ISSUE 7
OCTOBER 2015
Contents
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Time is Now For 2016
CLIA Membership
Enrollment and Renewal
Page 02
New Ships for the Industry
Page 03
TRAVEL AGENT TIPS
Bill Walsh
Cruise Travel Outlet
Page 04
EVENT REPORT
IMEX America
Cruise360 Webinar
Page 05
INVEST IN YOURSELF
cruisExcellence Coming
to Texas and California
Page 05
CRUISE LINES SPOTLIGHT
Page 06
WHAT’S NEW AT CLIA
CLIA Research Panel
Volunteers Needed
Page 07
Congressional Resolution
Proclaims October as
“Cruise Travel Professional
Month”
Page 07
EMBARC ID
Page 07
CRUISE LINES
MEMBER NEWS
Page 08
WELCOME
A NOTE FROM CHARLIE
Hi, folks,
We hope you are having a successful National Plan a Cruise Month! In this
month’s newsletter, we are thrilled to introduce you to the brand new 2016 CLIA
EMBARC ID (Enrolled Member Benefit and Recognition Card). Formerly known
as “The CLIA Card,” EMBARC ID is the official credential of the global cruise
industry and will be carried by cruise travel professionals worldwide.
To create the EMBARC ID, we went back to the drawing board and examined all
the personal travel benefits linked to the former CLIA Card. Our goal was to
provide our Individual Agent Members with personal travel benefits that are
meaningful, practical and valuable. Equally important, our intent was to design
an instantly recognizable card – with a strong brand identity – so you can receive
the acknowledgment and considerations you have earned.
We also streamlined the ordering process, so there’s no second step! All you
need to do to receive your EMBARC ID is enroll as a 2016 CLIA Individual Agent
Member and complete The State of the Cruise Industry online eLearning course.
I took the 30-minute course myself, and found it to be engaging, interactive and
informative.
You’ll learn more about both the 2016 EMBARC ID and The State of the Cruise
Industry course in this edition of Travel Agent Cruise News. And make sure to
enroll for 2016, right away, so you receive your EMBARC ID before January 1.
Full speed ahead,
Charles A. B. Sylvia
Vice President, Membership + Trade Relations
1
NEWS YOU CAN USE
TIME IS NOW FOR 2016 CLIA MEMBERSHIP
ENROLLMENT AND RENEWAL
Both 2016 CLIA Travel Agency and Individual
Agent Membership (IAM) are now open for
enrollment.
This course ensures that CLIA Individual Agent
Members are the most knowledgeable, top
cruise-selling travel professionals in the country.
CLIA membership provides increased
professional credibility, multiple certification
opportunities and some of the best personal
travel perks and discounts in the industry.
The course and exam take just 30-minutes to
complete. You also have the option of printing out
the information so you can continue your study of
the state of the industry after you’ve passed the
exam.
Introducing CLIA’s New State of the
Industry Course:
Completion of the course ensures your
attainment of the 2016 EMBARC ID. Enroll today
as a 2016 IAM, take the course, pass the exam
and be among the first to receive your EMBARC
ID!
At CLIA, we want to help our Members reach the
highest level of achievement and provide you
with the tools and education to insure that
success! To this end, we developed the State of
the Cruise Industry course.
This complimentary professional development
course has been strategically united with your
2016 IAM enrollment to deliver current, core
information on the cruise industry and give you
the resources needed to stay updated on the
industry.
2
NEWS YOU CAN USE
NEW SHIPS FOR THE INDUSTRY
New ships are sailing to our shores and bringing
a modern cruise experience to the industry.
Royal Caribbean International's Anthem of the
Seas will begin sailing from Bayonne, New
Jersey, while Norwegian Cruise Lines'
Norwegian Escape will begin sailing from Miami,
Florida.
These new ships represent the latest design and
technology of each cruise line, further enhancing
the onboard experience for guests. Aboard
Anthem of the Seas, guests can immerse
themselves in a world of innovation and
technology with simulated skydiving, bumper
cars and RFID wristbands. Aboard Norwegian
Escape, guests will find a Caribbean-style
atmosphere, offering Jimmy Buffett’s first bar at
sea, an expansive waterpark and an exhilarating
ropes course. Both ships offer a collection of
casual, premium and celebrity-inspired dining
choices, including an Italian restaurant by Jamie
Oliver aboard Anthem of the Seas and a Latininspired seafood restaurant by Jose Garces
aboard Norwegian Escape.
* Norwegian's Norwegian Escape shown above
Both ships offer a wide range of stateroom
accommodations, ranging from virtual balcony
staterooms aboard Anthem of the Seas to
exclusive suites aboard Norwegian Escape. The
variety of stateroom sizes and categories make
cruise vacations possible for singles, couples,
friends and families.
