Become a Certified Travel Agent & Start Your Travel Business
Complete a structured travel agent certification program in Fort Lauderdale and gain the training, supplier access, and business systems needed to launch a successful home-based travel agency.
Become a Certified
Travel Advisor
In just six days, learn how to sell everything travel, while building your own travel agency.
What to Expect from Travel Certification Training
Spend an immersive week at STAR University, an in-depth travel agent certification program designed to prepare new advisors to launch and grow a professional travel business. You will learn essential skills, including business operations, cruise and resort sales, marketing strategies, supplier partnerships, technology systems, and client management.
During certification week in Fort Lauderdale, you will gain hands-on experience and connect with industry leaders across major travel categories.
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Family Travel & Group Travel Planning
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Luxury Travel & All-Inclusive Resort
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Theme Parks & Destination Weddings
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Cruises, Cruise Ships & Land Tours
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International & Air Travel Planning
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Travel Insurance and Client Protection
Ongoing Travel Agent Training & Business Support
Partnering with Cruise Planners means your travel agent training continues well beyond STAR University. Advisors receive ongoing professional development, sales coaching, technology updates, and business growth support designed to increase bookings and long-term success.
CP Genie Learning
Sales Academy
Tech Days
Refresh and Reboot Seminars
Specialized Travel Agent Certifications & Industry Recognition
Beyond STAR University, travel advisors can pursue advanced professional certifications and niche specializations that enhance credibility, expand service offerings, and strengthen long-term career growth within the travel industry.
- CLIA Certification & Cruise Specialists – Access professional development resources from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to build authority as a certified cruise travel agent. Gain in-depth knowledge of cruise lines, ship categories, itineraries, and cruise industry standards.
- Certified Travel Associate (CTA) & Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) – Earn respected industry credentials that demonstrate advanced knowledge in travel planning, client service, and business operations. These designations strengthen professional credibility within the global travel advisor community.
- Disney Vacation Planner Certification – Specialize in one of the most in-demand family travel niches, including Disney theme parks, cruises, and resort experiences, to serve clients seeking curated, experience-driven vacations.
- River Cruise Academy – Develop specialized expertise in the growing river cruise market through hands-on training and ship-based education, including programs aboard leading river cruise lines.
- Destination Weddings & Honeymoons – Build expertise in planning customized wedding and honeymoon travel experiences, including resort partnerships, group coordination, and tailored itinerary design.
What You’ll Learn in the Travel Agent Certification Program
Through STAR University travel agent certification training, you graduate with practical, hands-on expertise across major sectors of the global travel industry, preparing you to serve a wide range of client needs.
Travel Insurance
Compare and recommend travel insurance policies that protect clients against cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Group & Corporate Travel
Plan corporate retreats, incentive trips, meetings, and customized group itineraries while managing logistics, supplier coordination, and client expectations.
Land Tours & International Travel
Guide clients through global destinations, including European city tours, African safaris, and multi-country itineraries with expert planning and supplier partnerships.
Luxury Travel
Design premium travel experiences featuring high-end resorts, private excursions, concierge services, and exclusive travel amenities.
Cruise Travel
Develop expertise in cruise line brands, ship categories, itineraries, shore excursions, and onboard experiences to serve as a trusted cruise specialist.
Hotels & Resorts
Match travelers with hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and boutique accommodations based on budget, travel style, and destination preferences.
Compliance & Florida Seller of Travel
If you are launching your travel business in Florida, Cruise Planners manages all Florida Seller of Travel compliance requirements on your behalf. This ensures your agency operates legally and is properly registered to serve clients in Florida and nationwide.
Star University Itinerary:
6 Days of Travel Agent Certification Training!
Each day of STAR University combines structured travel agent certification coursework, hands-on business development training, supplier engagement, and real-world industry exposure.
Day 1 - Industry Overview, Business Goals & Cruise Ship Training
The program begins with an introduction to the travel industry landscape, goal setting for your travel business, and foundational certification training. Advisors participate in networking sessions and complete a guided cruise ship tour to gain firsthand product knowledge and supplier insight.
Day 2 - Luxury Travel Sales & Marketing Strategy
Day two focuses on maximizing revenue through luxury travel planning, supplier partnerships, and strategic marketing techniques. Advisors learn how to position premium travel experiences, refine sales conversations, and apply emerging industry trends to grow their client base.
Day 3 - Product Knowledge, Vendor Relations & Supplier Networking
Advisors deepen their understanding of cruise lines, resorts, tour operators, and destination partners while building professional relationships with key travel suppliers. Interactive sessions strengthen product expertise and improve confidence in client consultations.
Day 4 - Travel Supplier Workshops & Business Development Panels
Workshops and leadership panels provide insights into cruise, land-based, and all-inclusive travel strategies. Advisors gain actionable marketing guidance, social media best practices, and operational techniques designed to accelerate business growth.
Day 5 - Advanced Sales Techniques & Client Acquisition
Training shifts toward advanced sales strategy, client retention, and long-term relationship building. Advisors refine negotiation skills, improve closing techniques, and participate in interactive discussions designed to strengthen overall booking performance.
Day 6 - Ship Tours, Product Immersion & Certification Completion
The final day reinforces hands-on product training and supplier engagement before certification completion. Advisors leave equipped with practical industry knowledge, operational clarity, and a structured plan to launch or grow their travel business.
Turn Travel Dreams into a Certified Travel Career
Turn your passion for travel into a structured, professional career. Through comprehensive travel agent certification training, supplier partnerships, and business development support, Cruise Planners equips you with the tools and confidence to launch and grow your own travel business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications are needed to be a travel agent?
No single travel agent certification is legally required in most states, but completing a structured travel agent certification program improves industry knowledge, credibility, and earning potential. Popular options include programs offered by The Travel Institute, CLIA, and host agency–based certification models such as STAR University.
Can I become a licensed travel agent with no experience?
Yes. Many individuals enter the travel industry without prior experience by completing a travel agent certification program and partnering with a host agency. Structured training, supplier access, and business systems allow new advisors to launch successfully while building confidence and expertise.
Is it worth getting a travel agent license?
A travel agent license is not required in most states, but completing certification and operating under a registered Seller of Travel or host agency structure can increase credibility, supplier access, and commission opportunities.
Do travel agents make good money?
Travel agent income varies based on specialization, commission structure, client volume, and business model. Certified travel agents typically earn commissions on cruises, tours, resorts, insurance, and specialty travel experiences. Advisors who leverage supplier partnerships and marketing systems may increase earning potential over time.
Does Florida require a travel agent certification or license?
Florida requires agencies to register under the Seller of Travel program. Host agencies like Cruise Planners manage this compliance on behalf of affiliated advisors, ensuring legal operation within Florida and 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 Cruise Planners agents compete with online travel websites?
Cruise Planners agents compete by providing personalized service, expert recommendations, and ongoing support that automated booking sites cannot match. Instead of relying on algorithms, advisors create customized travel experiences and offer assistance before, during, and after the trip. This hands-on approach delivers added value, exclusive offers, and peace of mind beyond simple price comparison.
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