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Vacation Tour & Travel

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“ I booked a cruise last year for my Mother in Law 's Birthday. ” in 2 reviews

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225 Tilk Dr

Conway, AR 72032

About the Business

Established in 2001. Vacation Tour & Travel is the leading provider of quality leisure and vacation experiences and services, and it is our pleasure to offer some of the most exciting destinations and accommodations in the travel industry. …

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I would give rhem zero stars if possible. I booked a cruise through them with 2 "friends" to Alaska. After a falling out with said friends, I emailed the travel agent and requested my cruise be canceled. No response. Though she admitted ( when I finally got a hold of her 2 weeks later) that she spoke with the other cruiser, she never contacted me. The agent then informed me she would NOT cancel my booking until a replacement cruiEr was found. She didn't wNt to lose money or have the people I was supposed to cruise with pay more money be abuse of my cancelation. After several loud conversations she stated she could no longer talked to me because I wasn't tge original person that did the booking! Bad business and a crappy agency! DO NOT USE! CALL CARNIVAL DIRECTLY AND SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE!

Just like the others. Went to a presentation and promised a "free" cruise, we just pay taxes, port fees. There are only a few months that I can cruise so we found one we can go. I called only to be told that the inside state room is $1,600 for 2 of us or balcony is $2,300. I told her I was confused that this was supposed to be a free cruise. She said, to get the free one is a super basic state room with a bunk bed and you can't go on the dates you want because they are limited and can't go to an "exotic" destination. So there are only 2 for 2024, either we fly out to California from Florida or go out of Miami which is smack dab in the middle when I cannot go. So at the end, it was a total waste of our time driving 2 hours to go to this presentation. By the way, their packages for vacation is a total scam too.

I'm extremely upset. Amber Hurtado, Carolyn and connie lied. Connie told me you were fired! You need to tell them I'm not going away and if all this affects my health your all will be held accountable. I know now you've taken advantage of me. And this isn't going to happen.

BEWARE BEWARE! Terrible company, you will NOT get the cruise you were promised! Just book direct with the cruise line, you will save money and get more perks. Carolyn Tonygay "supervisor" is the most horrible customer service person I have ever encountered. Zero Stars. Do not recommend.

The certificate I purchased from a timeshare presentation was a complete scam. Vacation tour and travel agency claimed to have no availability throughout the year until November or December of 2024, no destinations that you want to go to, no availability when you want to travel, and they could careless about what the customers needs or wants are. Every time you call there is no availability and they recommend you get a refund from the company you purchased the certificate from knowing that the purchase is non refundable. I have spoken to 3-4 different agents and a supervisor but keep getting the same scripted details, that nothing is available. The cabins offered are at the bottom of the ship closet to the engine rooms and the fees are so high that you would be better off booking through Carnival directly. I will not do business with this company and do not recommend them to anyone looking for a pleasurable experience, they are the worst, a complete scam.

ZERO STARS!!!!! I repeat Zero Stars!!!! I wished I checked online before I booked with this company!!! Please be AWARE!! All the bad reviews on here are true. I was reading some of the comments and they are my exact experience which is the reason why I'm here to warn others. I dealt with Karen.We weren't using certificates. We weee paying for cruise. I can tell you from the jump that we felt that Karen was lazy and she wanted to make sure that she gets a fat commission and be on her way. She screwed up, she booked us 2 interiors room instead of 1 interior and 1 Ocean view. She called us back to let us know that she accidentally did that. Instead of fixing her mess she tried to talk us into accepting what she booked. She took 10 mins telling us that it'll be a lot of work to start over. As if we were the one who messed up. She's telling us many times " She gave excuses such as carnival will not pick up for her to fix it". And we purposely called Carnival and they picked up five minutes later. She will tell you that she has to go home early everyday because she has 2 jobs so she can't help you that day. She contradicted herself so many times. She said she can't do this , she can't do that and when you insisted that it's supposed to be done, that's when she did it. And I'm wondering if you couldn't do it why are you able to do it now? Pure laziness and incompetence. Weeks later we had to take off two of the passengers because of a family emergency. They would not refund the money for the two people who couldn't go even though we have insurance. If you are here reading this and still go on to book with them. That is your own risk.

I wish I could leave a 0 star review, but it's not an option. We went to a Blue Green Vacations presentation and got a cruise certificate in exchange. They give you a year to book your cruise, and holidays are excluded. Availability during peak times may be limited. I've been chasing them for 5 months now to book a cruise and they never have any availabilities. Thesere was one time they offered me a cruise sailing out of LA, which wasn't an option for me. As of today they told me they only have available cruises in Sep and Oct, which is past the 1 year I had to book. Because of that the cabin level is no longer available to book, so we'd have to pay upgrade fees to book anything. What a scam, don't fall for it! Don't offer that free certificate if you never have available cruises to book. Never again.

