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Become a Certified
Travel Advisor

In just six days, learn how to sell everything travel, while building your own 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 the Travel Certification. 

Spend an immersive, hands-on week in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL, where you’ll dive into the world of travel. STAR University, offered by Cruise Planners, covers a wide range of topics, including business operations, marketing, technology tools, and industry-specific training. Led by industry experts and surrounded by fellow new franchise owners, you'll gain in-depth expertise in:

  • Luxury Travel
  • Group Travel
  • Cruises & Land Tours
  • All-Inclusive Resorts
  • Travel Insurance and more!
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Ongoing Training & Support

Partnering with Cruise Planners means you won’t stop learning after your certification.
Benefit from continued education, live in-person networking opportunities, and back-end
support designed to optimize and grow your travel business.

Sales Academy

The Cruise Planners Sales Academy is a training program designed to educate and empower Cruise Planners travel professionals with current and relevant sales and marketing skills. These trainings cover practices such as online sales techniques, customer service, product knowledge and more! All of these trainings are hosted at either an all-inclusive resort or onboard a ship.  

The CLIA Certification

CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade organization, advocating for sustainable, high-quality cruise travel experiences. It represents 95% of the sector’s ocean-going cruise fleets, over 60,000 travel advisors, and 15,000 top travel corporations worldwide. By earning your STAR University Certification, you join an elite network of skilled, certified travel professionals.

River Cruise Academy

For the first time in 2025, Cruise Planners will offer a River Cruise Academy.  This academy will focus on helping advisors perfect and grow their river cruise sales.  The first River Cruise Academy will be held prior to the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna onboard the Tauck ms Savor. 

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.
 

CP Genie Learning

An online learning academy offering on-demand, quick, virtual training for Cruise Planners advisors. It provides professional development in areas such as CP tools, marketing, sales, and social media. Advisors can also enhance their expertise through specialist programs tailored to specific areas of the travel industry, helping them grow their business and skills efficiently.
 

What You'll Learn

With a STAR University Certification, you'll gain expertise in:

Travel Insurance

Learn how to compare and offer top-tier travel insurance options, ensuring clients have coverage for cancellations, health concerns, and more.

Group Travel

From corporate retreats to family reunions, master the art of crafting customized itineraries for groups of all sizes.

Land Tours

The adventure extends beyond cruises! Help travelers explore global landmarks, from African safaris to Parisian city tours.

Luxury Travel

Gain insight into the most exclusive resorts, destinations, and premium travel experiences worldwide.

Cruises

With expertise in top cruise brands, destinations, and excursions, you'll help clients book unforgettable voyages at sea.

Resorts

Become a resort expert, matching travelers with the perfect accommodations, whether for romantic getaways or family vacations.

Star U Itinerary:
6 Days of Fun, Networking, and Inspiration!

Star U provides Cruise Planners franchisees with a hands-on training experience to master the travel industry. Over six days, you'll gain the knowledge and tools needed to succeed and grow your business.

Day 1 - Kick Off, Set Goals & Industry Overview

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 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 & Network

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 & Industry Leading Panels

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 - Sales Techniques that Serve All Segments

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 - Cruise Ship Tour

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.

Start Your Travel Career Today!

Your dream career is just one step away!

Opportunity is calling – answer it today!

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