leaders, and guiding high-performing teams with clarity and purpose.
A.J. Rick Mazza, President and CEO, TRAVELSAVERS/NEST
A.J. Rick Mazza, President & CEO, TRAVELSAVERS/NEST (center) accepts CLIA’s 2026 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award on April 23, 2026, from CLIA President & CEO, Bud Darr (left) and CLIA Vice President of Industry & Trade Relations, Charles Sylvia, ECC (right).
A tireless champion of travel advisors for more than half a century, Mazza helped shape the modern travel industry and elevate the role of agency professionals. He drove early growth of cruising and tours through the advisor sales channel and pioneered the concept of agency networks, partnering with suppliers to strengthen sales and support. In 1970, he launched TRAVELSAVERS, uniting independent agencies to pool buying power and compete more effectively. What began with 55 agencies has grown into a global network of more than 3,000, built on long-standing partnerships and programs that continue to deliver meaningful value across the industry.
Travel Agency of the Year Award winner
This award goes to a CLIA Travel Agency Member or Premier Agency Member that has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel, growing their cruise travel sales, and supporting their affiliated travel advisors.
Nexion Travel Group
As one of the industry’s most comprehensive hosts, Nexion Travel Group gives its members access to the tools and programs needed to grow their businesses. Nexion is known for the ways it helps travel advisors become cruise experts and develop their expertise in this lucrative niche.
“Nexion is deeply honored to be recognized by CLIA,” said Jackie Friedman, CTC, VTA, president of Nexion Travel Group. “We know the power of partnership, and when it comes to cruising, there is no partner that has the power of CLIA. As a voice for the cruise industry and a staunch advocate for the travel agency sales channel, CLIA has been in our corner for years. I have been continuously impressed by the work they do—their work has been a large part of the reason cruising continues to climb in popularity. Standing shoulder to shoulder with them as we strengthen the industry has been more than rewarding, it has been transformative, and we are accepting this award on behalf of every Nexion member who has benefited so richly from CLIA’s leadership.”
Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year Award winner
Awarded to a CLIA Individual Agent Member who has demonstrated their career commitment to professional development through achievement of Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status—the pinnacle of CLIA certification—with the requisite sales requirements, as well as has significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency.
Wendy Franz, ECC, CTC, Trevello Travel Group
Wendy Franz ECC, CTC, Trevello Travel Group (center) accepts CLIA’s 2026 Hall of Fame Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year Award on April 23, 2026, from CLIA President & CEO, Bud Darr (left) and CLIA Vice President of Industry & Trade Relations, Charles Sylvia, ECC (right).
As a passionate cruise industry advocate, Wendy Franz, ECC, CTC, has dedicated nearly three decades to helping travelers transform their “cruise wish list” into reality. Wendy’s love for cruising began in 1988 while honeymooning with her husband. That first voyage sparked a lifelong passion. In 1997, Wendy launched her home-based travel business; in 2008, she joined Travel Professionals International (TPI Canada), now Trevello Travel Group. In 2026, Wendy celebrates 29 years as a Cruise Travel Advisor and business owner. Wendy is also a Registered Nurse with a career spanning over 40 years. She retired from full-time nursing in December 2022 and now works casually in day surgery. Wendy earned her Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) designation through CLIA in 2016 and encourages Travel Advisors to pursue CLIA certification.
“Education is essential,” Franz said. “When you combine knowledge with personal cruising experience and a genuine passion for what you do, clients benefit from a smoother planning process, personalized support and guidance, and a more enjoyable overall travel experience.”
Beyond her ECC, Wendy holds a Diploma in Travel & Tourism, is a Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC), and has achieved Certified Cruise Specialist status. Wendy resides with her husband George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
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About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA members and partners include the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.