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CLIA Today: September 2010

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From The Bridge

It’s hard to believe that the summer season is past but now we’re into CLIA “busy season” – the time to renew CLIA memberships, sign up for one of the travel industry’s most exciting events – the ever-more rewarding World’s Largest Cruise Night, and, of course, register for cruise3sixty 2011, to be held in Fort Lauderdale in April. Registrations are filling quickly, so do not delay!

These are just some of the bigger, more visible ways CLIA membership works for you. There are many, many others and some are mentioned in this issue of CLIA Today. The important message I want to get across is that CLIA never stops working for you. Whether it’s new training seminars and videos, great enhancements to our website, or behind the scenes efforts to make sure the traveling public turns to you, the reason we’re here is to help you and our cruise line members sell cruises.
Thanks for your support and hard work; we look forward to working with you in the year to come. Happy Sailing!

CLIA Breaking News

Reaping the Benefits of WLCN: Five Easy Steps to Success

World's Largest Cruise Night (WLCN), the centerpiece of National Cruise Vacation Month, is October 13, but, in fact, the entire month of October is yours for taking part in the cruise industry’s single largest promotion of the year. That’s because, in addition to “bricks and mortar” special events, travel agent participants can promote cruising and their agencies all month long, with their own, individualized WLCN mini-website.
All you need to do is follow five easy steps: go to the CLIA Travel Agent Center at www.cruising.org and:

  1. Register for participation in WLCN
  2. Complete your User Profile
  3. Register for Traditional WLCN (if you plan to host an actual physical event)
  4. Or register for Virtual WLCN
  5. Then submit your bookings

            And, in case you wonder whether the small amount of time needed to register is worth it, last year, WLCN generated more than $45 million in cruise sales and almost $6 million in travel agent commissions. There were over 1,300 physical events, attended by nearly 50,000 shoppers.
Once you’ve signed up, the WLCN “Dashboard” on the website has all the information you need to succeed. There’s information on how to stage any kind of event, from book store or dessert parties to corporate presentations to golf events. There’s all you need to know the incentives and special offers available from CLIA member cruise lines, from shipboard credits to major savings on selected cruises. Each participating line has its own WLCN page so you can quickly determine what your best customers will respond to.
The WLCN Dashboard also features everything you need to know about marketing and promoting your participation in the event, from advertising and local PR tips, to press release shells, postcard and flyer templates, and CLIA direct mail marketing materials.
And, there are step-by-step instructions on how to create your own Virtual WLCN minisite, complete with your own welcome and sales message, videos from as many as seven cruise lines, your own logos, photos and images, and the opportunity to promote your WLCN site with an integrated Facebook button. Nearly 2,800 agencies participated in virtual WLCN promotions in 2009, sending email invitations consumers inviting them to visit their customized WLCN Web site with cruise line videos, agency contact information and special offers. It is estimated that consumers viewed 50,481 WLCN cruise line videos.
What are you waiting for; registration is open now for both physical and Virtual WLCN participation. And, there’s nothing stopping you for participating both ways.

For more information about World’s Largest Cruise Night, visit www.cruising.org

Behind the Scenes: CLIA’s Media Initiatives in Support of Agents and Cruise Lines

In addition to comprehensive training and Certification, valuable events like cruise3sixty and World’s Largest Cruise Night, and a website packed with indispensable tools and advice, CLIA is continually hard at work behind the scenes promoting travel agents and cruise line members to national and regional media.
One recent example is the Luxury and River Cruising media marketplace event held in New York in August. Organized by CLIA’s PR agency, M. Silver Associates, the event attracted almost 40 travel media representatives – trade and consumer – who had the opportunity to meet individually with 17 CLIA member lines as well as with CLIA’s own marketing and public relations team.
The background for the event was a July survey of CLIA travel agent members – one of several conducted on various themes throughout the year – to determine consumer attitudes and trends in the luxury and river cruise markets. The findings not only confirmed the observations of cruise lines operating in these segments but offered media some additional information of interest to cruise customers, the lines and the agents themselves. Among the highlights:

  • Travel agents agree that demand for luxury and river cruises is growing. Of those responding to the surveys, 36.5 percent report increasing demand for river cruises (34 percent say the demand is unchanged) while 64 percent indicate increased awareness for river cruising among their clients. Almost a quarter of agents, 22.2 percent, report a move toward luxury, with more contemporary/premium clients moving up.
  • Travel agents agree that destination is a top motivator: 86.9 percent rank destination and itinerary at the top of the list for river cruisers, followed by authentic experiences in small towns and destinations; incorporated land programs and sightseeing; shipboard service and lifestyle, the all-inclusivity of the product and perceived value. For luxury cruisers, shipboard service and lifestyle and destination (78.3% and 58.3% respectively) are the prime motivators.
  • Among popular destinations, agents agree that Europe currently stands alone. Of those responding, 97.8 percent of river cruise sellers rank Europe at the top, followed by China, Russia, and the Mediterranean. World cruises, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia rank highest in interest among a long list of choices for luxury cruisers.
  • Agents identify couples and affinity or social groups as growing markets for both river and luxury cruising (with the “retired/senior” maintaining the Number One position).
  • Why do clients choose to cruise over other types of vacations? In order of importance, according to agents surveyed, river cruise customers choose: authentic experiences in smaller towns and villages, smaller ships and intimate ambience, travel to multiple destinations, convenience, product inclusivity, shore excursions and value. Luxury cruisers cite quality of service, cuisine, smaller ships, value, destinations, and inclusivity.
  • In the survey, luxury cruises stacked up positively against the best restaurants in the world (75% similar to much better); the best hospitality service standards (94%); the most luxurious accommodations (75%); the most upscale spas (86%); and the most exciting cultural/enrichment/entertainment activities available (86%).