Typical bait and switch. Do. Not. Do. This. And if you have already, LOOK INTO GETTING A REFUND, ASAP. They will sell this vacation package to you under the pretense that you'll be staying at one of their resorts BUT you will only be TOURING one of their resorts on the 2nd day of your stay - you will be STAYING at a "select area hotel" which could be a Hilton OR a Comfort Inn! What?!? Ridiculous.

RUN FAR, FAR AWAY! If I could give this company zero stars, it would still be too generous. I called to book my "free" cruise and was told by Karen multiple times "there is probably no availability for you" without knowing what port or dates I needed. Karen went on to explain the 1a cabin - it is "the bottom of the ship, right next to the engines, and has bunk beds.:" Quite the sales pitch, right? Doesn't sound enticing. Then she tells me the port fees/agency fees/tax for 2 people are $394.98 - definitely not a "free" cruise. Carnival's site has fees less than half of that for the exact same cruise. I told Karen I lived in Florida and she suggested I fly to Los Angeles as there is much more availability out there. Fly from South Florida to LA for a free 3 day cruise doesn't make much sense, but it shows the level of intelligence I was dealing with. Karen then goes on to argue with me about the availability. The certificate states you have an 18 month window to redeem your cruise and have to provide 90 days notice to book. During the 90 day window, they are "processing your reservation request" so you cannot cruise during this time. This just means 90 days have been taken away from your 18 month window. You are now down to a 15 month booking window until your certificate expires. Also, what they don't tell you is that YOU CANNOT BOOK AT ALL MARCH THROUGH AUGUST as this is "peak season." No where on the certificate does it say booking is restricted during these months - it simply states "Availability is limited during holidays X, Y, Z and peak times" and no months are listed as their peak months. Because you cannot cruise March through August, your 15 month window is now down to 9 months; it is not the 18 month window that they claim. Karen was very patronizing on the phone, told me from the start there'd be no availability before she checked anything, was not helpful or accommodating, and was rude. When I asked for her name, she sarcastically spelled out Karen for me (as if any normal functioning adult can't spell Karen) & told me I was on a recorded line, something she did not state at the beginning of the call. I wanted to post this review to make sure people know what a SCAM this company is. We had to sit through a 5 hour timeshare presentation (that we were told was 90 mins) and at the end, when we said we couldn't afford it (simply just to get the hell out of there), they called in multiple supervisors who told us "that can't be it. there's gotta be something else. it just doesn't make sense. we know you guys can afford it." I wasn't aware I needed to come up with an excuse that they agreed with before I could leave the building. The entire thing left us feeling very uncomfortable, and then when we tried to redeem our cruise through them, they left us pissed off. All in all, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. They are scam artists. They rob you of your time and promise nothing in the end.

First tried booking a cruise with promotional cert. Well, ended up paying everything (learned that you get similar or better deals even without the certificate). Also purchased additional tickets for my family. However, we didn't know when to show up at the deck, so ended up missing the cruise. The Carnival agreed to refund the port fees and taxes (actually, the manager at Cruzvtt told me to contact Carnival and get the refund). Carnival sent the money to Cruzvtt, and Cruzvtt is refusing to release that funds to me... they made me do the work, and they are keeping the money..?? What?? They never give you a call back after selling, and no other information. Just go directly to Carnival or the cruise company website... STAY FAR AWAY!!

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How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent in 2024 (It's Easier Than You Think)

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-cruise-travel-agent

Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Welcome! This article is focused on building a career as a cruise travel agent. If you are looking for a cruise travel agent to book travel, head to our page that highlights our offerings as a cruise agency .

Ocean- and river-bound vacations seem to be all the rage, and for good reason. For travel advisors, this popularity presents a prime opportunity to sell more travel. And if you’re a cruise-obsessed type of person, it may just be the perfect career path for you.

But how do you get started as a cruise travel advisor? And what, specifically, can a cruise specialist offer? Below, we break it down for you. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to become a stellar cruise travel agent — including what the role entails, steps to get started, frequently asked questions and more. Soon, you'll be ready to set sail with your new career.

Curious to learn more? Become a Fora Advisor for in-depth training on becoming a cruise travel agent, and build your dream job in the cruise industry.

What is a cruise travel agent?

Image courtesy of Hurtigruten Group

Put simply, a cruise travel agent books cruises. As a cruise travel agent, you earn money by recommending and booking cruises for your clientele.

