Wise
travelers know the value of
an expert guide to a successful
exploration. Cruise vacationers
seeking to explore new worlds
also will need help selecting
the cruise that is right for
them – after all, they
have more than 1,800 ports of
call, a fleet of nearly 145
ships, numerous itineraries
and an ever-expanding list of
amenities from which to choose.
The best place
to start is with the ultimate
cruise guides – the experts
at the nearest travel agency
affiliated with Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA),
which represents 24 North American
cruise lines.
“CLIA affiliates
are the recognized experts on
cruise vacations,” says
Bob Sharak, CLIA’s executive
director. “They can help
consumers find the right cruise
for their lifestyle and budget,
as well as ensure cruisers get
the best deal imaginable.”
CLIA-affiliated
agents take advantage of the
association’s extensive
– and highly respected
– ongoing education program,
including personal cruise ship
inspections and actual cruising
experience. Their knowledge
of cruise products is enhanced
by CLIA’s Cruise Counsellor
Certification program. This
extensive training program is
designed to keep agents aware
of both the latest sales techniques
and the most up-to-date product
information.
“With all
that information in hand, CLIA
affiliates are in the best position
to help guide you as you expand
your horizons. A CLIA-affiliated
agency can take a great deal
of the planning stress off your
shoulders and help ensure a
memorable vacation,” says
Sharak.
“You won’t
have to spend your valuable
free time and energy doing the
research yourself,” he
adds. “Plus, you will
have the advantage of the agents’
first-hand experience and their
connections with the industry.
They’re in constant contact
with the cruise lines, are aware
of special deals on the market
and can confidently point you
in the right direction.”
CLIA affiliates
can also help you prepare so
that you can make the most of
your cruise experience.
“They can
answer your questions –
everything from what to pack
to how much to tip – and
give you insight into what to
expect on a cruise vacation,”
says Sharak.
“They can
help pave the way on your cruise
to discovery.”
To find a CLIA-affiliated
travel agency in your area,
use the Cruise Expert Locator
on CLIA’s website, www.cruising.org,
or look for the blue, white
and gold CLIA seal displayed
at the agency. The website also
features a wide range of information
on cruises and destinations,
as well as numerous links to
affiliated cruise lines and
other resources.
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