This information and material distributed by the participating cruise lines were what media were looking for. And the theme throughout, of course, was “visit your nearby CLIA member travel agent for the best advice and price.” So, don’t be surprised to see stories in the coming months about two topics you may already know something about: luxury and river cruising. And, if you’re not already selling them, there’s no better time to get started.

Just another way of saying, “CLIA membership is All about you.”

CLIA Training

Not Too Late for TrainingFest

TrainingFest 2010 is winding down but there are still two opportunities to take advantage this two-day “Fast Track” training program. Don’t hesitate to sign up for TrainingFest in Philadelphia September 16 or in Toronto September 23. This is your opportunity to take four seminars, from a choice of eight, and participate in a CLIA member cruise line trade show while earning up to 70 Cruise Counsellor Certification Credits.

This year’s TrainingFest features seminars on social networking, group sales, principles of professional selling, time management, building business plans, and public relations techniques, as well as an introduction to selling cruise vacations and a seminar designed to help agents explore their own abilities, skills and strengths. The two-day program is offered on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays, with a Thursday evening trade show. The three-hour seminars are scheduled from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:30 pm to 4:30pm.

For more information about TrainingFest, visit www.cruising.org/training-certification/trainingfest.

3rd Quarter ATP - Still Available for Registration

Offered through September 21, CLIA's 3rd Quarter ATP is still available for registration on CLIA's Website. Two very informative and relevant seminars are featured, both three hours in duration and worth 15 credits each. (Link to 3rd Quarter -http://www.cruising.org/training-certification/training-seminars-near-you)

8:30 am - 11:30 am
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT: MADE EASY    (15 Credits) 
What's the hottest topic in travel these days? It's CRM, or Customer Relationship Management. In this seminar you'll learn dozens of strategies -- technological and otherwise -- to help you understand and profit from your customers, as well as reinforce the whole relationship you have with them.

1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
DELIVERING GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE      (15 Credits) 
Great service is the cornerstone of success for any retail business. But providing it is a challenge in today's fast-pace, high-expectation travel marketplace. In this seminar, you'll explore the five emotional factors that drive your clients' service needs, the ten standards of excellence that the best service-providers follow and the leading technologies that can support and enhance your ability to provide superior service.

Not Too Early to Register for 4th Quarter ATP

Can't make it in the 3rd quarter? Now's the time to sign up for CLIA's 4th Quarter ATP. Visit http://www.cruising.org/training-certification/training-seminars-near-you) and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about:

GETTING CONNECTED: A PRIMER ON SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING - NEW IN 2010    (15 Credits)
Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace. Not too long ago, these names would have been meaningless to you. Today they represent a whole new way to communicate, network and sell. In this three-hour seminar you'll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each major social networking site and review more traditional strategies that can help support your networking efforts.
  

CRUISING-KNOWING THE WORLD YOU SELL    (15 credits)
This seminar will enable you to master cruise related geography from a travel sales perspective.  This is a highly participatory workshop, with all major cruise areas reviewed and extensive application of the information presented.

Featured Online Course for the Month of September!

GETTING CONNECTED: A PRIMER ON SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKING - NEW IN 2010
Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace. Not too long ago, these names would have been meaningless to you. Today they represent a whole new way to communicate, network and sell. In this three-hour seminar you'll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each major social networking site and review more traditional strategies that can help support your networking efforts.

Update Your Training Records!

If you are enrolled in or have attained any level of CLIA Certification, be sure to update your Records Now! This is essential in order to claim your course records and achievements. And it’s easy; just follow the steps below:

  • Step 1: Visit www.CLIAacademy.com to register for a new master account
  • Step 2: Then list as many personal logins from previous training courses as possible at the prompt “Claim My Old Record.” Customer Support then takes over.
  • Step 3: Wait for email confirmation of your record merges and then you will have access, with a single login, to your entire training history.

CLIA's training Comes To You!

CLIA's training programs come directly to you by way of scheduled classes and CLIA's Training By

training classes in your area or call us at 754-224-2200 ext. 225 or 220.

Webinars on the Way!

CLIA’s Webinar Series, already proven success for hundreds of members, allows you to stay up to date with the latest information from CLIA Member Cruise Lines. You'll hear about sales techniques, product enhancements, new itineraries, the latest promotions...all the information you require to deliver the expertise your customers expect.

Registration links are to be available approximately 3 weeks prior to each Webinar. You're encouraged to check back frequently and watch your CLIA emails for registration information.

Among the upcoming webinars:
Avalon Waterways
Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010 - 1:00pm EST
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Tuesday, Sep 28, 2010 - 1:00pm EDT
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Thursday, Oct 14, 2010 - 1:00pm EDT
Azamara Club Cruises
Wednesday, Oct 27, 2010 - 2:00pm EDT
Hurtigruten
Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010 - 1:00pm EST
Oceania Cruises
Thursday, Dec 2, 2010 - 2:00pm EST

 

CLIA Membership

Membership Renewal Season in Underway; Don't be Late!