But you’re not limited to booking only cruises. The role of a cruise travel agent is really no different than the role of a travel advisor. As a travel advisor, you can book cruises, and you can also book hotels, tours and other travel experiences. (See more our guide on different types of bookings you can make as a travel advisor .) Consider cruises another offering in your travel advisor toolbox — and another way to earn more income.

What attributes make a good cruise travel agent?

Fora Advisor Brit Healey

A good travel advisor possesses a unique blend of skills and qualities that enable them to provide exceptional service to their clients. Some of these attributes include:

A passion for travel

As a cruise-focused travel advisor, you’ll want to have a deep understanding of different cruise lines and travel trends so that you can make recommendations for your clients. Knowing the difference between river-bound voyages, expedition cruises, luxury cruises and mass-market options, for instance, as well as whom these outlets cater to, will be crucial. 

If you already have a passion for travel (including personally going on a cruise experience yourself), then you’re well on your way. You can use your opinions from cruise travel experiences to form the foundation of cruise recommendations for clients.

Continuous learning and staying updated with travel trends and industry developments are imperative. At Fora, we offer general travel agent training as well as a dedicated cruise curriculum that will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully market and book multiple cruise lines. Through Fora, you’ll be able to earn a cruise badge to showcase to your clients that you’ve completed intensive cruise training. 

Entrepreneurial spirit

Being a successful cruise travel advisor means you’ll put in a lot of hard work. Especially as you are getting started, there is a learning curve, and it takes time to build your book of business. But it is a rewarding career in many ways, and your efforts will pay off as a small business owner.

Passionate people person

Working as a cruise travel agent is a great career option to connect with people. 

You’ll want to get to know your client and their travel style, helping them to make informed decisions on which cruise line to choose and which itinerary they’ll enjoy the most. You’ll also help out with other travel decisions (for example, booking a hotel in the port city before they depart). You’ll need a strong focus on providing excellent customer service, including being responsive, patient and empathetic to clients' concerns and desires.

It’s also an opportunity to network within the travel industry. You’ll develop deep relationships with representatives from different cruise lines. We always say that travel people are the best people, and it's certainly a fun industry to be in.

Attention to detail

It goes without saying, but cruise travel agents are good planners. You’re the go-to person for travel tips, and you love match-making a client’s preferences to a detailed travel plan so that their vacation goes off without a hitch.

What are the steps to becoming a cruise travel agent?

Working as a cruise travel agent is a great opportunity to transform your passion for travel into a fun and fulfilling career. It’s relatively straightforward to get started, and we’ve broken down the process into three main steps.

1. Find a host agency

The first thing you’ll likely want to do as you embark on your new career as a cruise travel agent is to find a host travel agency. A host agency is a business within the travel industry that provides support and resources to independent travel agents or small travel agencies. These services can include access to booking systems , travel partnerships , training , marketing tools , and sometimes even travel agent certification .

Fora is a host agency, and a one-stop shop for everything you need to set your business up as a cruise travel agent. When you join, you’ll be welcomed into a warm community (including a network of passionate cruisers). And we will set you up with all of the tech, tools and training you need to get started as a cruise travel agent, including an in-depth cruise curriculum helmed by seasoned cruise experts within our community.

2. Get certified with travel agent training

Once you join a host agency, you’ll want to get started with a training program. A solid training program helps you learn the ins and outs of booking cruises, as well as other useful topics like marketing (for example, how to utilize social media to build your business).

Fora’s cruise training is live and asynchronous, so you can learn at your own pace. We have a training curriculum designed specifically for cruises. Through the training, you can earn Fora’s Cruise Badge as a distinction to highlight prior knowledge, skills, personal experience, and professional sales indicative of a trusted cruise-focused travel advisor. Earning your Cruise Badge will position you better than ever to meet your clients’ needs and demonstrate through action that you have honed your expertise for all things cruise. From understanding the basics of vessels to complex commission structures, we cover the need-to-know information advisors should keep in mind when booking cruises.

For broader training, we also offer webinars as well as opportunities to connect in person (including an annual conference ). These are not your traditional seminars; they are opportunities to connect directly and network with leading industry experts. You can get accredited as a travel agent through our travel agent certification program . And our training is not a “one and done” program. We offer advanced certification, as well as ongoing opportunities to stay in-the-know with the latest industry trends.

3. Book cruises (and repeat)

Once you’ve learned the ropes on booking from a training program, you’re ready to dive in (no pun intended) to booking cruises. 

We believe in learning by doing. To that end, the best way to learn how to become a cruise travel agent is to jump in. In fact, in order to earn your Cruise Badge at Fora, our cruise travel agents need to book at least three cruises across at least two different lines. 

