Cruise Specialist job ?

[cruisingtime2]

Since this is a cruise message board, I thought this might be a good place to start with my question. I would love to become a cruise specialist or TA. Where do I begin to look for a decent school? Or do I try and find a job at a travel agency who is willing to train?

 

I know the pay isn't the best and the perks have been somewhat diminished, but I love to help people, love to cruise and travel, love to research, know a lot of about traveling industry (I used to be a flight attendant and assisted at the gates as a FAM coordinator when I listed new hire trainees for flights) and would be very good at this profession.

 

Thank you for any and all responses.

 

Cruisingtime2

[Spikesgirl]

I had a similar thought not too long ago when an on-the-job injury put me out of work.

 

There are lots of courses that you can take via the Internet, but my first stop was to my local TA and I chatted with her with regards to the market, the requirements of the field, the benefits, etc. When it was all said and done, I decided to pass on it and pursue another avenue. you might also want to start there and see what (s)he has to say.

 

Good luck!

 

Charlie

[WEELYNCRUZER]

Many travel agents will take you on as an outside sales rep, You will be on your own to find customers.They usually pay you 50% of the comission.That would be half of the 10 to 14% the agency gets. You should take as many clia courses as you can. The perks are few and far between. If you are looking for a hobby it might work. The washout rate is very high. Good luck.