Celebrity Cruises constantly seeks out new opportunities for home-based travel agents to learn and earn, and its latest program promises to achieve that in a particularly enjoyable way. The line’s new “Starring You@Home” program includes regional learning opportunities, an innovative online training series, and a ship tour and luncheon experience not only for agents, but their clients, too.
Throughout March and June, more than 500 agents and prospective guests will take part in the program, spanning 11 events on six ships in five home ports across North America.
“We were thrilled to win the recent ‘World’s Best Ships’ accolades from Conde Nast Traveler readers forthe sixth consecutive year, and now, travel agents – together with their customers – across the country can personally get a glimpse of what led to those honors,” said Celebrity Cruises Senior Vice President, Sales, Dondra Ritzenthaler, CTC.
“One of the things we know from listening intently to our travel partners is their interest in gaining access to our incredible ships. But they’ve also expressed interest in bringing prospective clients onboard, so they can see firsthand what we have to offer. That was the inspiration behind our new program. It’s part of our continued commitment to doing all we can to help our valued trade partners succeed.”
Each program includes an escorted tour of the ship by a Celebrity Cruises CLIA-certified sales representative, a brief brand update presentation, lunch showcasing Celebrity’s award-winning service and cuisine, and a special onboard booking incentive and gift.
Travel partners can find further details about the program by logging into www.CruisingPower.com, and clicking on the “Working-With-Us,” “Event-Management” navigation links. After entering the Event Management screen, agents can select “Register for an Event Open to the Public” to see the entire schedule of tours available in their region. Events are scheduled to take place at the following ports: San Francisco, Calif.; Vancouver, Canada; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Miami, Fla.; and Seattle, Wash.
Complementing the program are regional learning opportunities including “The Home Based Success Series: Power Up with Technology and Marketing” in conjunction with NACTA, visiting six cities from thismmonth through June (Miami, Fla.; Anaheim, Calif.; Houston, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Sacramento, Calif., and Chicago, Ill.), and “It’s Your Ship: Navigate Your Way to Profits At Home” training at the Home-Based Agent Show on April 27 in San Diego, where Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises President & CEO Dan Hanrahan will deliver the keynote address.
Additionally, both Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises are offering an exciting new series of online training with the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) and Outside Supplier Support Network (OSSN), hosted by Celebrity’s own “Starring You” sales experts, on topics including “Double Your Profits with Celebrity Cruisetours,” “Untapping the Meeting/Incentive Group Market,” brand training, “Selling to the Deluxe Market,” and destination and technology training. Agents can take advantage of these unique online learning opportunities by visiting www.nacta.com and www.ossn.com.
