Read Blog

In today’s fast-paced travel industry, specialization is the key to standing out, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the booming world of cruise travel. As the cruise sector continues to rebound and expand, travel agents who want to capitalize on this growth need to demonstrate expertise, credibility, and a deep understanding of cruise products. Be sure to check us out here at Yeti Travel, we offer free membership, training, and access to our incredible CRM! With 70% commission rates there’s no reason not to join!

That’s where CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) certification comes in. Earning a CLIA certification is more than just adding letters to your name—it’s a strategic investment in your career that can boost your reputation, knowledge, and earning potential. Our extensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about CLIA certification, from membership and course requirements to pricing, delivery methods, and the real-world benefits for travel agents. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to take your cruise business to the next level, this guide will make your path clear, actionable, and exciting!

What is CLIA and Why Does It Matter?

CLIA is the Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. Representing more than 50 cruise lines, over 15,000 travel agencies, and tens of thousands of travel agents, CLIA is the gold standard for cruise industry advocacy, education, and professional development. The organization sets industry standards, advocates for cruise travel with governments, and—most importantly for agents—offers the most respected education and certification programs in the cruise world.

For travel professionals, CLIA is the definitive authority in cruise education. Its certification programs are recognized throughout the industry and by consumers as the mark of a knowledgeable, trustworthy cruise advisor. In a market where clients are looking for expertise, CLIA certification is a powerful differentiator.

CLIA Membership: Your First Step

Before you can pursue CLIA certification, you’ll need to become a member. CLIA offers two main types of membership:

Travel Agency Membership

This is for agencies or departments actively selling cruise travel. Agencies must comply with all relevant regulations and be in good standing. Agency membership opens the door for individual agents to join and pursue certification. Agencies can also opt for Premier Membership, which includes extra perks like dedicated training support and complimentary Individual Agent Memberships for management.

Individual Agent Membership (IAM)

This is where most travel agents begin. To qualify, your agency must already be a CLIA member. IAM gives you access to CLIA’s full suite of benefits, including the EMBARC ID card (your industry credential), exclusive training, events, and thousands of dollars in bonus commission coupons from cruise lines.

Annual IAM fees typically range from $119 to $139, though some host agencies offer discounts as low as $69. There are no refunds, so be sure you meet all requirements before applying.

CLIA Certification Programs: Levels and Requirements

CLIA offers a structured path of five certification levels, each designed to help you grow as a cruise professional. These certifications build on each other, letting you progress from foundational knowledge to expert status.

1. Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC)

Who it’s for: New or aspiring cruise agents
Timeline: 18 months
Requirements:

• Complete 11 core courses (including Cruising 101, Customer Service, Ship Inspections, Groups 101, and more)

• Attend at least one live or virtual ship inspection

• Make five stateroom bookings through a CLIA agency

• Take one personal cruise (minimum two nights)

• Earn 30 elective credits through events, extra courses, or partner training

2. Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC)

Who it’s for: Agents with cruise sales experience
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements:

• Complete 40 mandatory credits (courses and seminars)

• Complete one CLIA Certificate Program (choose from RiverView, Luxury Cruise Travel, Groups, Accessible Travel, etc.)

• Earn 80 elective credits (conferences, partner training, etc.)

• Complete five ship inspections, 20 stateroom bookings, and two personal cruises (on different lines/itineraries)

3. Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC)

Who it’s for: Experienced, high-performing cruise agents
Timeline: 2 years (Traditional Path) or 1 year (Experiential Learning Program)
Requirements:

• Complete 90 credits via case studies, conferences, live events, or certificate programs

• For ELP: 100 credits, one certificate program, one live event, one Cruise360 conference, and a reflection paper

• Additional ship inspections, bookings, and cruise experiences

4. Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC)

Who it’s for: Agents at the top of their field
Requirements:

• Must have completed MCC

• Extensive coursework, product knowledge, and industry impact activities

5. Travel Agency Executive (TAE)

Who it’s for: Agency leaders and managers
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements:

• Courses in marketing, public relations, leadership, and client loyalty

• Two personal cruises on different lines/itineraries

Courses, Training, and Learning Methods

CLIA’s certification programs are built on four pillars: prerequisites, mandatory learning, elective learning, and product knowledge.

