Oceania Cruises has jumped onboard the International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA), signing on as an Australian member as the industry prepares for the first National Cruise Week and a busy summer cruise season.

ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said Oceania Cruises would benefit greatly from the membership particularly with Marina making its Australian debut next year.

“I’m sure our retail members will be as thrilled as we are to see Oceania Cruises joining the ICCA as it will help boost their knowledge at a time when the cruise line is expanding its presence down under,” Mr Jardine said.

David Bunn, Managing Director of Cruise Office, which represents Oceania in Australia, said it was the right time to join the ICCA.

“Oceania Cruises has been actively involved with ICCA sister associations around the world for many years, including ICCA in New Zealand,” Mr Bunn said.

“With the continued growth of the Australian market, the increasing level of education amongst agents, the recent launch of Riviera and Marina’s maiden visit next year, we felt the time was right for our iconic brand to join ICCA and become part of its exciting future.”

National Cruise Week, from September 3 to 9, has been billed as the largest consumer promotion ever undertaken by the local cruise industry, with all ICCA member cruise lines and more than 1000 member travel agents taking part across Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Jardine said Oceania Cruises would join the ICCA’s 28 other member cruise lines in offering an exclusive deal for the duration of the week.