As a cruise travel agent, you can choose a niche if you have a specific expertise, or focus on a broad range of offerings. (And remember, as a travel advisor, you can book more than just cruises if you’d like.)

At Fora, we have partnerships with tried-and-true favorites like Royal Caribbean , as well as up-and-comers like Virgin Voyages . If you’re passionate about more eco-friendly cruises, you’ll be pleased to know that we also work closely with brands like HX/Hurtigruten as well as Lindblad Expeditions. For the luxury cruisers, we’re a Four Seasons Preferred partner, and we’re eagerly awaiting the soon-to-come launch of their yachts. This is just a sampling of our 5,500+ partners worldwide!

Once you have made your first booking, we're willing to bet you'll find that it's a little addicting. Start building your book of business by continuing to book cruises, and you're well on your way to a successful career as a travel agent.

Now you know how to become a cruise travel agent. It's time to set sail...

As you’re researching a career as a cruise travel agent, it might feel daunting (there is a lot of information to take in, after all)... But, the easiest way to get started is to dive in. Remember: the more you learn — and the more you book — the easier these water-bound bookings become.

At Fora, we’ll be with you every step of the way. From training to community , tech and more, we’ll set you up with everything you need to succeed. When you’re ready to get started, become a Fora Advisor to earn your Cruise Badge and build your dream job in cruise travel.

More cruise travel agent FAQs

Have more questions about becoming a cruise travel agent? We’ve outlined some frequently asked questions and what you’ll need to know. 

What qualifications are needed to become a cruise travel agent? What degree do you need to become a cruise agent?

Technically speaking, you do not need a degree or certification to become a cruise travel agent. It’s worth noting that many cruise travel agents opt to become certified through Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ); however, this step is not technically necessary. However, we highly recommend investing time into a training program to set yourself up for success. 

With Fora, you can earn your Cruise Badge to showcase to your clients that you’ve participated in a comprehensive training program focused on cruises. Benefits of obtaining your Fora Cruise Badge include: public recognition of an advisor’s knowledge and expertise booking cruises, marketing assets, priority consideration for cruise industry events, FAMs and programming through Fora.

Our cruise travel agent training is flexible and you can do it remotely (and at your own pace) via webinars. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about building a successful business as a cruise travel agent, including the cruise booking process, how cruise fares work, navigating onboard dining, group bookings, embarkation and disembarkation, shore excursions, cruise match-making best practices, cruise commission and more. 

Over time, your years of experience and hard work as an advisor will pay off in helping to establish yourself as a reputable cruise travel agent.

How much do cruise travel agents make on a cruise?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution on how much cruise travel agents make on a cruise because each cruise line is unique. However, we’ve broken down some of the basics so you can get a deeper sense of the payment structure for a cruise travel agent’s career.

Cruise travel agents earn money based on commissions.

When travel agents book a cruise vacation, the cruise line pays a commission — a percentage of the cost of the cruise vacation booked. And remember, this commission-based model is ideal for your clients, since they won't have to pay extra to enlist your expert services. Everybody wins!

The commission rate varies across the travel industry and between cruise lines (every brand is unique), but typically is anywhere between 15–25 percent. Your commission is split between you and the host agency. It's best to check with the cruise line directly to discover what their commission split looks like (or, at Fora, we showcase this information in an easy-to-view overview in your Fora Advisor Portal).

A career as a cruise travel agent is flexible, and the more you book, the more you earn.

You can work part-time or full-time. When you work with a host agency, you are an independent contractor, and this flexibility allows you to build a career on your own terms. You can be a home-based travel agent (learn more about how to become an independent travel agent ).

With a commission-based model, the more you book, the more you earn. You'll collect a larger chunk of commission if you book, say, a luxury travel, multi-family cruise vacation than you would for a couple's weekend anniversary trip. (Disney cruises are popular for families. Read more about how to become a Disney travel agent .)

Most cruise travel agents are paid by their host agency.

Remember, you’ll likely want a host agency to make the payment process easier. Host agencies have an IATA number (a unique identifier issued by the International Air Transport Association), which allows them to collect and make payments on commissions. At Fora, we handle all of the commission tracking and payments so you can focus more on the fun part (booking cruises, that is).

Want to learn more? See our guide on how travel agents get paid .

What types of cruises can agents book?

The short answer is that the sky is the limit! Most cruise lines work off a commission-based model that is travel agent-friendly. All major lines like Carnival Cruises, Disney, Viking, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC, Virgin Voyages and more are commissionable. There are also luxury travel lines like Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Crystal. Even smaller cruise companies like Ponant and Cunard work with travel agents.

