So, today was my first official day of cruise planners training. Yesterday I drove the 3-4 hours to Ft. Lauderdale and settled into the Renaissance Hotel and met some new people.
After a short slumber I headed off to breakfast and met some more people. The one thing I find consistent when it comes to the answer of "why did you join cruise planners?" was that there was a love for travel. I think passion is the key because without that, how can you share your knowledge of travel properly.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was the first presenter and I find joining their association as a key to being a great travel agent and am the world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. They constantly train and want you to succeed in what you do. Cella had a way of making what the customer's wants and needs to be what you would present to them in a cruise. She was very informative and I will make a point to join CLIA within the next coming weeks. I think that will be important to my clients, as well as myself.
Kirsten from Globus Family of Brands was next and made a very impressive presentation. On first thought you would normally think this is a high end vendor, and yes they are, but can fit all sorts of budgets. They have river cruises and tours in and outside of the United States. They have over 400 destinations in 70 counties. They have every sort of travel, from beach, cultural, city to cruises.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises was up next and Phil did a great job at showing up what an inclusive luxury cruise line could offer. One would think that they are more expensive, but if you look at the bottom lines the costs really are not much different because they are inclusive. Inclusive meaning that they include airfare, pre-night hotels, excursions, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, restaurants and more. If you are one who does indulge and likes the elegant casual small ship atmosphere, than this is for you.
American Express Vacations has an amazing reputation and awesome options when it comes to travel. They offer a bunch of options for every person, whether it is couples (perfectly paired) to families (destination family) with small children. There are ton of vacations out there with "cancel anytime" insurance plans.
Now who loves a romantic getaway or some place just for the girls? Sandals and Beaches all inclusive are the places to be. With many locations throughout the Caribbean, they offer packages that would win over any traveler. Jermain was so kind to explain how pristine and accommodation the resorts were. They seem like the perfect place for a wedding and/or honeymoon. Butlers from the "Guild of Professional Butlers" are even available and at not much more cost than a concierge. They have everything you would want from restaurants, activities and gorgeous beaches. It would be a shame to not allow yourself to indulge.
Which leaves me with a presentation from Lily regarding Disney Cruise Lines. I for one was not a fan of that cruise line without even knowing anything about it. I figured it was all children and would be no fun for someone like me, but I was wrong. Yes, there are no casinos, but there is a ton of other stuff that would keep me occupied. They have perks such as free soda and portable phones you can bring with you on the ship (no more walkies!). They have split bathrooms so more than one person can be in that room at a time. Connecting statements, no problem. Also, they have fireworks, shows and themed parties. It seemed like a great deal of fun.
Overall, it was a great day and I learned a ton. I like that there are so many options out there and that now that I have a more open mind be better at my career of helping others travel the world. That is what it is all about, making people who want to travel, want to travel, and love the experience.
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