Becoming a Cruise Travel Agent is Simpler than You Think

One of the most significant travel and tourism industries is the cruise industry. As a major player in international tourism, the global cruise market is estimated to grow 11% from 2022 to 2028. In fact, over 4.8 million passengers took ocean cruises in 2022. While the industry took a hit during the pandemic, it appears to be recovering very well and will continue to grow. The fact remains that cruising is an incredibly popular way to travel and see the world.

Even though cruising remains popular, planning a cruise can be a little overwhelming for first-timers. Many travelers turn to agents to help them book the perfect vacation. Becoming a cruise travel agent could be an incredible opportunity if you love travel and are passionate about cruising. But is it hard to become a cruise travel agent?

Cruise Travel Agents Need A Host Agency 

If you’re considering becoming a cruise travel agent, you’ll need a host agency. When you become a member at Andavo, you’ll reap all the incredible benefits of becoming one of our Independent Travel Advisors. Not only will you have the support from the community at Andavo, but you’ll also be able to pass on incredible deals, discounts, and benefits to your clients. You’ll also have access to Virtuoso, the industry’s leading luxury network.

Education & Certification Required to Become A Cruise Agent

Education and certifications before becoming a travel agent are helpful and even necessary in some areas. Some agents choose to go to a travel agent school, such as the American Society of Travel Advisors. It’s also helpful to join CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA will help you navigate the cruise industry by providing valuable tools and resources. 

At Andavo, we provide opportunities for new-to-industry advisors through our Advisor Advantage Program. In our course, we’ll teach foundational concepts related to the travel industry, learn more about products, receive personalized support from our Professional Development manager, and have access to our exclusive Travelpreneur Workshop. 

Choose a Host Agency

Having a host agency is necessary if you want to become a travel agent. Here are a few helpful hints to help you determine which host agency to choose:

  • Compare access to resources: Agencies provide many resources that help agents succeed, including technology platforms for booking, training programs, marketing materials, administrative support, and more. Look for one that best fits your needs. 
  • Compare fees: Fee structures, commissions, and startup costs vary per host agency. It’s wise to compare these details to help you determine which agency is best for you. At Andavo, our host travel agency, there are no fees for those outside our Advisor Advantage Program. 
  • Look for a support system: Staying on top of industry trends is vital. The best host agencies offer training and support programs, including in-person training, ongoing membership opportunities, online courses, and webinars. 
  • Find credibility: What host agencies are reputable? Ask around to friends in the business for referrals. Search online reviews and speak with previous clients. It’s essential to pick one that is credible and has a good reputation.
  • Look for networking opportunities: A good host agency connects other agents within the host agency’s network. Networking helps you by providing mentorship, shared knowledge, and collaboration opportunities. 
  • Check their suppliers: Host agencies have established relationships with cruise lines, hostels, airlines, and tour operators. The best host agencies offer incredible connections to better deals, exclusive offers, and even higher commissions. 

Build Your Expertise 

One of the best things you can do as a travel agent is to find your niche. To do this, you must figure out your strengths. What would you like to focus on, and what do you want to specialize in? If you want to become a cruise travel agent, hone in on learning everything there is to know about cruises. Learn more about how to find your ideal customer base and learn about your customer needs.

Building your expertise will help you understand customer needs, know the best services to offer, and outperform other travel agents. Once you’ve honed in on your expertise, doing your job as a travel agent becomes easier, too.