You’ll be able to book a variety of cruise ships, and there’s a ton of opportunities to plan dream vacations for your clients. Whether you’re planning a cruise vacation out of Florida or Europe, there’s plenty of opportunity. Fora’s cruise training program covers all of the numerous available cruise options, and how to match-make each to certain clients, in greater depth.

How does a cruise travel agent book a cruise vacation?

The process for booking a cruise for a client as a travel agent is not too far off from booking a cruise as a traveler yourself. So if you’ve ever booked a cruise for yourself, you’ll be able to learn how to book a cruise for your clientele once you become a travel agent.

When learning how to become a travel agent , you'll learn the specifics of how to book for clients. Every cruise line is a little different... On many cruise websites, you might notice that there’s a designated tab or link labeled "Travel Professionals," "Travel Agent Portal" or something similar. These are the sections that will allow you to register client information as well as your host agency’s IATA number. Coming soon, Fora Advisors will be able to book directly via our integrated booking platform . Additionally, we cover all the details and intricacies of cruise bookings (including more complicated group and event bookings) in our cruise travel agent training.

It’s worth noting that building relationships goes a long way. By simply asking for extra perks (like onboard credit), you can often level up your client’s vacation at no extra cost, helping to build loyalty with your clientele by giving them the best possible travel experience.

Can a cruise travel agent book more than just cruises?

Yes, absolutely! As a travel agent, you can book everything from weekend staycations to bucket-list trips with in-depth itineraries and travel experiences. Learn more in our article about different types of bookings you can make as a travel advisor .

Ready to get started? Join Fora to become a cruise travel agent today. 

We’ll get you set up with everything you need to launch your cruise travel agent business, including access to our comprehensive training program to earn your Cruise Badge. Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.  

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

Looking for more information about Events at Sea? Click here.

MEETINGS & INCENTIVES

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Royal Incentive Rewards

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ROYAL INCENTIVE REWARDS

Individual cruise certificate program.

Recognize, Inspire, Motivate with an unforgettable reward!

What an amazing way to tell someone you value their loyalty, productivity or achievement. Reward them with a Royal Caribbean cruise certificate! Extraordinary onboard experience, delectable dining, luxurious accommodations, coupled with a selection of itinerary choices to some of the world’s most popular and beautiful destinations.

Here are six great reasons why a Royal Caribbean cruise certificate is the perfect individual incentive reward:

The rewards program is turnkey, so we look after the fulfillment and redemption.

Personalized

We offer a wide variety of certificates – something for every budget!

There is no minimum or maximum purchase of certificates required.

There’s no expiration date – your certificate will always hold its value.

Customizable

Certificates are fully transferrable and upgradable.

All-inclusive

Everything is included, from accommodations to dining to activities.

ADD ROYAL CRUISE DOLLARS FOR AN EVEN BIGGER BONUS

Every Royal Incentive Rewards Certificate comes with the option to add Royal Cruise Dollars. You choose the amount. They spend on special extras that will make their cruise vacation even more enjoyable.

See how easy it is to motivate and inspire with the Royal Incentive Rewards program.

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Recognizes individuality, and rewards it accordingly. Individual incentive travel gives recipients the freedom to go where they want, when they want and with whomever they want.

Sample Certificate

Individual Cruise Certificates are the perfect way to recognize outstanding performance.

Make the Experience More Rewarding with Royal Cruise Dollars

Add Royal Cruise Dollars to a Royal Incentive Rewards Certificate. You choose the amount. These dollars can be used in any number of ways.

Qualifying Categories

Explore which stateroom categories by ship class are eligible for the Royal Incentive Rewards program.

Purchase Royal Incentive Rewards Cruise Certificates:

Find your perfect venue, frequently asked questions.

Have a question? Let us help you get started planning:

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How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent

How does traveling to places like Machu Picchu and Morocco, South Africa , and Singapore sound to you? What about getting paid to do it? If that’s music to your ears, you may want to find out how to become a travel agent .

Lots of people are drawn to the perks that come with the job of travel agent. And, indeed, there are many. As a travel agent, you get endless opportunities to travel around the world. Often, you’re also able to enjoy discounts on everything from accommodation to transportation. If you’re into traveling and committed to helping others explore the world as well, becoming a travel agent might just be the perfect job for you.

It’s the combination of having an adventure life that revolves around travel and the (financial) stability of an office job that makes becoming a travel agent so attractive.

Travel Agent Jobs

So, first of all, what does a travel agent do in return for all those privileges and perks? A travel agent can be an independent individual offering his or her services based on personal experiences, but also someone who works for a larger travel agency. However the business structure is set up, the job requirements are pretty much the same.

