Our Most Frequently Asked Questions... Answered.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions we hear at Expedia CruiseShipCenters. Do you have questions that are not covered below? Feel free to contact us today by clicking here.
How much income can I expect to earn?
Just like any business, you can earn as much or as little as you want. Certain areas of the travel industry are more productive than others. Specializing in cruises, international travel, group travel or other niches will be far more rewarding than just trying to be everything to everyone.
Do you charge a service fee for each booking I make?
No. Expedia CruiseShipCenters does not charge any transaction-based fees when you make a booking.
Is there a minimum in commissions that I must generate?
No, there is no minimum you must make. However, Expedia CruiseShipCenters is seeking serious-minded people interested in making the most of their business. If you are merely interested in the travel benefits, Expedia CruiseShipCenters is not for you.
When is a commission paid?
Commissions are paid within two weeks of the departure date.
Who is the payment actually made out to to pay for a client's reservation?
Most clients prefer to pay by credit card. You will make the payment on behalf of the client, directly to the supplier.
Do all of these business models use CruiseDesk?
Yes, everyone operates on one system. We refer to CruiseDesk as Enterprise CRM because it integrates everything to do with managing the business: marketing, booking, invoicing, commissions and cash flow. Whether you are an agent or an owner/manager, to have everything at your fingertips with a single-entry system is a real benefit. E-tickets are even stored on CruiseDesk as part of the customer's record, so the agent has the history and ability to e-mail them as needed.
Can I see a CruiseDesk demonstration before joining?
Absolutely! A basic overview takes about an hour. Sometimes we run longer because people get so excited, they ask to see many of the features we don't normally have time to demonstrate in a standard presentation. To schedule a presentation time, please
click here to contact us.Is it necessary to have the Sabre computer software or another GDS?
No, you do not need to have Sabre or any other GDS system. Everything you need to run your business is accessible via the Internet on our web-based CruiseDesk system. CruiseDesk integrates the booking tools available on Sabre with an industry-leading Enterprise Customer Relationship Management suite.
Once I have joined Expedia CruiseShipCenters, how long will it be before CruiseDesk and my website are up and running?
You could be working on CruiseDesk within 48 hours of your application being approved and payment processed. However, shipping the training material to you will take approximately 7 business days.
Does Expedia CruiseShipCenters provide client leads directly to me? If so, how does this work?
All leads from your personally branded website are sent to you via email. Your local telephone number also appears on this site. Expedia CruiseShipCenters is part of Expedia Inc., the world's largest online travel company. However, we operate as an independent business unit and at this time do not have a lead program from any of Expedia's other websites.
As an Expedia CruiseShipCenters Cruise Consultant, can I still operate under my existing business name?
For business operating purposes such as licensing and tax purposes, you would keep your existing business identity. For sales and marketing purposes you will do business as Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Your Name. When booking with a supplier, you will identify yourself as an Expedia CruiseShipCenters agent. This will give you access to our preferred rates, group contracts, additional bonus amenities for your clients and ensure that you receive proper credit for the sale along with preferential commission.
The power of the Expedia CruiseShipCenters brand will go a long way in helping you attract new customers and give them the confidence that they are getting good value, expert advice and exceptional personal service from you.
How do I get brochures to give to clients, are they free of charge or do we have to order from the Preferred Supplier?
In most cases, a brochure is not your best selling tool. You can easily create a custom flyer on any cruise from CruiseDesk. However, brochures are available free of charge from each supplier.
How do you handle training?
We have a training department and a team of business development managers who provide ongoing education in addition to the regular no cost Cruise Industry educational tools. Initial certification training for Cruise Consultants consists of a detailed self-directed, correspondence course through our International Cruise Academy. This includes proficiency with CruiseDesk, marketing, sales and product knowledge. The International Cruise Academy then hosts regular regional Cruise To Success events on land and at sea that cover our 4 main areas of Cruise Consultant development. There is also an International Cruise Academy on-line library available to you 24/7, which hosts numerous modules of cruise education curriculum to help you grow and sustain your cruise business. Our preferred Cruise Line partners also provide us with 'exclusive' reduced pricing cruise opportunities called Seminars at Sea for the benefit of our Cruise Consultants.
What about the travel benefits?
There’s nothing like firsthand experience to make you a better travel agent! There are many opportunities provided by various cruise lines and tour operators to expand your knowledge of cruise lines, ships and destinations through familiarization trips and educational Seminars at Sea. As a Cruise Consultant you may also be eligible for special fares that can take you to the world's favorite destinations. Industry accredited identification is necessary for this travel which will require you to meet a combination of education and travel sales. You will be able to apply for accreditation with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) once you become a Cruise Consultant and fulfill CLIA’s eligibility requirements.
