“I’ve been in the cruise industry for over 30 years, as an agent and as a cruise line executive, and I still learn something new everyday. I use this philosophy while designing the Cruise Planners/American Express orientation and ongoing education programs. New components are added constantly to Cruise Planners University (CPU) making it fun, interactive, diverse and current for today’s industry.
We are the highest award-winning cruise franchise award-winning cruise franchise organization in North America. Our new CPCyberLab makes our training state-of-the-art. Our executive team personally design and deliver training, sharing with you the wisdom of their combined 100 years of experience. Our new on-demand programs allow you to get what you want, when you want it. All of these efforts combined keep us high-tech as well as high-touch.” - Terri Burke, MCC, CTC, FC, DS, SVP of Relationship Marketing
Preparation: Steps to get you started. We believe every process has a first step. You have to crawl before you can walk and walk before you can run. And we intend to make your first step an easy one. Our training and business development team will guide you through all the start-up tasks from business cards to registering you with the cruise lines. It’s a one-on-one process to prepare you to hit the ground running.
Orientation: Your compass to success. Your Cruise Planners/American Express career continues with a comprehensive 6-day program in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the heart of the cruise industry. It begins with an industry-wide tradeshow and a chance to meet members of the Home Office Team. Each day is filled with exclusively designed ship tours, training in the CP Cyberlab and product demonstrations from cruise line industry leaders. It’s almost a full week in the sunshine state!
Ongoing education: Cruise Planners University.We call the first six days ‘orientation’ because it’s the beginning of your education. In fact, your education never stops and is available on your terms. We’ve expanded our strong commitment to training and continuing education with the launch of our Cruise Planners University program. CPU is a total continuing education program made just for Cruise Planners Specialists. You’ll find CPU opportunities at our annual convention, exclusive seminars at sea, live and on-demand webinars and our sales service center.
CPU educational programs are found nowhere else in the travel industry. Each seminar is created and facilitated by our subject matter experts, with 120 years of combined experience in the travel industry, and open to all levels of experience. Plus, both orientation and CPU are constructed to build accreditation towards CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.) certification. Did you know Cruise Planners/American Express has the highest percentage of accredited agents in the cruise franchise business? We believe in having the best trained and educated travel professionals in the industry. Because higher learning leads to higher earning.
What our owners have to say
“I was so impressed with the quality and detail of the training class! Having worked with a cruise line for 10 years, I was so impressed with how much comprehensive knowledge and global perspective the trainers had about the industry as a whole. Thank you for a wonderful week!” – Ana C., North Miami Beach, Florida
“I came away with knowledge on many things like marketing and advertising and lots of ideas and feedback from the terrific trainers and home office staff. You really get a sense that everyone is family and that the home office is there to support you and help you to become a successful Cruise Planner Specialist.” – Robin R., Marlton, New Jersey
“I was so impressed with the Cruise Planners training course and the way it simplifies owning your own home-based, travel business. It offers an impressive and comprehensive blend of theory and practice. You learn more in five days about how to become a successful travel professional than an independent travel agent probably learns in three years of on the job practice.” – Christina D., Cottage Grove, Oregon