Basically, as a travel agent, you provide a service related to the travel and tourism industry. Clients come to you for help planning and booking their vacations. In order to do so, you work closely with a variety of suppliers in the industry. These suppliers include, but aren’t limited to, hotels and other lodgings, car rental companies, airlines, cruise lines, travel insurance providers and businesses offering local activities and tours.

Using your own travel experience, you help your clients arrange their vacation. You are a consultant, always ready to give advice and contact suppliers on your client’s behalf. You may book accommodation, flights and cruises. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to set up an entire vacation. Your job is to take make going on a trip as easy as possible for your client.

It’s because of the close relationships between a travel agent and different suppliers that, as an agent, you often get to enjoy discounts during your own vacation. This is arguably the biggest perk of this particular profession. The better the relationships, the more often you’ll also be able to offer upgrades and better overall service to your clients.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a cruise travel agent , click here .

How Do Travel Agents Make Money?

Of course, getting travel discounts is fantastic, but it doesn’t pay the bills in the end. So, how do travel agents earn their income?

There are two different ways you can make money as a travel agent. The first one is adding surcharges and fees to the price your clients pay for your service. If you’re able to get discounts on whatever it is you’re booking for your client, you can add a service fee to the price. This won’t mean that your client will pay more, though. It’ll come out about the same. This extra fee is somewhat of a payment for your time spent putting together the itinerary or trip. Adding surcharges and fees like this is the least-used way to make money, though.

Most travel agents make money from commissions they get paid by airlines, hotels, cruise lines,… This doesn’t really affect the price your client pays. The more holiday-makers you bring to your affiliated suppliers, the more commissions you’ll earn. This is by far the most common way travel agents earn their income. This is also why it’s important to, as a travel agent, have a large network of suppliers. Developing personal relationships with travel and tourism businesses helps not only your clients, but also earns you more money in commissions.

Travel Agent Schools

The most direct, and successful, way to a career as a travel agent is through a travel agent school. You will need a formal education and some certificates to be an official travel agent. You might also need a local business license (but that depends on the country/state you’re in). It’s worth looking into that as well.

There are several schools where you can take travel-and-tourism and travel-agent courses. The first, and probably best, place to look is the American Society Of Travel Agents (ASTA), which provides a wealth of information on how to become a travel agent. They have a comprehensive list of travel agent schools in every U.S. state.

Classes are typically offered in either part-time or full-time programs. They may take place in the evening in order to accommodate people who have day jobs. Many courses are online, which allows you to set your own learning schedule.

The Need For a Niche

The travel industry encompasses a super-wide range of vacations, destinations and activities, from adventurous jungle treks in central Africa to luxurious cruises in the Caribbean. Therefore, it’s critical that you zoom in on a niche in which you become an expert. No one is able to know about everything related to travel, but you can, in fact, become very knowledgeable about one specific area. This niche should be based on your personal interest.

Cruise Travel Agents

Cruises are a great example of a niche you can pick as a travel agent. The demand is always high, there are many companies with which you can develop long-term relationships (and increase your commissions), and it’s specific.

As a cruise travel agent, you’ll be helping your clients by booking their cruises, advising them on great destinations, and suggesting fun activities they can do. You’ll also offer information about and help with applicable visas and other paperwork. Remember that the goal is to make planning a cruise as easy as possible.

Virtual Travel Agents

While many travel agents work from a cubicle at a travel agency, some offer their services online. Although communication will have to happen via email (or sometimes Skype calls), that doesn’t need to be a problem. In fact, eliminating your client’s need to actually come into your brick-and-mortar business can be an extra selling point.

Travel Agent From Home

Many virtual travel agents work from the comfort of their own home. Some might still be affiliated with a host agency while others operate independently and are one-person businesses. Home-based travel agents who work with host agencies often split their commissions with the respective agency.

If you work independently, however, you can keep 100% of the commission. This requires more work, though, as you need to develop relationships with travel industry suppliers yourself. But that hard work clearly pays off in more money.

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Certified Travel Specialist Program

Including a hosted consumer website, build your own travel business for only $349.

Join the Certified Travel Specialist Program and receive extensive product and technical training needed to become successful in the travel industry. This program was designed for independent business owners and entrepreneurs with little to no experience in the cruise or travel selling industry. Upon completion of the program agents will be provided with a hosted consumer website, CLIA bonus commissions, exclusive group rates and more.

Through extensive product and technical training, the program provides the tools and self-marketing capabilities for new agents to be successful in selling cruises. Enrolled agents will receive the CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) certification and will also receive Cruise.Com’s Travtech Certification, which includes training in the use of booking engines, electronic invoicing, online reporting, search capabilities and more.