How many hours a day are required?
Enjoying the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss means that you decide how often and how much you work. Of course, building your business takes time, so the more time you devote to your business the better chance you will have to succeed.
Is all the training I need included in the start-up fee, or are there other materials I will have to buy?
All the training you will need to start your business is included in the start-up fee. Those who subscribe to CruiseDesk will also have access to further training and development opportunities through webinars and other online educational tools. As well, the vast majority of the regional travel industry training from the suppliers is available at zero cost to you.
Yes, I am interested in joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team. What is the next step?
Click here to contact us about your interest in joining our team, and a representative from our Franchise Development team will contact you.
Are there any limitations on who can join Expedia CruiseShipCenters?
There are no set limitations and no experience is required. However, you will have a more satisfying experience if you possess a love of travel and enjoy fulfilling the vacation dreams of your customers. Our most successful team members are outgoing people who have an aptitude for sales and are dedicated to implementing the Expedia CruiseShipCenters systems.
Where can I go to see an example of an Expedia CruiseShipCenters retail location?
You are welcome to visit any of our locations in person. You can find the location nearest you at
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/CSSearch.aspxWhat is included in the business start-up fee?
Depending on whether you're coming on board as a Cruise and Travel Consultant or Franchise Partner, your investment will include different levels of training and support. Every investment includes extensive training with our International Cruise Academy where you'll gain the knowledge necessary to begin working in this exciting industry. The program covers product knowledge including cruise lines and destinations, sales and marketing skills, Expedia CruiseShipCenters systems and business development strategies. While training materials are included in the start-up fee, note that collateral like business cards, advertising, and operations cost (rent, utilities) are the responsibility of the business owner.
Can I contact any Cruise & Travel Consultants or Franchise Partners for references?
You can start by reading the
Testimonials section of this website. Once you contact us to express interest in joining Expedia CruiseShipCenters we can arrange for you to meet with some of our Consultants or Franchise Partners.
How long will it take for my business to turn a profit?
We make no earnings claims and encourage each candidate to conduct their own thorough due diligence review, one that includes professional assistance.
Do I need a business license?
Licensing requirements vary from state to state. You should check with your state licensing authorities to find out what is required in your area. Many states have established small business assistance agencies to help small businesses comply with state requirements. If the state in which you plan to operate has a state income tax, you'll also have to register and obtain an employer identification number from your state Department of Revenue or Treasury Department.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters has attracted some high profile partnerships and industry veterans to your team, why do you think that is?
In terms of partnerships, the strategic investment from Expedia Inc. have really been an endorsement of the Expedia CruiseShipCenters system. By that I mean not just our agent-level technology CruiseDesk. It's 70-plus support people who provide training, marketing services, business development support, group programs and our help desk. We have a proven business model and now it's just a matter of putting it into the hands of more Independent Contractors and Franchise Partners.As far as people, we attract talented individuals who are passionate about cruise vacations. I think it is CruiseShipCenters' reputation and the way the company is growing that has people excited about joining our team.
What do you see in the future for Expedia CruiseShipCenters?
We set a goal to achieve 30% annual growth and we have hit that target every year for 20 years. The industry as a whole is in a very good position. Consumer demand is strong, the cruise lines have built a great product, and technology is making it easier for agents to better serve their clients. We need to continue to focus on bringing more sales people into the business and to develop the next generation of travel agency owners, whether they are Home Based or retail. We will also continue to add features to CruiseDesk based on the input from front line agents because in the end, it is their system.
What makes Expedia CruiseShipCenters unique among Host agencies?
I would have to say the ability to scale your business your way. As an agent you can grow from Independent Contractor to Home Based Franchise Partner and then become a Host to your own team of agents. From there, you may even choose to open a retail location.
What if I am booking a land package and Expedia CruiseShipCenters does not provide what my client needs? Am I allowed to book through other suppliers?
You are free to book the travel product that meets your client's needs. However, there are more advantages and fewer risks when you book through our approved suppliers. Note that you would still use CruiseDesk to enter the booking information and manage the client file.
Are there any preferred suppliers other than cruise lines? Can I book land and all-inclusive products through other suppliers and still receive commissions from Expedia CruiseShipCenters?
We recognize that clients do not take a cruise for every vacation. So, yes, we have established preferred relationships with several tour companies such as GoGo Tours, Classic Vacations and The Mark Travel Group to provide pre and post cruise hotel options as well as land vacations. We will also be adding additional suppliers that provide products which are a strategic fit to our business model such as commissionable shore excursions.