Cruising and your Travel Agent

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 cruise lines and is engaged in travel agent training as well as research and marketing to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations. CLIA also participates in the regulatory and policy development processes for the cruise industry while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment

 

Photo: Contributed

CLIA represents more than 16,000 travel agency members in North America, who collectively have more than 40,000 affiliated travel agents. These travel professionals who are the primary distribution channel for the cruise industry, are vital and integral to the cruise industry’s success and the $42.3 billion economic contribution the cruise industry made during 2012.

CLIA certified agents are experts in the travel and cruise industry, are trusted, valued advisers, who have undergone extensive training and a rigorous accreditation process. They work tirelessly with their clients to guide them through a multi-step, multi-decision process, offering invaluable first-hand experience and priceless advice along the way.

They provide personalized cruise advice, professional guidance and peace of mind, as well as saving their clients time and money. A CLIA-certified travel agent builds the best cruise vacation to meet a client’s needs and wishes, helps their clients select the right itinerary, the most appropriate ship and then handles all the details to get them from their front door to the stateroom door and back again.

As for purchasing via the Internet, the Internet won’t call a customer back and won’t wait on hold with an airline or hotel so you don’t have to, or adjust plans due to unexpected developments or act as your “mission control” for all facets of your cruise vacation – before, during and after. Therefore it is most definitely in your best interests to use a CLIA Certified Travel Agent when planning a cruise Vacation.

So, you may ask....why cruise? What makes cruising so special? Cruises offer great value for money spent. Cruises provide an opportunity to visit world-famous destinations that some would never be able to afford if they had to pay for the food, transportation and accommodations separately. Many people realize that cruises are a unique and affordable way to experience the world, and visit a variety of locations versus traveling to each area. And of course there's the boats themselves and the "At-Sea" experience along with world class food, Las Vegas style entertainment, and exceptional guest services; all conveniently located literally right outside your cabin door,

For more information on cruising or to look into booking your dream cruise vacation, visit a CLIA Certified Travel Agent today!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.