CLIA Cruise360 2026 is always a pulse check on the cruise industry. This year, it felt like something more.
For Avoya Travel's newest Vice Presidents, Kameish Stanley and Julie Howard, it was one of their first opportunities to step into the room and represent Avoya.
If you're looking for a broader breakdown of the biggest Cruise360 announcements and trends, you can read our full recap here: CLIA Cruise360 2026: Key Announcements, Trends, and Insights for Travel Advisors.
As two new leaders stepping into these conversations, both brought a fresh perspective — one grounded in relationships, growth, and where the industry is headed next. And while the sessions and announcements matter, what stood out most came from the conversations in between. Here's how they see it.
Meet the Leaders
Kameish Stanley
Vice President of Strategic Growth at Avoya Travel, focused on supporting advisors and building meaningful, relationship-driven success.
Julie Howard
Vice President of Partnerships at Avoya Travel, focused on growth, partnerships, and creating new opportunities across the cruise space.
“You can feel how fast things are moving.” - Kameish Stanley
AI wasn't just a topic at Cruise360. It showed up in almost every conversation.
“You can feel how fast things are moving,” Kameish said. “This isn't just a conversation anymore. Advisors are actually using AI to grow their business, and it's happening quickly.”
That momentum is already shaping expectations across the industry. At Avoya, it reinforces a clear focus. Continued investment in AI and technology isn't about keeping up. It's about giving advisors the tools to stay ahead.
“The advisors who lean into it now are going to be the ones who really stand out,” she added.
“It really all comes back to relationships.” - Julie Howard
For Julie, one theme kept coming up no matter the conversation.
“It really all comes back to relationships,” she said.
From one-on-one meetings to larger sessions, the value of being face-to-face was clear.
“There's just a different level of connection when you're in the room,” Julie said. “You understand things in a way you just can't over email or a call.”
In a fast-moving industry, that kind of connection still makes the difference.
Luxury Is Moving Fast, and Advisors Are Moving With It
That momentum isn't just showing up in technology - it's also changing what travelers are looking for. What stood out to both leaders wasn't just the continued demand for premium travel, but how quickly advisors are adapting to meet it.
“Luxury isn't slowing down,” Kameish said. “If anything, it feels like it's picking up even more momentum.”
For Julie, the shift shows up in how advisors are thinking about their role.
“It's not just about booking a trip anymore,” she said. “It's about really understanding what the client is looking for and building something around that.”
At the same time, longer booking windows are adding another layer.
“It's a bit of a balancing act,” Julie noted. “You're focused on today, but you're also thinking ahead.”
“You can feel the confidence in the room.” - Kameish Stanley
One thing both Kameish and Julie kept coming back to was how strong demand still feels, even with everything happening in the broader market.
“There's still a lot of confidence in cruise,” Kameish said. “You can feel it in the conversations.”
That confidence is showing up in partner priorities as well, with a continued focus on maintaining value while keeping momentum strong. For advisors, that creates real opportunity.
Where Advisors Can Stand Out Right Now
For Julie, one of the clearest differentiators came down to experience.
“The advisors who really know the product are the ones who stand out,” she said. “You can tell when someone's experienced it themselves.”
That insight came up repeatedly throughout the event, reinforcing how important firsthand experience has become in a more competitive landscape.
How Avoya Is Leaning Into What's Next
Representing Avoya in these conversations also carried added meaning for both leaders. As newer members of the leadership team, it was an opportunity not just to listen, but to begin shaping how Avoya continues to grow within the cruise space.
“There's a lot of excitement from partners right now,” Kameish said. “They're ready to grow, and that creates a lot of opportunity.”
For Julie, the focus comes back to understanding what advisors need most.
“It really comes down to listening,” she said. “Understanding what advisors need and how we can support that in a meaningful way.”
That perspective is already helping shape how Avoya continues to evolve, with a focus on:
• Investing in technology and AI tools
• Expanding luxury and premium opportunities
• Strengthening partner relationships
• Supporting advisor growth through education and resources
What This Means for Travel Advisors
If there's one thing both leaders agree on, it's this: The opportunity is there. The momentum is real. And for advisors willing to lean in, the path forward is only getting stronger.
Advisors who are the ones best positioned for long-term success are:
• Embracing technology
• Building strong relationships
• Investing in their knowledge
• Leaning into higher-value travel
A Little More About Kameish and Julie
Because behind the conversations, strategy, and industry insights, they're also just people who genuinely love what they do.
Kameish Stanley
Brings a global perspective to the team, with a background spanning cruise, land, and air partnerships. She's known for turning big ideas into real results, runs on coffee, and would happily trade a meeting for a plate of pasta in Florence if given the chance.
Connect with Kameish on LinkedIn
Julie Howard
Leads with relationships, bringing both experience and heart to everything she does. She's all about meaningful connections, finding joy in the little moments, and if there's a snack table nearby, there's a good chance nachos (with extra jalapeños) are involved.
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn
Related Insights
Looking to go deeper on cruise industry trends and perspectives from CLIA?
• On Deck With Avoya: Industry Q&A with CLIA's Charles Sylvia: In this episode, CLIA's Charles Sylvia shares insights on the cruise industry, what's ahead, and how travel advisors can better position themselves for success. Watch the episode here!
What This Means for Advisors Looking to Grow
The conversations at Cruise360 reinforce a simple idea: the advisors who stay close to the industry and continue to evolve are the ones who grow.
At Avoya Travel, independent advisors have access to the tools, partnerships, and support needed to navigate these shifts, including continued investment in technology and resources designed to help advisors succeed.
If you're looking to build or scale your travel business, having the right network behind you can make all the difference. Learn more about becoming an advisor with Avoya Travel by filling out the form below.