According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for cruise travel agents is expected to remain stable through 2016. Many current agents are reaching retirement age and leaving vacant positions. Cruise travel agents can expect to be on the phone and computer most of the day researching, pricing and finalizing travel itineraries. In order to break into this occupation, you must first earn a travel agent diploma from a vocation program, or acquire comparable professional experience.
Instructions
1. Earn a diploma from a travel agent school. Self-paced, online programs include Penn Foster Career School and Canyon College (see Resources). Tuition costs around $1,000.
2. Become a cruise travel agent through on-the-job experience. If you don't have a diploma from a travel agent school, accept an administrative position at a travel agency. After gaining experience, seek a promotion to specialize in cruise sales.
3. Consider working for a travel agency before venturing out on your own. This will allow you to gain in-house experience and build clientele while earning an hourly wage plus commission. Once you have a couple years of agency experience under your belt, you can then approach your employer about becoming an independent contractor.
4. Determine if you want to become an independent cruise travel agent. One of the perks of becoming an independent contractor is that you can work from home. To be successful, you will need to forge relationships with cruise agencies in your area. Contract work is popular during difficult economic times, when it's cheaper to outsource work.
5. Join the National Association of Career Travel Agents. This organization supports cruise travel agents with online seminars and educational opportunities that highlight current travel opportunities and trends in the industry. To apply, submit an application online accompanied by the $145 membership fee. Membership information is sent within two weeks of receiving the application.
Tags: cruise travel, diploma from, travel agent, travel agents, agent school