CLIA Appoints Michelle Lardizabal and Joshua Harrell as Trade Relations Committee Co-Chairs
Washington, D.C. – Feb. 19, 2026 -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise community, 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.
“Michelle and Joshua are widely respected leaders with deep experience supporting the travel agency distribution channel,” said Charles Sylvia, ECC, CLIA’s vice president, industry and trade relations. “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.
“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,” said Michelle Lardizabal, chief sales officer, Azamara Cruises “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.”
“I am honored to serve as co-chair of CLIA’s Trade Relations Committee alongside the incomparable Michelle Lardizabal,” shared Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer, WorldVia Travel Network. “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. 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.
Cruise360 is CLIA’s largest professional development event of the year, bringing together travel professionals, cruise line representatives, ports and destinations, industry suppliers, and CLIA preferred partners. Cruise360 will be held Apr. 21-26, 2026, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and conference registration is now open.
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About 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.
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