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is set to
begin sailing from Bayonne beginning in
November 2015, offering a collection of sailings
to the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Norwegian's Norwegian Escape also begins
sailing in November from Miami to the
Caribbean.
*Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas shown above
3
TRAVEL AGENT TIPS
BILL WALSH
Owner, Cruise Travel Outlet
2
January marks the beginning of “Wave Season,"
a three-month period when cruise lines craft
their most aggressive deals with values and
extras to attract potential passengers. We talked
with an industry expert to get his take on the
upcoming season.
What best practices should travel
agents adopt for Wave Season?
1
Can you tell us a little bit about
Wave Season?
Wave Season, as we know it, has certainly
changed over the past two decades. It has
become a lot less predictable due to current
economic conditions, severe weather and global
affairs. Buying habits have also changed
considerably; we have seen a big increase in
early advance bookings as a result of the rich
promotions in the marketplace, so it will be
interesting to see how much that affects Wave
Season. We’ve noticed some of our typical last
minute clients are booking earlier to take
advantage of these promotions. It used to be
that 50 percent of our overall bookings were
done in the first three months of the year and
that is not the case anymore. I think cruise lines
have done a great job in improving revenue
management technology, as a result they are
able to forecast better.
4
How can agents build their
business during Wave Season?
3
What should Travel Agents avoid
during Wave Season?
Avoid taking personal time off during Wave
Season, clients will not wait until the agent gets
back to book their cruise. Avoid booking clients
the day the ship departs, especially from the
Northeast, and recommend at least a one day
pre-hotel stay and lastly, absolutely sell trip
insurance.
I think the best thing agents can do is reach out
to their clients and incentivize them to book
before Wave Season. Many clients do not want
to put up a deposit before the holidays, so we
are offering to pay the deposit for them.
Additionally air rates have definitely influenced
client’s decisions on when to book. We have
blocked group air space for non-stop flights to
Florida for seven dates in the first quarter to
bundle with cruises because clients like the one
stop shopping. Smart clients book their air as
soon as it becomes available and usually get
the best rate - the clients who wait for the last
minute air deals usually pay more.
Wave Season is usually not a time that we are
looking to build our business; we have all we
need to keep up with the business coming in
during that time. Agents should do their business
building in the second, third and fourth quarters
and try to convince clients to book earlier. We
also start sending emails in November advising
clients that if they wait until January when
everyone else is calling, the rates will definitely
be higher.
4
EVENT REPORT
IMEX AMERICA
Last week, CLIA participated in the largest
meeting and events trade show in North America,
IMEX America. With more than 3,100 exhibitors
and 10,000 attendees, CLIA attended and
supported our member Cruise Lines and travel
agent community by promoting cruising as a
venue for meetings and events. Delivered as part
of Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Smart Monday, CLIA’s Meetings and Events at
Sea certificate program offered a very interactive
and engaging four-hour class.
Lane West, CLIA Manager of Membership
Support and Fulfillment, and Kristi Johnson with
MPI, delivered the class, teaching agents the
benefits and process of booking an event at sea.
On the trade show floor, CLIA member cruise
lines participated in prescheduled 30-minute
appointments set by industry buyers who were
interested in learning more about booking group
events at sea and CLIA professional development
and membership programs.
Overall, IMEX America was a successful event
growing the relationships with our Executive
Partners, cruise lines and travel agent members.
CLIA looks forward to continuing to engage this
community and promote the global cruise
industry.
CRUISE360 MEMBERSHIP WEBINAR
Cruise360 is in June 2016 and to help you get
ready, CLIA is holding an informative webinar to
help you enroll in time for Cruise360 registration.
To assist with enrollment, we have developed a
few handy tools. Find a list of the most
“Frequently Asked Questions” here and be sure
to join us on Monday, November 2, at 1:00 p.m.
ET for an informative look at the new and
enhanced 2016 Individual Agent Member
benefits. Charles Sylvia, VP of Membership and
Trade Relations, will be sharing all the enrollment
details during the webinar.
Cruise360 offers a truly panoramic view of the
cruise industry. Enjoy multiple networking events,
ship inspections, professional development
opportunities, educational seminars and in-depth
analysis into current cruise and travel industry
trends.
Join the webinar for an insightful overview of the
event, as well as an overview of your member
benefits, sales resources and tools associated
with 2016 CLIA Individual Agent Membership.
To register, click here.
INVEST IN YOURSELF
CRUISEXCELLENCE
COMING TO TEXAS AND
CALIFORNIA
Back by popular demand, CLIA’s regional training
program, cruisExcellence is coming to Houston,
Texas, and the Los Angeles/San Pedro,
California, area.
cruisExcellence is a fast-track opportunity to
boost your learning and earning power and make
new connections with industry partners. You do
not need to be a CLIA member to attend.
