TRAVEL AGENTS CAN EARN CLIA CRUISE COUNSELOR CREDITS FOR COMPLETING ‘CARNIVAL UNIVERSITY ONLINE’ TRAINING COURSE
MIAMI (January 5, 2007) – Beginning Jan. 7, 2007, Travel agents who successfully complete Carnival Cruise Lines’ new “Carnival University Online” training course are eligible for credits toward their Accredited Cruise Counselor or Master Cruise Counselor accreditation from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Travel agents who complete all seven modules within the course will receive five credits toward their CLIA cruise counselor accreditation. Travel agents who successfully completed the program in 2006 are eligible for two credits toward their CLIA cruise counselor certification.
“Carnival University Online’ is a dynamic, wide-ranging training program that provides travel agents with a comprehensive overview of our company and the ‘Fun Ship’ cruise experience. We are very pleased that CLIA has recognized the many benefits of this training and is providing agents who complete the course with credits toward their cruise counselor accreditation,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
“This quality learning experience further exemplifies the cooperation amongst our member lines and CLIA Training to provide agents the tools to succeed,” said Tom Cogan, CLIA’s director of training.
Launched in May 2006, “Carnival University Online” is located within Carnival’s travel agent Internet portal, bookccl.com, and comprised of seven distinct modules, each focusing on a different aspect of the “Fun Ship” vacation experience.
Chapters include “Who Is Carnival Today,” providing a comprehensive overview of the brand; “Identifying Clients,” offering detailed information on Carnival’s demographics; “Cruise Choices,” covering accommodation types, on-board activities, and destination and shore excursion options; and “Sales Climate Today and Tomorrow,” focusing on the evolution of the travel agency distribution system.
The “Special Sales: Group and Cruising for Charity” chapter offers tips for developing group business, while “Booking/Marketing Support” provides an overview of Carnival’s wide-ranging sales tools and resources.
Travel agents must answer a series of multiple-choice questions correctly before moving on to the next module. Chapters can be completed individually and the program does not have to be completed in one session.
Upon completion of the course, travel agents will receive a certificate of completion in approximately three to four weeks. To earn points toward their CLIA certification, travel agents must submit their certificate of completion to CLIA, along with the appropriate CLIA documentation. Certain restrictions apply.
For additional information on “Carnival University Online” contact the line’s business development services department at 1-800-327-7276.
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Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.