September 1st marked the opening of CLIA membership renewal season; whether you have an agency or and individual agent membership, don’t let it lapse and risk losing the benefits of being on the CLIA team!
CLIA membership is widely acknowledged to be one of the best and most extensive professional development and certification programs in the travel industry, with over 16,000 travel industry sales professionals counted as members. CLIA member agencies enjoy numerous exclusive benefits, including preferred access to CLIA “Gold Standard” training & certification programs, access to “members only” marketing programs such as “World’s Largest Cruise Night,” the CLIA Cruise Manual and a comprehensive portfolio of tools and materials designed to enhance and augment an agency’s sales, marketing and promotional skills and capabilities. Members also enjoy preferred pricing access to special events such as cruise3sixty, CLIA’s annual cruise conference and trade show.
To become an Individual Agent member of CLIA, agents must be affiliated with an active CLIA-member travel agency that is enrolled through 2011. Over 2,500 professional travel sellers currently are enrolled as Individual Agent members. Among the benefits they enjoy:

  • Professional recognition by CLIA and all its members
  • An individual agent listing in the “Cruise Expert Locator at www.cruising.org, providing additional consumer recognition
  • Free classroom, online and DVD sales training valued at $90 for a jump start toward CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification
  • Personal receipt of CLIA news, promotions, event, training and FAM invitations and industry updates
  • An annual membership kit including the CLIA Cruise Manual CD-Rom - A $30.00 Value
  • Preferred member rates for the CLIA photo ID card
  • Access to the complete CLIA web site Travel Agent Center with invaluable information and resources
  • A Marketing Tools Essential CD with direct mail, e-marketing, advertising and PR resources and templates
  • And, a "Value-Added Coupon Book" with dozens of offers valued over $1,000!

All this for only $99 for Individual Membership.
For more information about Individual and Agency CLIA membership, visit www.cruising.org/membership-center.

2011 CLIA ID Cards Available September 15

Applications for the CLIA Photo ID card will be accepted as of September 15; be sure to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.
Your CLIA Photo ID is the official credential for CLIA affiliated Travel Professionals. What will it do for you?

  • Serve as a convenient validation that you are a travel professional and a CLIA affiliate.
  • Be valid through December 31, 2011.
  • Highlight your achievement as an ACC, MCC, ECC, ECCS, CTA, CTC or CTM.
  • Qualify as proof of cruise industry affinity with CLIA's member cruise lines, hotel brand partners, car rental company partners, airline or air consolidator partners and theme park partners. (Special agent considerations and conditions will vary by supplier and are at the supplier's discretion. Your possession of a CLIA ID Card does not guarantee professional courtesies or discounts. A complete listing of CLIA's travel industry partners and their programs is available here. Please contact each supplier directly for details.)

As a CLIA travel agency, you have opportunity to acquire up to four ID cards at preferred member rates. Individual Travel Agent Members also may acquire one ID card. All 2011 ID Card applications must be affiliated with a CLIA Member Agency with a 2011 active membership. ID Card applicants are also required to be enrolled in, or to have achieved a designation (ACC, MCC, ECC, ECCS) in CLIA's Cruise Counsellor Certification Program unless you are applying as a preferred member with an ID card promotional code. You must also complete and pass the exam for at least one annual recurrent CLIA Live Training seminar or one CLIA Online Training program prior to applying for their 2011 cards.
Visit the Travel Agent Membership Center at CLIA's website, www.cruising.org for more information.

Ask Your Customers for Help?

By: Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC, Joanie Ogg Marketing Group & HomeBasedTravelAgent.com

We all know it and have heard it said time and time again. The best way to get more business for your travel agency is referrals from your current HAPPY clients.  You can sell the benefit of your skills easy enough with just the passion you have for what you do. It can certainly be infectious and can easily spread from current clients to their friends, family and co-workers.
The key is to help your customers spread the word of your travel business expertise. How do we do that? One way is to have a very simple and easy pitch (elevator pitch) that succinctly shares what you do and why you are the best at it! That being said, has anyone else ever had a hard time putting one's great attributes into a few words? It is sometimes difficult and even More challenging for us to do about ourselves. Our humility makes this difficult.
How about asking your clients to describe to you in a few sentences why they would recommend you? What is it that makes using a travel professional so important? Why is using your service a much better choice than booking a cruise online? That should be easy enough for your good cruise customers to answer for you. Ask them how they would be describe what they value most about your knowledge and how they would describe that to a friend. You simply take this information and create your new and improved presentation based on true customer feedback.  Here are the steps to take:
1.     Make a list of customers you want to approach.
2.     Ask them what first motivated them to have you plan their cruise.
3.     Ask them how they would describe what you do to other people.
4.    Take this all down verbatim or record them if that is easier.
5. Rework your pitch using what your customers have shared about you.
6.    Try it out at your next networking event to see how it resonates.
7.     If it works…and it should, integrate it into your marketing materials online and in print.

Sidebar: CLIA Works in Many Ways for You

Ongoing public relations activities are just one subtle way CLIA supports its 16,000 travel agent members. There are many others besides such biggies as World’s Largest Cruise Night and cruise3sixty. And, some of the newest tools at your disposal are only a click or two away. Be sure to visit the Travel Agent Center at www.cruising.org and check out the new CLIA Vision, a collection of short videos that provide extremely useful information about CLIA, your membership, and selling cruises. There are even new videos from cruise3sixty in Vancouver. CLIA’s Social Media site provides direct links to all the most popular sites, including Twitter and Facebook, so, get the most from your membership, the benefits are virtually unlimited!