Program Highlights

• 80% commission
• Hosted Consumer Website*
• Individual CLIA membership and first year dues paid
• CLIA Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) application fee paid
• All CLIA courses paid for CCC designation
• Up to $2,750 in bonus commissions through CLIA
• Direct referrals to marketing support and prospecting tools
• Dedicated training and support
• Group rates and amenities
• Exclusive pricing and promotions
• Consumer bonus offers
• Agent discounts on personal cruise travel

Hosted Consumer Website

• Your logo & phone number
• Links to your social media pages
• A personalized "About You" section
• Over 40 cruise lines to select from
• Detailed cruise line & destination pages
• Hosted cruise departures including cocktail receptions and excursions
• Detailed maps, deck plans, ship profiles & itineraries
• Advanced search tools
• Cruise Compare
• Web responsive design for desktop, mobile, and tablet devices

Agent Tools & Technology

• Agent Booking Engine
• Web-based user friendly interface
• Real-time pricing & availability
• Online Reporting
• Multiple search and pricing options
• Multi-cabin booking options
• Multiple insurance options
• Electronic invoices
• Multiple credit card payments

*Terms and Conditions: The new enrollee must complete their 8 designated CLIA sponsored training courses within the first (2) months following payment of their initial annual fee, and submit documentation per the logbook instructions and to Cruise.com showing completion of the coursework in order to proceed to the next levels of training in the program. Continuance in the overall program is contingent upon this and full completion of all certification requirements. In addition to the 8 classes, the enrollee is required to complete (1) live or virtual ship inspection on a CLIA Global member line, and book (3) cruises on a Global member line to complete the certification requirements. The initial and annual renewal fees with Cruise.com are non-refundable should you choose to leave the program early yourself. Should Cruise.com end your membership in the program early, any annual fee you paid will be prorated and refunded to you, less any applicable training or certification fees paid on your behalf (applicable to the first year membership dues only), or any other outstanding charges.The enrollee must be an active CLIA Individual Agent Member (IAM) and maintain active membership during the certification period. All other required technology and support training must also be successfully completed within the first 12 months of the CLIA certification period in order to become a fully operating affiliate in the Cruise.com Host Agency program. The enrollee must pay their initial and renewal annual fees with Cruise.com within the time frames specified by Cruise.com, and the enrollee is responsible for maintaining their CLIA individual membership after the first year, including payment of the annual membership and any other documentation required by CLIA.The enrollee is encouraged to purchase their own liability insurance to supplement the professional errors and omissions limited coverage provided by Cruise.com

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Travel Agent Certifications

Explore the top Travel Agent certifications that are important to a successful career.

Getting Started as a Travel Agent

• What is a Travel Agent
• How To Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Resume Examples
• Cover Letter Examples

Getting Certified as a Travel Agent

Top travel agent certifications, best travel agent certifications, certified travel associate (cta).

• At least 18 months of travel industry work experience.
• Completion of the CTA coursework provided by The Travel Institute.
• Passing the CTA certification exam.
• Agreement to adhere to The Travel Institute's Code of Ethics.
• Commitment to earning 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) each year to maintain certification.
• Payment of applicable enrollment and exam fees.

Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)

• Minimum of five years of full-time industry experience.
• Completion of the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program or equivalent experience and education.
• Submission of an enrollment form along with the appropriate fee.
• Completion of a series of leadership and management courses provided by The Travel Institute.
• Passing of a comprehensive exam that tests knowledge and application of advanced travel industry concepts.
• Submission of a white paper or case study project that demonstrates the application of skills and knowledge gained during the coursework.

Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

• A minimum of five years of travel industry experience.
• Current employment in the travel industry at the time of application.
• Completion of a self-paced study program provided by The Travel Institute.
• Submission of a white paper or case study project, which demonstrates the application of leadership principles within the travel industry.
• Passing the CTIE exam, which assesses knowledge and application of leadership and management principles.

Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP)

• High school diploma or equivalent educational qualification
• Understanding of basic English language to comprehend the training material and instruction
• Completion of the IATA Travel and Tourism Consultant course or relevant work experience in the travel industry may be recommended
• Access to a computer and the internet to take the course if opting for online training
• Payment of the applicable fees for the TTP certification exam
• Agreement to abide by the professional standards and code of conduct set by IATA

Certified Destination Specialist (CDS)

• Membership with The Travel Institute is recommended but not required.
• Completion of a destination specialist course for a specific region or country offered by The Travel Institute.
• Passing the final exam for the chosen destination specialist course with a score of 70% or higher.
• At least 12 months of travel industry experience is recommended.
• Commitment to continuing education by earning 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every year to maintain certification.
• Payment of applicable fees for the course and examination.

