Training & Education
Cruises Inc.'s initial training program is second-to-none. As a Cruises Inc. Agent,
our expert training team - with more than 40 years of experience - will educate
you on the core components of the cruise industry, while focusing on specific business
building and operational skills to ensure success.
We offer two distinct training options. The first is an in-person, six-day training
at our Fort Lauderdale corporate headquarters. The second is an all-encompassing
virtual training program, which can be completed 100% online. The virtual training
program is available to expert agents only. Don't worry - we'll help identify the
right training program for you during the interview process!
Our blended learning solutions provide all incoming Agents - from novice to expert
- the capacity to fully understand the subject matter and, by graduation, have all
the necessary knowledge to build a profitable cruise business. Not only do you get
to meet with our corporate team, you'll also meet many cruise line representatives
who will introduce their product and personnel to you.
During training, you immediately gain vital product knowledge and find out about
your local cruise line representatives, who will offer additional support and assistance
once you are home and in operation. Included with our in person, Fort Lauderdale-based
training program are several tours of cruise ships, allowing you to experience firsthand
some of the industry's largest and newest ships. This provides you with a greater
knowledge of the products you will be selling and will allow you to hit the ground
running and strive for success. We feel that your training experience is the key
to your success, and we pride ourselves on providing the very best the industry
has to offer.
What happens after training?
Unlike many other host agencies, we follow up with each of our classes within their
first week home as part of our Quick-Start program. Your Business Development Liaison
will guide you through those pivotal first steps, from office set-up to business
planning and all the way through marketing and selling cruise vacations. We cover
all the bases with you so nothing is forgotten. We will even provide one-on-one
training by appointment for any agent needing extra attention. Your Business Development
Liaison can be reached six days a week by phone or email.
Cruises Inc. Academy™
Launched in 2003, our eLearning and Certification programs are a great offering
from our Training & Education Department as a continuing education tool. We
offer self-paced courses and certifications through an online university style setting,
enabling all of our Agents with an on-demand learning environment. Courses can be
taken at your own pace and include some of the following subjects: Selling Luxury,
Honeymoons, Blogging &Travelogging, Corporate and Incentive Travel, Family Reunions
@ Sea, and destination-specific training. In addition, we provide monthly webinars
with cruise line executives and personnel to discuss the latest and greatest happenings
within their organizations and the industry as a whole.
Seminars, Trainings, and Conferences
As part of our commitment to continuing education, we provide Regional Training
opportunities which can be land-based or cruise-based. There are many Seminar@Sea
possibilities that will make choosing just one a tough decision. These seminars
are an enriching experience with mandatory learning experiences, not only from our
expert training team but cruise line partners, as well. The ship and destinations
are also part of the learning experience, where you are free to explore and learn.
Cruises Inc. prides itself on our annual National Conference at Sea. That's right,
at SEA! We have hosted our National Conference at Sea since 1995, onboard the industry's
best ships, showcasing some of the newest trends and insights, truly making this
a remarkable experience. Every year, attendance grows and so does our program. This
is the perfect opportunity to meet with other Agents, network with cruise line executives
and get face time with your headquarters team. We have General Sessions, Keynote
Speakers, Workshops, Tradeshows and Question and Answer sessions. Our past five
conferences have included:
2008 Celebrity Mercury - Alaska
2007 Norwegian Pearl Western - Caribbean
2006 Holland America Oosterdam - Mexican Riviera
2005 Carnival Conquest - Western Caribbean
2004 RCCL Mariner of the Seas - Eastern Caribbean
The Training and Education Department at Cruises Inc. is committed to ensuring that
every Agent is aware of training opportunities and to encourage the continuing education
process. Training comes in several forms, whether it be optional 3rd party training
from CLIA, The Travel Institute, or the cruise line's own certification courses;
internal sessions, or live seminar opportunities. We are here for assistance and
guidance to make sure you are educated and current, so you can be the Cruise Specialist
you desire to be.