Your time is precious. So, when it comes time to take a vacation, you want to make the most of it. Do you want a resort vacation or a cruise? Do you have 3 days? 7 days? 12 days? To help answer your questions and work with you on the planning of the perfect getaway, you need a professional travel and cruise consultant. A true travel consultant doesn't become involved in the travel industry just for the perks. A love of travel and geography, the pursuit of excellence in service, and the desire for continuous knowledge are key to working within the travel industry.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is a non-profit trade association that represents the interest of 21 passenger cruise lines, over 16,500 affiliated travel agencies in the North American cruise market, and a growing number of important cruise industry strategic business partners. On January 1, 2007, the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) merged with CLIA and relocated all offices to Fort Lauderdale. A theme for the new CLIA is "One Industry. One Voice."
CLIA's mission is promote the special benefits of cruising and to participate in the regulatory and policy development process. This mission ensures that all measures adopted provide for a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment, and the education, training, promotion of the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience.
In addition to working closely with the Federal Maritime Commission in regards to legal and safety issues, one of CLIA's purposes is to provide cruise selling travel agencies the highest level of professional sales training and marketing support.
Once each year, CLIA sponsors a 5-day conference, "cruise3sixty" in Fort Lauderdale for travel agents from across the country. I have been fortunate to attend each year, last week included. I have earned my ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) designation and last week, I took my final steps to earning my MCC (Master Cruise Counselor). I took part in lengthy CLIA classes to learn more about the marketing of the ever-changing cruise industry. As of press time, only 17% of all Americans have cruised! There are 138 ships, presently members of CLIA, and 33 new ships are on order to be built and deployed by the year 2010 from only 4 shipyards in Europe! In addition to CLIA classes, I attended cruise updates - seminars describing the new and improved amenities aboard specific ships and some new itineraries offered by various cruise lines including Silversea, Seabourn, and Oceania.
Another exciting aspect of the conference was my opportunity to tour and luncheon aboard three very different ships...Princess Cruise Line's Star Princess, a premium brand, the MSC Opera, an upper premium brand, and Cunard's luxury liner, the Queen Mary 2!
The differences are vast between each line. The Star Princess is 109,000 gross tons, accommodates 2,600 passengers (based on double), and is known for 'Personal Choice Dining.' The Italian line, MSC Cruises, has a fleet of nine ships, and is fairly new to the American market. However, once discovered, many people will choose to sail this line, continuously, as does her godmother, Ms. Sophia Loren! The MSC Opera is 59,058 gross tons, accommodating 1,712 passengers (based on dbl). I loved the understated elegance and the spacious public areas which flow easily throughout the ship. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, at one time the largest cruise ship afloat, is 151,400 gross tons, accommodating 2,620 passengers (based on dbl). She is presently the "Grande Dame" of the seas. While walking through the grand entrance and the main foyer, I felt like I was actually entering a 5 Star hotel in Paris! I couldn't tell that I was on a ship. You can't call the Queen Mary 2 just a cruise ship, she is truly a luxury liner!
During the general sessions and trade show, we were treated to 2 special guests, Magic Johnson and Gavin MacLeod! This may sound like an odd pair to attend a cruise conference, however, it was not!
Magic Johnson was applauded many times as the key note speaker on Friday of the conference. As he walked around (bigger than life) within the audience of travel agents, CLIA members, and the press, Magic described his newest vision which has come to fruition - Magic Johnson Travel Group - a company which offers franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs of our urban communities. He is offering tremendous opportunities for young men and women to own their own travel agencies and work with a dedicated team of professionals.
Gavin MacLeod, aka Captain Merrill Stubing, of the famed television show, The Love Boat, was on hand to greet travel agents, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Mr. MacLeod was the key note speaker at last year's cruise3sixty's gala dinner. He is a much revered and respected proponent of the cruise industry. Though he is quite humble in regards to his effect on the cruise industry, most within the travel industry and the general public, as well, credits "Captain Stubing" and The Love Boat for being instrumental in the fantastic "wave" of desire for cruising.
I can honestly say, while some may not enjoy conferences offered within their specific realm of expertise, I have always enjoyed these cruise conferences! I walk away with hundreds of thoughts reeling in my mind and excitement of this ever-changing and challenging travel industry.
Be sure to work with an educated and experienced cruise consultant when it comes time to plan your next vacation! You will be thankful that you did! To contact Hibiscus Travel, your educated cruise counselors, please call 561-748-8766.