How do you start a home travel agent business specializing in cruise only?

Question

I am now with a host agency as a referral travel agent but looking into also being a home -based agent with a specialization in just booking cruises

Answer 1

In the US you need to first either attend travel school or work for a period of time for an authorized travel agency. In the travel business there is an agency (ARC = Airline Resettlement Commission) which controls all of the distribution of travel funds and you must be a member in order to participate. You gain that participation by schooling and work in the business. Then you need to join a travel association, like ASTA or CLIA, which show you are a professional travel person.

You should look into attending a travel school like maybe Carlson Travel. There are several others that are nationwide(see web site below). I attended Carlson and they offer full time and part-time classes. Once you finish the school, they will help you with placement, finding a job. You really need to work in the business under an agency for a while to learn how things are done. Once you finish schooling and or your apprenticeship, you are assigned a CLIA or ASTA number. That number is your ticket to getting paid.

Answer 2

You can check out this Host Agency called Travel Planners International

Answer 3

There are several options, one of the best known is Cruise Planners. They are a franchise operation, visit www.cruiseplanners.com for more information.

Seamaster is another option, although they haven't been around as long as Cruise Planners.

Answer 4

Check out our 360 page and you can specialize in booking cruises.

Answer 5

Send me an email. I will tell you are I did it
[e-mail]

Answer 6

real simple www.ytb.com/gordonsa