Travel Agent Certification

Family Travel & Group Travel
Luxury Travel & All-Inclusive Resort
Theme Parks & Destination Weddings
Cruises, Cruise Ships & Land Tours
International Travel & Air Travel
Travel Insurance & more!

CP Genie Learning

Our online academy offers quick, on-demand training in marketing, sales, social media, and Cruise Planners’ powerful booking platform. Enhance your skills with specialist certifications in areas like corporate travel, luxury travel, and cruise travel.

Sales Academy

Learn advanced sales and marketing skills at exclusive events hosted at all-inclusive resorts or onboard cruise ships, blending classroom training with real-world experiences.

Tech Days

Participating franchisees are taught by industry leading technology team members about the abundance of tools and programs to help them run their businesses as effectively and efficiently as possible. Those attending the event can actively engage, ask questions, and gain insights on how to best leverage the tools in the Cruise Planners platform.

Refresh and Reboot Seminars

Refresh and Reboot seminars are for the advisor who is looking for a quick refresher. They will dive into the critical marketing and technology programs as well as business and time management skills that will help them grow their business quickly.

Beyond STAR University, you can expand your travel agent proficiency with advanced designations and niche specializations:

CLIA Certification & Cruise Specialists – Access resources from the Cruise Lines International Association to build authority as a certified cruise travel agent, with insider knowledge of cruise travel and cruise ships.
Certified Travel Associate (CTA) & Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) – Gain respected credentials that boost your credibility in the global travel industry.
Disney Vacation Planner Certification – Specialize in high-demand theme park and cruise experiences.
River Cruise Academy – Perfect your skills in this booming niche, with training aboard ships like Tauck’s ms Savor in Vienna.
Destination Weddings & Honeymoons – Cater to couples planning unforgettable trips with customized tour packages, resorts, and travel destinations.

Day 1 - Kickoff, set goals, industry overview, and a cruise ship tour

The event kicks off with registration and a welcome session, setting the tone for the days ahead. Get ready for exciting discussions and networking opportunities, with a focus on strategies for reaching your goals. A ship tour and other interactive activities give you a chance to explore new destinations and industry insights. The day wraps up with evening cocktails and optional social gatherings.

Day 2 - Luxury travel sales & marketing strategies

Start the day with a hearty breakfast followed by key sessions on maximizing your business potential, diving into luxury travel options, and discovering valuable marketing strategies. The afternoon brings more interactive sessions to help you refine your sales approach and explore new trends. The evening offers a relaxed setting for networking and discussions with industry professionals.

Day 3 - Product knowledge, vendors, and supplier networking

The focus is on growing your business with in-depth discussions on sales, travel options, and industry panels. Midday brings a break for lunch and more opportunities to connect with peers. The afternoon features a hands-on trade show and lab experience, followed by a fun and engaging social event to close out the day.

Day 4 - Workshops and panels with travel suppliers and leaders

Expect a day filled with workshops and panels aimed at helping you expand your knowledge and network. Dive into strategies for land-based and all-inclusive travel, learn about the latest trends, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders. The afternoon brings more networking opportunities, followed by tips on leveraging social media for business growth.

Day 5 - Advanced sales techniques and building your client base

The final day starts with a focus on refining sales techniques and understanding advanced industry concepts. After a networking lunch, the afternoon includes a final round of discussions on key topics and a trade show visit. The event concludes with a group photo and farewell social, where you can reflect on the experience and make lasting connections.

Day 6 - Ship tours, excursions, and final sessions before certification

Wrap up the week with a casual morning of breakfast and ship tour check-ins. It’s the perfect opportunity to network one last time and take in any final sessions before heading home, equipped with new knowledge and inspiration.

What certifications are needed to be a travel agent?

No single travel agent certification is required, but completing a travel agent certification program builds credibility and increases earning potential. Popular programs include The Travel Institute, CLIA, and Disney travel agent certification. Cruise Planners includes its own STAR University certification program, giving you training, tools, and mentorship to launch quickly and confidently.

Can I become a licensed travel agent with no experience?

Yes. Many Cruise Planners advisors start with no background in travel. Our franchise program includes STAR University travel agent certification, supplier partnerships, marketing tools, and mentorship so you can confidently launch your business—even if you’ve never worked in the industry.

Is it worth getting a travel agent license?

Absolutely. A travel agent license allows you to access commissions, exclusive pricing, and professional recognition. Cruise Planners makes it even more valuable by combining travel agent certification, compliance support, and a proven franchise model into one package, ensuring your investment sets you up for success.

Do travel agents make good money?

Yes. Certified travel agents earn commission on cruises, tours, resorts, insurance, and even specialty trips like Disney vacations. Many Cruise Planners advisors, including those who become a certified cruise travel agent, earn six figures thanks to high commission splits, exclusive pricing, and built-in marketing support that accelerates income growth.

Does Florida require a travel agent certification or license?

Yes. Florida requires agencies to register under the Seller of Travel program. Cruise Planners handles compliance for you, ensuring your travel business is legally protected and certified to operate in Florida or nationwide.

How do I become a certified cruise travel agent?

To become a certified cruise travel agent, you typically complete training through organizations like CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). With Cruise Planners, certification is included in STAR University, where you’ll receive specialized cruise training, supplier access, ship inspections, and exclusive pricing—giving you a competitive edge in the cruise travel market.

Is being a travel agent in demand?

Yes. Certified travel agents are more in demand than ever as travelers prefer trusted experts over online-only platforms. Niche specialties like Disney travel agent certification and becoming a certified cruise travel agent are especially popular. Cruise Planners advisors benefit from exclusive partnerships that make them more competitive.

How do I start my own travel agency franchise?

With Cruise Planners, it’s simple. You don’t need prior experience or a storefront. For $9,995, you receive STAR University travel agent certification training, booking technology, supplier access, and ongoing support. The franchise model allows you to work from home with everything you need to launch successfully.

How will I make money as a certified travel agent?

Cruise Planners advisors earn commissions on cruises, tours, resorts, insurance, Disney vacations, and more. You’ll also benefit from exclusive supplier pricing and promotions. Your income scales with your effort, and our travel agent certification training and marketing tools help you grow faster than going independent.

Do I need prior travel experience to join Cruise Planners?

No. Many of our most successful franchise owners started with only a passion for travel. STAR University and ongoing travel agent certification training equip you with the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive as a professional travel advisor.

Why should I choose Cruise Planners instead of going independent?

Going independent means starting from scratch. Cruise Planners provides a proven business model, STAR University certification program, supplier relationships, top-tier commissions, and ongoing support. Your $9,995 fee includes hotel accommodations, meals, and ship inspections—value you won’t find with other options.

If I’m already a travel agent, how can Cruise Planners help me grow?

Experienced advisors gain access to Cruise Planners’ proprietary tech, advanced travel agent certifications, and higher commission tiers. Our marketing programs and lead generation tools help you expand into lucrative niches like Disney travel agent certification and becoming a certified cruise travel agent, scaling your income and client base faster.

How do Cruise Planners agents compete with online travel websites?

Online sites can’t offer personal service or curated expertise. Cruise Planners agents, backed by travel agent certification and exclusive pricing, deliver tailored recommendations and better value. Our marketing tools and digital platforms help you attract clients and stand out against online-only competitors.

What kind of training does Cruise Planners provide?

Training begins with STAR University, a 6-day travel agent certification program that includes hotel stays, meals, hosted dinners, and ship inspections. Advisors can also specialize as a certified cruise travel agent, with exclusive access to cruise lines, ship tours, and CLIA-aligned training. Ongoing education includes webinars, workshops, coaching, and conferences.