CLIA Events

Mark Your Calendars!

World’s Largest Cruise Night 2010 is October 13. Last year, this major promotion of cruising that is supported by all CLIA’s member lines, generated more than $45 million in cruise vacation sales, resulting in almost $6 million in travel agent commissions. Think ahead, strategize, and make plans to turn WLCN 2010 into your most-profitable cruise promotion of the year.

cruise3sixty 2011

Register now for cruise3sixty 2011, April 14-17 in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward County Convention Center at Port Everglades! Over 700 registrations are already in; don’t miss out on the biggest cruise industry event of the year.
Early Bird registration rates are valid through October 1 and start at $109. For more information and registration, visit www.cruise3sixty.com

Community Marketing's 11th International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism

This unique educational and networking opportunity will be held at the beautifully renovated Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, October 24-26, 2010. Educational programs include a comprehensive orientation session to the market for newcomers, plus two full days of panel discussions and workshops about gay/lesbian independent travel, meetings and events; sales and marketing; keynotes about gay market demographics and trends; plus meals and fun social receptions. For more information and registration, visit http://www.communitymarketinginc.com/mkt_mts_glt.php Be sure to enter "clia2010" in the "Discount Code" box, for a $50 member discount.

12th Annual Luxury Travel Expo, December 7-9, Las Vegas

Produced by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazine, the twelfth annual Luxury Travel Expo remains the pre-eminent luxury-focused educational program. Advisors interested in attending at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino can expect to partake in the largest luxury travel tradeshow in North America. Advisors will leave the show being able to implement a solid plan to immediately increase bookings and earning potential. The 2010 conference program will feature over 25 sessions with the ability to earn 25 CLIA Certification Credits. www.LuxuryTravelExpo.com

World Travel Market 2010 to be Biggest Ever

London’s World Travel Market, one of the premier global events for the travel industry, will be the biggest ever, according to organizers. Scheduled for November 8-11 at ExCel, registration is now open at  www.wtmlondon.com/clia. CLIA members will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win one of six iPads.
World Travel Market is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, negotiate and conduct business, to find inspiration away from the workplace by visiting more than 5000 exhibitors representing 187 countries and regions; develop new contacts and business relationships. On average visitors carry out negotiations with 11 existing business contacts and 10 new contacts. There will be seminars, debates and advice clinics covering topics ranging from Responsible Tourism to Technology and Online Travel.

Check out CLIA’s new Industry Events Calendar at www.cruising.org. All the information you need about all the events you need to know about!

CLIA Industry Focus

Cruise Industry Continues to Boost US Economy Despite Recession

Despite a protracted global recession, the North American cruise industry continued to make an impact on the U.S. economy in 2009. Last year was tough for everyone but CLIA lines are encouraged that the current economic climate is showing signs of improvement and have been reporting strong activity thus far in 2010.

North American cruise lines, their employees and passengers generated $35.1 billion in gross output in the U.S. last year, including 313,998 jobs paying a total of $14.23 billion in wages and salaries, and direct cruise industry spending totaled $17.15 billion, according to "The Contribution of the North American Cruise Industry to the U.S. Economy in 2009," an annual report prepared for CLIA by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA). BREA, based in Exton, Pa., has been compiling annual economic impact reports for CLIA since 1997.

The cruise industry's U.S. economic contribution in 2009 was felt in every state to varying degrees. Of the 13.44 million CLIA member cruise line total cruisers in 2009, U.S. ports embarked 8.9 million passengers, accounting for 66 percent of the worldwide total. Florida port embarkations grew by nearly 3 percent for a total of 59 percent of the U.S. total, due to gains in Port Everglades, Tampa and Jacksonville.

The 2009 economic environment for the travel industry was daunting. Most of the negative impact of the global recession, which experts have determined to have occurred between December 2007 and the fourth quarter 2008, were felt during 2009 due to continuing nationwide loss of jobs and consequent rising unemployment. Not surprisingly, real inflation-adjusted consumer expenditures fell by .6 percent in 2009, with discretionary spending on such items as transportation services falling by 3.7 percent. In short, last year represented an economic environment in which consumers were steadily reducing their spending particularly for discretionary services.

These circumstances had a consequent effect on the industry's level of economic contribution to the U.S. but it is worthwhile putting 2009 in historical perspective. While last year's contribution of $35.1 billion represents a 12.8 percent decrease for the year, over the last decade the cruise industry has outperformed the national economy and the travel and tourism (T&T) sector. Between 2000-2008, annual direct expenditures of the cruise industry had increased by 85 percent, approximately double the 48 percent increase in annual personal consumption expenditures and the 40 percent increase in annual direct output of the T&T sector. As of 2009, the cumulative growth in direct expenditures by cruise lines was still 50 percent higher than the cumulative growth in personal consumption expenditures and more than double the increase in direct T&T output. It is also noteworthy that, in 2009, the cruise industry out-performed several other segments of T&T, including traveler accommodations, air transportation and other transportation.

"Given what we've been through, CLIA's cruise lines can look ahead with a good measure of optimism," said Howard Frank, vice chairman of the board and chief operating officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, and chairman of CLIA's executive committee. "Demand is solid, advanced bookings are encouraging, there are significant growth opportunities around the world, and we're seeing opportunities for better pricing strategies that, in the end, mean better results for the cruise lines and greater contributions to the economies where we operate."