However, all CLIA Individual Agent Members who
are currently enrolled in either the ACC or MCC
certification programs and complete the full day
of training, will earn up to 50 elective credits
towards their certificate completion! Space
availability fills up quickly so register today!
You can win valuable prizes from cruise lines, CLIA
and cruise industry partners. Upcoming dates
include:
• December 10, 2015: Houston, TX
• December 12, 2015: Los Angeles/San Pedro
Area
Click here for a full schedule and agenda.
5
CRUISE LINE SPOTLIGHT
Carnival Corporation
Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Corporation expanded its presence in
Cozumel with the addition of a third pier to its
Puerto Maya port complex. The new pier, built
specifically to accommodate Carnival
Corporation's largest and future generation
ships, is attached to the existing pier, allowing
passengers easy access to the Puerto Maya
welcome center. The new pier allows Carnival
Corporation to dock three of its ships from
across their ten brands simultaneously, offering
additional opportunities for Carnival Corporation
brands to add Cozumel to Caribbean itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that its
second Breakaway Plus Class ship will be
specially designed and tailored for the growing
Chinese cruise market. Expected to set sail in
2017, the new ship is currently under
construction at Meyer Werft's Papenburg yard.
According to Norwegian, the still unnamed ship
will feature accommodations, dining and
onboard experiences designed for the unique
vacation preferences of its Chinese guests.
Additional information, including the ship's
homeport, will be announced in the coming
months.
.
Saga Cruises
Saga Cruises, a boutique European cruise line,
placed an order with Meyer Werft for a new ship
to be delivered in 2019. This new order is the
first Saga order for a new ship build. The new
ship, according to the cruise line, will offer an
intimate onboard experience, carrying just under
1,000 guests. The ship will feature a number of
specialty restaurants, bars, spa, pools, a library,
Saga's signature Britannia bar and all balcony
staterooms.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
Collection
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
announced their newest ship, the Ganges
Voyager II, will launch a new India sailing
beginning in January 2016. A first for the river
cruise line, the 13-day itinerary will feature a
seven-night cruise along the Ganges River
aboard the all-suite river vessel and five nights
ashore in luxury hotels. Included in the itinerary,
guests will have the opportunity to visit the Taj
Mahal, the Agra Fort and the home of Mother
Theresa. Aboard the Ganges Voyager II, guests
can indulge in panoramic suites, onboard
cultural experiences and Indian and Western
inspired cuisine.
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WHAT’S NEW AT CLIA
CLIA RESEARCH PANEL
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Have your voice heard! CLIA is looking for Travel Agencies and Agents to participate in periodic surveys.
The surveys will help us understand key market trends and enable us to develop comprehensive and
meaningful membership programs. Did we also mention you can win prizes? To volunteer, please send an
email indicating your interest to [email protected].
CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION PROCLAIMS OCTOBER
AS “CRUISE TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL MONTH”
Because National Plan a Cruise Month is an
important time to recognize all those dedicated to
providing an enriching cruise travel experience,
CLIA worked with Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and
Corrine Brown (D-FL) to introduce a Congressional
Resolution designating October as “Cruise Travel
Professional Month.” Click here to read the press
release.
EMBARC ID
New with your 2016 membership is the EMBARC ID
Formerly known as the CLIA Card, the EMBARC ID
is the official credential of the cruise industry and
exclusively for CLIA Individual Agent Members.
Newly designed and branded, this key element of
your membership is honored by select hotels, car
rental companies, airlines and attractions for special
considerations and discounts. Individual Agent
Members with an approved application for the 2016
member year qualify for an EMBARC ID. Log into
MyCLIA and join or renew your membership to
receive your EMBARC ID. Click here to learn more.
7
CRUISE LINE MEMBER NEWS
Norwegian Cruise Line
Pitbull named Godfather of Norwegian Escape
Princess Cruises
Princess' newest ship to be named Majestic Princess, enter Chinese market
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival launches new flight and cruise booking method
Oceania Cruises
Oceania announces new specialty restaurants for Sirena
Royal Caribbean International
Liberty of the Seas To Undergo Refresh, New Waterslides & Restaurants
Holland America Line
ms Koningsdam to feature unique winemaking experience
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises to take delivery of new ship in 2016
Silversea Cruises
Silver Cloud to join expedition fleet in 2017
Celebrity Cruises
Two Millennium Class ships to undergo major refresh
Thomson Cruises
Thomson Cruises to base ship in Dubai
Cruising.org
CruiseForward.org
CLIAFan
@CruiseFacts