Q: What are the fees and what do they include?
A: $495 Enrollment Fee - This fee is due when you sign the Cruises Inc. agreement and enroll in our program
and it includes the following:
- Registration for the six day Training Class in Ft Lauderdale, FL
- Use of the Cruises Inc. Brand Name (on an approved basis)
- Six Personalized Cruises Inc. Websites
- CLIA and IATAN Credentials (must qualify)
- Web-Based CRM, Reservation, and Financial System - Cruise ControlTM
- Complete Intranet Virtual Headquarters - Business Center
- Access to Lead Generation and Web Based Marketing Programs
- Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance ($1,000,000)
- Toll-Free Ongoing Professional Support
Q: Will I be an employee of Cruises Inc.?
A: No, you will be an Independent Contractor, doing business as Cruises Inc. and receive commission on your
sales. Each year, you will receive an earnings statement called an IRS Form 1099. No taxes will be deducted from
your earnings.
Q: Will I be entitled to deduct expenses from my earnings?
A: Yes. Please see your tax advisor to discuss what applicable business expenses may be deducted.
Q: Can I add another person to my business?
A: Yes, you may have more than one Independent Agent in your household. However, they must be a co-applicant.
Each Independent Agent must complete the Training & Enrollment Form, and background check and attend the training
seminar in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Q: What about transportation to training?
A: You are responsible for your own transportation expenses to and from Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Q: What about hotel?
A: We have negotiated special rates at our headquarters hotel, the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott North. However, we will
provide you with a list of other hotels in close proximity to our training site if you wish. You are responsible for
your hotel expenses.
Q: What about meals?
A: Cruises Inc. and our cruise line partners host your breakfasts and lunches. You will be responsible for your
dinners.
Q: Will I have credibility working out of my home?
A: Absolutely! Home based businesses are widely accepted in today's environment. And, you are part of an organization
that has a nationally recognized brand name. Plus, you are part of WTH, the world's largest retailer of cruises with almost
1 Billion dollars in cruise sales annually.
Q: Are there any territory restrictions placed on me?
A: No. You may book cruises for customers no matter where they live.
Q: Am I am able to sell all travel products or just cruises?
A: You are able to sell all travel products, but will always earn the highest commissions on cruises, as that is the
focus of the business model.
Q: Who is responsible for advertising costs?
A: Your corporate marketing department creates many opportunities throughout the year. Some have little to no cost for
you. We will provide you with camera-ready ads, press releases, direct mail samples, etc. From time to time, you may also
have the opportunity to participate in cooperative national advertising and direct mail campaigns, which are subsidized by
our cruise line partners.
Q: What kind of office equipment do I need?
A: You'll need to have a Windows Based PC (No Apple Products), a dedicated phone line (Cell or Landline), and high speed
Internet access (Cable-DSL). NOTE: AOL is NOT a supported Internet Service Provider
Q: Which cruise lines can I represent?
A: You may book your customers on virtually every cruise line throughout the world. Cruises Inc. has formed strategic
alliances with the major cruise lines to provide support for our agents in terms of pricing and marketing programs.
Q: How soon can I begin to sell and make commissions?
A: You will be able to start booking cruises upon satisfactory completion of the training class in Florida.
Q: How do I earn income from my cruise sales?
A: You will receive commission on each cruise fare sold excluding taxes and government fees (known in the industry as "NCF's"
(non-commissionable fees).
Q: What does this represent in dollars?
A: A typical one week cruise has a base (commissionable price) of about $2000 per cabin. Total commission of 15% would be $300
and your share is on a graduated scale based on annual sales. Commissions start at 50% and can be as high as 75%.
Q: How do I get paid the commissions that I earn?
A: Cruises Inc. processes commission checks to our agents twice each month, upon receipt of the commission from the cruise line
or other vendor, normally at the time final payment is received. Cruises Inc. does have a direct deposit program available.
Q: Are there any other opportunities to earn income from each sale?
A: Absolutely! You can earn commissions by offering trip insurance, shore excursions, and other optional features.
Q: What does Cruises Inc. provide agents in return for its share of the commission split?
A: The Cruises Inc. program is designed to enable its independent cruise specialist to do exactly that - SELL.
Once you complete a cruise sale and your customer's deposit is received, the highly experienced staff
in our Central Operations office performs the following functions and more:
- Invoicing and Processing
- Booking Verification
- Final Payment Arrangements
- Document Processing
- Customer Service Issues
Cruises Inc. maintains all of the required industry memberships and certifications on your behalf, including
Travel Seller Registrations in all required states.
The end result is that you represent a recognized and accredited national brand without incurring the expenses and administrative
hassles associated with maintaining a business. You truly have the best of both worlds - an independent business backed by a large
entrepreneurial organization.