CLIA Cruise News

Avalon Luminary Arrives

Avalon Waterways introduced its latest fleet addition in late July. The 138-passenger Avalon Luminary features 65 staterooms and four junior suites, almost all with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors. The ship also offers club lounge and open-air Sky Grill, a Jacuzzi, a fitness room, library, hair salon and gift shop. Luminary will make nine-day sailings between Amsterdam and Basel and between Zurich and Amsterdam (both are called Romantic Rhine) for the remainder of 2010 Christmastime cruises in Germany.

Carnival Magic in the Water

Carnival Cruise Lines has launched its newest, Carnival Magic. Sister ship to Carnival Dream, Magic has 1,845 passenger accommodations, plus more than 700 crew cabins, for total capacity of almost 6,000.

Costa Favolosa takes another Step toward Launch

Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa, the fourth of five vessels to join the fleet between 2009 and 2012, will debut next summer and has taken to the water for the first time. A sister ship, Costa Fascinosa, will join the fleet in spring 2012. Among Costa Favolosa's innovative features: new suites with private veranda and Jacuzzi; an entertainment area for teenagers, including a dance floor; a children's game room and a new open-air Aqua Park playground. with its own pirate galleon. Costa’s new flagship will also be equipped for cold ironing. The ship will offer seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari to Greece, Turkey and the Balkans.

MSC Cruises' MSC Fantastica to be Built by STX France

MSC Cruises announced the conclusion of the legal process that finalizes the order and confirms construction of a new 'Fantasia' class cruise ship, MSC Fantastica, U32, by STX France making it the 12th ship in the MSC fleet will be built by STX France and delivered by spring of 2012, according to company officials. Fantastica will build on the success of the 'Fantasia' prototype, offering such innovative features such as the MSC Yacht Club, the exclusive ship-within-a-ship area onboard experience.

Wendy Beck joins Norwegian Cruise Line

Wendy Beck has joined Norwegian Cruise Line as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for all aspects of the company’s finance.  With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Beck most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Domino’s Pizza, a $5.6 billion publicly traded company with more than 9,000 franchised and company-owned stores in over 60 countries and all 50 states.  In that role, she oversaw all aspects of finance including public company disclosers, accounting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, risk management and internal audit. Prior to that, Beck served as CFO for two well-known national restaurant chains: Whataburger Restaurants and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.

Silversea Names New Sales Directors

Silversea Cruises has announced that John Migliori will handle sales for New York and New Jersey; Kim Guimaraes for western and northern Florida; and Melissa Araya for Latin America. Migliori spent 18 years with Carnival Cruise Lines in a variety of roles, while Guimaraes brings over 24 years in the travel industry to her new position, including 12 years with Carnival. Araya has over 20 years experience, including 15 with American Express.

CruiseOne & Cruises Inc. Name New VP Marketing

CruiseOne & Cruises Inc. have named Luis Zuniga vice president of marketing to be based at the companies' joint headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. Zuniga will be responsible for developing and managing corporate marketing initiatives, as well as overseeing the marketing programs of more than 1,100 franchise owners and independent contractors. Prior to this, Zuniga was with the Burger King Corporation in Miami, Fla., where he held the position of senior marketing manager for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Fleet News

CLIA Fleet News: Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam in Service

Holland America Line named ms Nieuw Amsterdam, the premium line’s 15th ship, in Venice, Italy, on July 4, 2010. Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, the 2,106-guest vessel the fourth to carry the Nieuw Amsterdam name. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

The 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City, with art works valued at over $3 million, including pieces by celebrated artists Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein. The new ship joins HAL’s  recently launched Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging center.

The mid-sized, 11-deck Nieuw Amsterdam continues several other much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Café -- a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. In addition the ship will feature the family-style Canaletto Italian restaurant. Nieuw Amsterdam features 11 guest decks and staterooms spotlight all the Signature of Excellence® premium amenities. Also featured are innovative spa staterooms with additional spa amenities.

Port Talk

More New Ships for Port Everglades

The 2010-2011 cruise season at Broward County’s Port Everglades brings an array of new ships, new itineraries and new passenger services to South Florida. 
Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s second Oasis-class cruise ship, will be named at her homeport, Port Everglades, and begin sailing every Sunday year-round as of December 5, 2010.  In addition, four other newly built cruise ships will debut at Port Everglades this season.  Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam will be homeported at Port Everglades through the winter. Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth, P&O Cruises Azura and Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Sojourn will also celebrate their United States debuts at Port Everglades this season.

San Diego to Open New Multi-Purpose Center, Launches New Pre- and Post-cruise Programs

The Port of San Diego will be home to the new Broadway Event Center, a multi-purpose cruise and event center set to open this December. In addition, the port’s marketing team has created a partnership with Carefree Travel and  Sports Empire Inc. to present various pre- and post-cruise booking options.  San Diego has the best airport to seaport experience in the United States, if not the world voted editor's pick for Best U.S Homeport by Travel Age West 2010.

Under the theme “Sea to Shining Sea - Let the Port of San Diego be your Embarkation to see the World!” the port’s new packages include hotel, local attractions and ground transportation and feature such attractions as Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and USS Midway. Group and individual departures are available. Check out the cruise options and packages at thebigbay.com or info@sports-empire.com .

