According to the Cruise line Association:
Top Ten Reasons to Sell a Cruise
1. Choose to sell cruises for COMMISSIONS. A typical cruise can earn you $300 in commissions.
2. Choose to sell cruises for UNTAPPED POTENTIAL AND PROFIT. Only 20% of North Americans have cruised, the other 80% are hot prospects.
3. Choose to sell cruises because TIME IS MONEY. Research indicates that it takes 35% less time to sell and book a cruise versus comparable land vacations.
4. Choose to sell cruises for REPEAT BUSINESS AND REFERRALS. Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. And, the cruise industry enjoys a high-level of repeat clientele. Repeaters generate referral business.
5. Choose to sell cruises for YEAR ROUND CHOICES. With over 200 distinctive ships and 3000 ports of call, it's always in season somewhere and it's always bargain season somewhere else. For even more choice, consider selling pre- and post-land tours.
6. Choose to sell cruises for SALES SUPPORT. We support and train our sales force…you, the travel agent!
7. Choose to sell cruises for GROUP BUSINESS. Groups love the hassle-free nature of cruising and group business yields higher commissions.
8. Choose to sell cruises for FAMILY MARKET. Family and multi-generation travel is on the rise and cruising is the ideal vacation choice for this market. Cash in on this profitable trend.
9. Choose to sell cruises for NICHE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES. Selling cruises that offer cultural experiences, art and wine appreciation, theme events, educational programs and more are an ideal way to build your business and increase market share with niche groups.
10. Choose to sell cruises for YOU. 90% of cruise business comes from travel agents.
It depends on the type of agent. For example, perhaps: Estate agents like houseflies. Secret agents like SPYders. Travel agents like flying foxes.
One can find information on Mediterranean cruises from local travel agents. One can also visit online sites like Cruise Critic, CruiseMates and any cruise lines official websites, which are too numerous too list.
NO! Actually, if you use a Travel Agent who specializes in cruises, it may cost a lot less. Travel Agents who book $100,000 or more in cruises per year are in a position to negotiate the best rates for their clients. They can also command upgraded cabins and amenities like fruit baskets or free drinks, at no charge. Many people are afraid that because the Travel Agent earns a commission, the rate will be higher. Unfortunately, when you book a cruise directly from the cruise lines website, you usually pay full price. The cruise line doesn't always ask the right questions to determine if you are eligible for certain discounts, like being older than a particular age, being a resident of a particular State, or even being a member of a Union. A Travel Agent will do all they can to find you the best rate. Further, they may have blocked group space in advance. The prices on that blocked space may be lower than the current cruise prices, but the agents with the blocked space can still sell at the lower rate. Many travel agents have websites where you can request a quote on a cruise, just to shop around. But, remember that having a good relationship with your Travel Agent is more important than saving a dollar or two. If something goes wrong, your Travel Agent is your best friend. If your Travel Agent suggests a different cruise line with the same destination, listen to them. They have the inside scoop, and may be steering you away from a big mistake, like a cruise line that's about to go into bankruptcy or has lousy service. Ask them why they are steering you from one line to another. They should have a good reason. Sometimes people are afraid that Travel Agents will steer them into a cruise line with a higher price to earn a higher commission, but that virtually never happens. Travel Agents want to earn your repeat business by making sure you get the best price, and are happy with your vacation.
CruiseCompete.com is a unique website through which travel agents bid for your business. You send information about where, when, and which line you'd like to cruise, and within a few hours to a few weeks, travel agents will respond to your query with their best offers. If you've done a little Web surfing beforehand, you'll be able to compare prices and know when an agent is presenting a great deal. And, if all the offers are too high, you are not obligated to take them.
CruiseCompete CruiseCompete.com is a unique website through which travel agents bid for your business. You send information about where, when, and which line you'd like to cruise, and within a few hours to a few weeks, travel agents will respond to your query with their best offers. If you've done a little Web surfing beforehand, you'll be able to compare prices and know when an agent is presenting a great deal. And, if all the offers are too high, you are not obligated to take them.
You can find a cheap caribbean cruise by looking at travel packages on sites like orbitz and travel.com. You could also check with a travel agent as well.
Some travelers like to be insured when they are on a cruise, or other travel. Here is a site that offers travel insurance options for these people: http://www.travelguard.com/travelinsurance/cruise.asp
CruiseCompete.com is a unique website through which travel agents bid for your business. You send information about where, when, and which line you'd like to cruise, and within a few hours to a few weeks, travel agents will respond to your query with their best offers. If you've done a little Web surfing beforehand, you'll be able to compare prices and know when an agent is presenting a great deal. And, if all the offers are too high, you are not obligated to take them
A good cruise travel agent will help you find the exact cruise that meets your desires. For example if there are certain off boat excursions that you would like to try the travel agent can search all the features available to maximize your cruising time.
none, they dont like to work together ;)
You should know that all agents get the same price for most things like a cruise cabin how ever some can get better deals on things like plane tickets by buying in large quantities. Be sure they do a volume business and ask them to show you more than one deal to compare.
Pictures of cruise ships can be found on travel websites like Orbitz and Travelocity. Cruise ship companies such as Carnival will have pictures on their websites.