Certified Travel Industry Specialist (CTIS)

• Membership with the American Bus Association (ABA) is required.
• Current employment in the travel and tourism industry.
• Completion of a series of educational courses provided by the ABA.
• Engagement in a self-paced study program that may take 1-2 years to complete.
• Passing the final certification exam to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to maintain certification status.

Travel Marketing Professional (TMP)

• Employment in the tourism industry, preferably in a marketing-related role
• Membership with the Southeast Tourism Society or employment with a member organization
• Completion of the three-year Marketing College program offered by the Southeast Tourism Society
• Attendance at all required courses and workshops over the three-year period
• Submission and approval of a final project or capstone presentation demonstrating the application of learned marketing strategies
• Commitment to continuing education in tourism marketing as required for certification maintenance

Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC)

• Membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as an individual agent member.
• Completion of the Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) certification, which is a prerequisite for the MCC program.
• Completion of a specified number of CLIA training courses and elective courses related to the cruise industry.
• Personal experience sailing on a set number of cruises of varying lengths and cruise lines.
• Conducting a number of ship inspections to gain firsthand knowledge of different cruise products.
• Achievement of a minimum amount of verifiable cruise sales within a certain time frame.

Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC)

• Membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is required to enroll in the certification program.
• Completion of CLIA's online training courses, which include Introduction to the Cruise Industry, Geography of Cruise Travel, and Customer Service.
• Successful completion of elective training courses offered by CLIA to accumulate a required number of credits.
• Personal cruise experience, which includes conducting a certain number of cabin inspections and going on a specified number of cruises of varying lengths.
• Proof of cruise sales experience, demonstrating practical application of the knowledge gained through the certification training.
• Submission of a completed application for the ACC certification, including documentation of completed requirements and payment of any associated fees.

Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC)

• A minimum of 1800 hours of travel industry experience
• Completion of the ACTA Travel Studies Program or an equivalent recognized by ACTA
• Passing the Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) exam
• Adherence to ACTA's Code of Ethics
• Membership in good standing with ACTA
• Continuing education credits to maintain certification status

Track Certifications for Free with Teal

Benefits of having a travel agent certification, how to choose the best travel agent certification.

• Identify Your Specialization: Determine the niche or area within the travel industry where you want to excel, such as luxury travel, cruises, adventure tourism, or corporate travel management. Choose a certification that enhances your expertise in that particular area, ensuring that you become a go-to specialist whom clients and employers can trust.
• Consider Market Demand: Research the market to understand what skills are in high demand. Certifications that cover emerging trends such as sustainable travel, digital nomad lifestyles, or wellness tourism can set you apart in a competitive market. Aligning your certification with these demands can make you more attractive to potential clients and employers.
• Evaluate Educational Content: Scrutinize the curriculum of the certification programs. Look for comprehensive content that covers a broad range of topics, including travel regulations, destination knowledge, customer service excellence, and technology use in the travel industry. A well-rounded certification can provide a solid foundation for your career.
• Assess Flexibility and Support: Consider the format and duration of the certification program. If you are currently working, you may need a program that offers flexible scheduling or online learning options. Additionally, check for support resources such as mentorship, career services, or access to industry tools and software.
• Review Success Outcomes: Investigate the track record of the certification program. Look for success stories, testimonials, and the career progression of past participants. Certifications that have a proven record of helping travel agents advance in their careers can be more valuable investments for your future.

Preparing for Your Travel Agent Certification

Certification faqs for travel agents, is getting a travel agent certification worth it, do you need a certification to get a job as a travel agent, can travel agent certifications help pivoters make the transition into customer service from another career path.

Travel Agent Tools & Software

Related Certification Lists

Creating memorable guest experiences, driving service excellence in the hospitality sector

Driving customer satisfaction, resolving issues with empathy and efficiency

Fostering customer loyalty and business growth through personalized relationship management

Driving customer satisfaction and loyalty through proactive relationship management

Ensuring passenger safety and comfort, creating memorable travel experiences

Crafting unforgettable journeys, tailoring travel experiences to individual desires

Start Your Travel Agent Career with Teal

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PLAN YOUR CRUISE WITH A CERTIFIED VACATION PLANNER 

Royal Caribbean's Certified Vacation Planners give you a one-way ticket to a sea of cruising opportunities. Are you looking to bask in the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the charm of the Mediterranean or even go north to explore the natural beauty of Alaska? Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or not, our Certified Vacation Planners have the knowledge to point you in the right direction.

Royal Caribean's Certified Vacation Planners give you a one-way ticket to a sea of cruising opportunities. Are you looking to bask in the warmth of the Caribbean, experience the charm of the Mediterranean or even go north to explore the natural beauty of Alaska? Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or not, our Certified Vacation Planners have the knowledge to point you in the right direction.

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