CLIA Cruise Line Profiles

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld currently offers over 500 departures, sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Egypt, and China. Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the premier river cruise company, is recognized in: Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Top Small Ship Cruise Lines; Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious Gold List and their Readers’ Poll for Top 50 Small Ships, and their Readers’ Choice Awards for World's Top Small Ship Cruise Lines; Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Pick for Best River Cruise Line and Best New River Ship for the River Beatrice; Zagat’s ranked in the category of Top Cabins and Top Dining, and is the only river cruise line represented in their cruise survey with the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features elegant, boutique hotel-style cruise ships designed for the experienced traveler, with an average capacity of 134 guests, expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions, world-class cuisine, and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests. The company offers over 500 departures on 35 itineraries sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China.

Key Selling Points

Intimate, boutique cruise ships with one staff member to every three guests.
Luxuriously appointed riverview staterooms—many with French balconies. Hotel-style beds draped in fine linens, and bathrooms stocked with thick towels, plush robes, and L’Occitane body products.
All meals onboard: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Gourmet cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients from the local farmer's markets. Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with dinner; bottled water in staterooms; and a 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar.
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners.
Shore excursions included. All transfers on arrival and departure days.

Phone Numbers

General Office: 800-733-7820
Brochures/General Information: 800-733-7820
Individual Reservations: 800-733-7820
Charter Reservations: 800-868-7905
Group Reservations: 800-425-0043
Incentive Sales: 800-868-7905
Air Arrangements: 800-733-7820
Guest Relations: 800-733-7820
Travel Agent Sales Support: 800-868-7905
Travel Agent Relations: 800-868-7905

Carnival Cruise Lines

With an unmatched combination of quality, value and fun, Carnival Cruise Lines has become the world’s most popular cruise line, carrying more passengers than any other cruise operator. From the moment guests board a Carnival “Fun Ship,” they’re treated to a seemingly endless variety of on-board dining, entertainment and activity options while enjoying friendly and attentive service that has become the company’s hallmark. With its unique on-board ambiance, a Carnival vacation is like no other, providing guests the opportunity to create a lifetime of wonderful memories with friends, families and loved ones.

Key Selling Points

1. Carnival delivers fun, memorable vacations to our guests aboard any one of our 23 modern floating resorts.
2. Sailing from 19 North American departure ports – the most in cruising - with a choice of 3 to 16 day itineraries.
3. A wide variety of dining choices, including full-service dining venues and expansive casual eateries, as well as elegant steakhouses and sushi bars on select ships.
4. Supervised programs for children and teens: Camp Carnival for 2-11. Circle "C" for 12-14 and Club O2 for 15-17.
5. Exciting shore excursions offering a wide range of choices, ranging from popular sightseeing destinations and water-based activities to exhilarating adventure-style offerings.
6. Spa Carnival offering pampering services, fitness centers with the latest equipment, exercise classes, and sauna and steam rooms.
7. Onboard fun including lavish revues in multi-level theaters, dance clubs, live music venues, sports and wine bars on select ships, and duty-free shopping.

Phone Numbers

General Office: 800-438-6744
Brochures/General Information: 800-327-7276
Individual Reservations: 800-327-9501 x800
Charter Reservations: 800-438-6744 x70007
Group Reservations: 800-327-5782
Incentive Sales: 877-278-0388
Air Arrangements: 800-321-6666
Special Needs/Accessibility Passenger Services: 800-438-6744 x70025
Guest Relations: 800-929-6400
Travel Agent Sales Support: 800-327-7276
Travel Agent Relations: 800-327-7276

CLIA Member Line FAM & Education Opportunities

AMAWaterways Special Rates

CLIA agents, you are invited to become a river cruise expert by taking advantage of the AmaWaterways special FAM rate.  Learn first-hand why AmaWaterways is the award-winning industry leader with its fleet of luxurious new ships and complimentary amenities.  For a limited time, CLIA agents can join one of the following 7-night sailings for the rate of $630* per person.  Contact AmaWaterways at 800-626-0126 or log on to our website for additional itinerary information. www.amawaterways.com

Legendary Danube cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest (or reverse)
Cruise Dates: 10-25-10; 11-2-10; 11-14-10

SPECIAL CLIA FAM:  LEGENDARY DANUBE cruise departing 11-14 will feature onboard seminars by Tom Cogan, CLIA’s Director of Training.  Enjoy a beautiful cruise and earn valuable CLIA credit!  Kristin Karst AmaWaterways Executive Vice President will also join this cruise and conduct training sessions.

Romantic Christmas cruise from Vilshofen, Germany-Budapest
Cruise Departure Date: 11-28-10

Enchanting Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
Cruise Departure Date:  11-5-10

Rhine Winter Voyage from Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse)
Cruise Departure Dates:  11-26-10; 12-3-10

Romantic Danube from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest
Cruise Departure Date:  11-15-10

Blue Danube Discovery from Budapest to Nuremberg
Cruise Departure Date:  11-22-10

*Based on double occupancy in a Cat. E; Upgrades 50% off brochure fare; Port charge of $133 pp and Land program additional.  Promotion is limited to availability and is not combinable with other offers. Visit www.amawaterways.com for additional information about itineraries.  Or call 800-626-0126. 

Avalon Waterways Offers Numerous Educational Programs

  • Webinar Training Program: We offer several webinar opportunities each month.  Whether you have 10 minutes or 90 minutes, we have designed our free webinar training program to offer something for everyone.  Register today on the Travel Agent Portal, www.globusfamilypartner.com, or go to www.globusfamily.com/training.   

