Do travel agents get free cruises?

[doulasue]

I'm thinking of reentering the workforce after an 8 year child raising break. Considering becoming a travel agent specializing in cruises. Do agents really get all the perks we think they do (free travel, free cruises?) Can't think of a better way to satisfy my cruising obsession!!!!! Thanks

 

[Michelle]

No, no free cruises.

There are "space available" fares for TAs but they are subject to availability and you are also subject to being bumped up to the time you arrive at the port to make way for full-fare passengers. There are other special reduced rates from time to time (usually in September) where you don't run the risk of being bumped, though.

If you decide to become a TA do it because you love what you do, because the perks are not as glamorous as some might imagine.

 

[doulasue]

Thanks Michelle, I actually love sales and cust. service, and thought this would fit nicely. Even without free cruises! (I was just "wishing upon a star!". Sue

 

[pal2pluto]

Doulasue....what kind of training do you need and where do you look for openings? Have you started to research what is needed?

 

[doulasue]

Well, we had a local business school near by that offered a travel and tourism certificate course, but they no longer offer it.
There is a two year community college that has an AS degree in travel and tourism, but a local agent told me that all that is needed are the geography, airline and hospitality portions (basically, all the travel parts, with none of the other courses). Also, a local travel agent is offering an 8 week course for around $650, with guaranteed employment at her company. (Commission only sales position). I also emailed several larger travel agencies in the area, told them my goals and experience and asked for any guidance they could give. No answers yet (it's only been a couple of hours), but will let you know. I have 10+ years in sales and cust. svc, just need to learn it for the travel industry!! I'm willing to do an internship and even start in administrative (work my way up, so to speak), but I really need some guidance of where to even begin. I'll let ya know what I find out!

 

[goofysgal]

My cousin just recently did this very thing in Atlanta. She went to an agency that also has a travel school program. She worked as an administrative assistant for the agency while attending the school. After graduation she began working for them as an agent.

We were discussing my upcoming cruise last week and she told me that she can go on a cruise for about $75/nite with her industry "discount."

This certainly caught my interest.

 

[SoleilLoca]

I'm currently taking classes to become a travel agent- I'm doing the 2 year program for an assoc. degree, and hey, what do you know- i want to work for disney cruise line! From what I was told in my classes, travel agents don't get free cruises (unless the cruise line is offering some kind of contest, the "whoever books the most" kind of deal), but TAs do get FAM trips- familiarization trips so that they know what they're trying to sell the customer.