 

  • Archived Webinars: Our webinars are recorded and archived on our Travel Agent Portal, www.globusfamilypartner.com under the link “Webinar Training Program.”  They can be accessed 24-7 for your convenience!
  • Travel University: Avalon Waterways River & Small Ship Cruising (Updated for 2011!)

Complete our Avalon Waterways Travel University course to further your education and understanding of river cruising with Avalon Waterways and earn 5 CLIA credits!  To access this course, logon to our Travel Agent Portal, www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the link for Travel University. 

  • Cross-Selling Your Cruise Clientele

Complete our “Cross-selling to Your Cruise Clientele” course and take a look at several opportunities that are right under your nose!  Explore the art of cross-selling with two options to share with your cruise clients:  Avalon Waterways river cruising and Monograms independent vacation packages. To access this course, logon to our Travel Agent Portal, www.globusfamilypartner.com and click on the link for Travel University.  (CLIA Credits Pending)

  • Special Savings for Travel Agents:  Save 60% - 70% on Avalon Waterways River Cruises!

To book, call 800.221.0090. For more information, call Inside Sales at 866.270.9850

70% discount:
Magnificent Europe, 15 days
o   Departing September 26; October 3; October 10; October 17, 2010
Rhine and Moselle, 14 days
o   Departing October 17, 2010
European Splendor, 13 days
o   Departing October 19, 2010
Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches, 8 days
o   Departing October 26, 2010

60% discount:
The Blue Danube Discovery, 13 days
o   Departing October 22; October 25, 2010
Burgundy & Provence, 11 days
o   Departing October 25, 2010
Central European Experience, 12 days
o   Departing October 1, 2010
Blue Danube to the Black Sea, 13 days
o   Departing September 29; October 9, 2010
Christmastime on the Danube, 9 days
o   Departing December 11; December 26, 2010
Christmas in the Heart of Germany, 8 days
o   Departing December 15; December 22, 2010

Agent Exclusive Rates with Azamara Club Cruises

We invite you to experience Azamara Club Cruises for yourselves with these agent-exclusive reduced rates. Become familiarized with our exciting itineraries, amazing amenities, superior service and all our onboard inclusions and offerings.
While onboard, you will enjoy the following inclusive amenities:

  • Bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees & teas offered at no charge
  • Azamara's preferred complimentary vintage red and white wine of the day poured at lunch and dinner
  • Housekeeping, dining and bar staff gratuities included
  • Complimentary shuttle service to/from port communities when available
  • Self-service laundry at no cost

    AZAMARA QUEST
    September 8: Barcelona to Venice, 12 nights, $960
    October 2: Rome roundtrip, 14 nights, $1,120
    October 16: Rome to Barcelona, 7 nights, $560
    October 30: Rome to Venice, 7 nights, $560
    November 6: Venice to Athens (Piraeus), 7 nights, $560
    November 13: Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul, 7 nights, $560
    November 20: Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus), 7 nights, $560


How to book:

  • Login into www.CruisingPower.com
  • Once logged in hover your mouse over the "Working With Us" menu option
  • Then click the "Travel Agent Trips" link
  • Once on the "Reduced Rate Request Form" page change the "Brand" drop down to Azamara Cruises
  • From here specify the ship, month and destination
  • Then click the "Search" button
  • Once you have found the voyage, simply click the "Begin Request" button
  • Complete all required information and submit the request
Azamara Club Cruises will get back to you with a confirmation.

Carnival's New Travel Agent Portal - GoCCL!

Want to find all of our fun training events faster and easier?  Say goodbye to our old travel agent portal- BookCCL and welcome to the easier-to-navigate, information-packed, Google-search-powered GoCCL.com!
We wanted to find out how we could help you speed up the sales process so we revamped our travel agent portal to make your job easier than ever.
Specifically, we focused on:

  • Improved design and organization - We took all your constructive feedback and designed GoCCL.com around the concept that the right tool is only one-click away. We want you to always be ready when your customer is!
  • The right information - when you need it. Now, there's no more searching around the portal for information you need. GoCCL.com features a completely redesigned Resource Center that gives you lightning-fast access to a comprehensive library of sales programs and product information. Finding the right link is a breeze with GoCCL's Google-powered search engine.
  • So go ahead and take a look at all the terrific Carnival information you can find with one click on GoCCL.com!


WANT TO BECOME A CERTIFIED CARNIVAL FUNOLOGIST?
How many people do you know get to say they have a degree in FUN? Earn credits to get yours by participating in one of our training events including “Funtastic” Fam Weekends and VIP shipboard luncheons.
Space is limited so take a look at all of these great programs and register today!

“Funtastic” Fam Weekend Events
Long Beach, CA
October 23-25

Miami, FL
October 15-18
October 22-25

Tampa, FL
October 8-10
November 5-7

Baltimore, MD
October 15-17                                

VIP Shipboard Luncheons
Charleston, SC – Carnival Fantasy
October 4, November 15

 Galveston, TX – Carnival Ecstasy
October 23, November 18

Jacksonville, FL – Carnival Fascination
October 25, November 13                  

Long Beach, CA – Carnival Splendor
October 24                                                                    

Miami, FL – Carnival Imagination
October 18

Mobile, AL – Carnival Elation                                                                                    
October 23, November 6

New Orleans, LA – Carnival Triumph
October 2, October 30, November 13

San Diego, CA – Carnival Spirit
December 6

Portland, ME – Carnival Glory
October 4

Tampa, FL – Carnival Inspiration
October 9

To find out more please visit the CCLU Virtual Campus.

Seminars at Sea with MSC

MSC Cruises will have two Seminars@Sea to familiarize travel agents with the MSC product: Canada/New England October 23, and Caribbean December 12. Please find attached the booking forms and the rates below.

MSC POESIA OCTOBER 23 6 OR 9 NIGHTS (first come basis)
Inside Stateroom           $40 per person per day
Ocean View Stateroom   $50 per person per day
Balcony Stateroom        $80 per person per day
Rates include the NCF
6 night QUE/NY The GFT for the 9 night cruise is $81.40 pp.
9 night QUE/FLL The GFT for the 9 night cruise is $102.40 pp.

MSC POESIA DECEMBER 12 (first come basis)
7 nights FLL /FLL
Inside Stateroom           $40 per person per day
Ocean View Stateroom   $50 per person per day
Balcony Stateroom        $80 per person per day
Rate include NCF
The above rate is not inclusive of GFT ($ 69.62)

Please email the attached form to: salesservice@msccruisesusa.com, and mcassidy@msccruisesusa.com to book.

Norwegian Cruise Lines' Higher Education

Norwegian Cruise Line offers myriad opportunities for travel partners to visit our ships and experience our onboard product. Two programs are being offered in 2010:

  • PhD@Sea gives travel partners the opportunity to sail in a balcony stateroom, with a guest, at a greatly reduced rate, as well as earn CLIA credits, experience Freestyle Dining and peek behind-the-scenes and meet the ship's crew. Hosted by representatives from CLIA and NCL, the PhD@Sea program is open to travel partners who are Freestyle Certified as part of NCL's online education program, NCL U. To become Freestyle Certified agents should register and take all the requisite courses by visiting www.ncluniversity.com
  • NCL's Let's Do Lunch program offers travel partners the opportunity to visit Norwegian Cruise Line ships while in port, enjoying a tour, presentation and lunch onboard. The Let's Do Lunch program is offered to any student registered in NCL U. In 2010 NCL will host 4000 travel partners as part of this program. To register and begin taking courses to qualify for Let's Do Lunch, agents may begin by visiting www.ncluniversity.com

CLIA Partners

Get a chance to win with American Express!

American Express OPENSMis dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies.  With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their businesses.

Business Cardmembers can leverage an enhanced set of products, robust on-line account management capabilities, and automatic savings from an expanded lineup of air, lodging and other business partners.  OPENForum.com, an example of the resources OPEN provides, is an on-line portal that offers insights from expert business owners as well as opportunities for networking with other entrepreneurs.
To obtain more information about OPEN, visit OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card.  Terms and conditions apply. 

Vancouver to Alaska Cruises -- Smooth Sailing for Americans

The Vancouver-Alaska Cruise Experience is a breeze for US passengers since Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR) and Port Authority began working with border officials to create their US Direct Program.  Designed exclusively for US citizens and permanent residents, the program pre-identifies arriving cruise ship passengers, whisks them through immigration and onto a bus, direct to their same-day departing Alaska cruise ships. Their luggage is delivered automatically from airplane to stateroom.

When returning to port, the  Onboard Check-in Service provides passengers their airline boarding passes and baggage labels. Passengers are bused to a dedicated passenger lounge at the Vancouver airport for a same-day flight home to any US destination. On Board Check-in  streamlines customs and security clearance. Baggage transfers from ship to airline are hassle-free -- no passenger handling required. Major Alaska Cruise lines and US airlines are participating in this innovative approach to cross-border travel. Click here for more information.

Amadeus Cruise welcomes Disney Cruise Lines

Amadeus Cruise  (http://www.amadeus.com/us/x53595.html) is proud to announce the addition of Disney Cruise Lines. Now you can offer one of the most popular cruise lines available!
Disney Cruises offers something for everyone! Routinely voted among the best at sea, Disney provides fun, family-friendly cruises on lavishly themed ships. New sailing destinations start in 2011, including the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and the Pacific Coast.

Book through Amadeus Cruise today! Amadeus Cruise is a component of Amadeus Selling Platform, the world's leading travel retailing platform, as well as Amadeus Vacation Link (http://vacationlink.agentnet.com/anet/index.jsp), the industry’s only FREE leisure booking portal. Amadeus Cruise offers users 24/7 real-time access to the most up-to-date information. With the industry’s best lineup of providers, Amadeus Cruise makes it easy to plan and book your customers’ dream cruise vacations. 
Want to know more? In the US, call 1.888.AMADEUS. In Canada, call 1.888.611.5554. E-mail us at salesinquiries@amadeus.com

Think FedEx First. The savings can really stack up.

If you’ve been shipping with other carriers, it’s time to switch to FedEx. Not only will you get peace of mind from reliable FedEx® shipping, but you can also take advantage of great savings on FedEx shipping as well as FedEx OfficeSM services by enrolling in the FedEx member benefits program. Take advantage of your member discounts on select FedEx shipping services and FedEx Office business services.

FedEx Ground is faster to more locations than UPS Ground. It's just one of many reasons why small businesses like yours should Think FedEx First. Don't forget to take advantage of your special CLIA member discounts of up to 26%* on select FedEx® services and up to 20% on select FedEx OfficeSM services**. To enroll in the discount program or learn more, go to enrolladvantage.fedex.com/4731 and enter passcode FHVSV7 or call 1-800-MEMBERS (1.800.636.2377, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, M-F). Enroll today and start saving! *Terms & Conditions