Mandatory Learning

Each certification has a core set of required courses. These cover essential topics like cruise sales, world geography, customer service, and ship inspections. As you progress, the courses become more advanced, focusing on leadership, marketing, and business management.

Elective Learning

Elective credits let you tailor your education to your interests. Options include attending CLIA’s Cruise360 conference, participating in live learning events, completing extra certificate programs, or taking part in partner training from cruise lines or organizations like The Travel Institute.

Product Knowledge

Real-world experience is essential. You’ll complete ship inspections (live or virtual), make actual cruise bookings, and go on personal cruises. These requirements ensure you have firsthand knowledge to share with clients.

Delivery Methods

CLIA offers flexible learning options:

• Online eLearning: Self-paced, interactive courses you can complete anytime

• Live Virtual Training: Real-time sessions with instructors and peers

• In-Person Events: Conferences, seminars, and ship inspections

• Hybrid: Mix and match methods to fit your schedule

Pricing: What Does CLIA Certification Cost?

Membership Fees

• Individual Agent Membership: $119–$139/year (discounts may apply through host agencies)

• Agency Membership: Varies by agency size and benefits

Certification Enrollment

• Enrollment Fees: One-time fee per certification level (amount varies by level)

• Course Fees: Some courses, events, and certificate programs have additional costs

Product Knowledge

• Personal Cruises and Ship Inspections: You’ll need to budget for these experiences, but they’re a business investment that pays off in expertise and sales.

Why Should Travel Agents Get CLIA Certified?

1. Stand Out with Credibility

CLIA certification is recognized by consumers and industry partners as the mark of a cruise expert. It gives you instant credibility and helps you win client trust.

2. Generate More Leads

Certified agents are listed in CLIA’s agent finder tool, which is used by clients searching for qualified cruise advisors. Many agents report steady leads and high conversion rates from this listing.

3. Boost Your Income

Certification not only makes you more attractive to clients, it also gives you access to bonus commission offers, exclusive fam trips, and higher earning potential. Agents often see their cruise commissions rise after certification.

4. Access Industry Resources

CLIA agents get insider access to cruise line resources, ship details, marketing materials, and training that non-members can’t access.

5. Network and Grow

CLIA membership connects you to a powerful network of peers, mentors, and cruise line reps. Conferences and events provide learning, inspiration, and business opportunities.

6. Stay Ahead of the Curve

The cruise industry is always changing. CLIA’s ongoing education ensures you’re up to date on trends, products, and best practices.

How to Get Started: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm Your Agency’s CLIA Membership: Your agency must be a current CLIA member.

2. Apply for Individual Agent Membership: Visit cruising.org, create an account, and apply. Upload a photo, select your agency, and pay the fee.

3. Choose Your Certification Level: Start with CCC if you’re new, or ACC/MCC if you have experience.

4. Enroll and Pay Certification Fee: Register for your chosen certification through your MyCLIA portal.

5. Plan Your Timeline: Review requirements and set a schedule for completion.

6. Start Learning: Complete courses, attend events, and fulfill product knowledge requirements.

7. Track Your Progress: Use your online logbook to monitor your credits and experiences.

8. Submit for Certification: Once all requirements are met, submit your logbook for review.

Insider Tips to Stand Out

• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of bookings, ship inspections, and cruises.

• Network at Conferences: Cruise360 and other events are goldmines for learning and making connections.

• Promote Your Certification: Add your CLIA credentials to your website, email signature, and marketing materials.

• Leverage Bonus Commissions: Use CLIA’s bonus coupons to boost your earnings.

• Stay Engaged: Continue learning with new courses, webinars, and industry updates.

Invest in Your Cruise Career

CLIA certification is more than a credential—it’s a game-changer for travel agents who want to specialize, grow, and thrive in the cruise industry. The investment of time and money pays off in credibility, client trust, higher commissions, and access to exclusive resources and opportunities. Certified agents are better equipped to serve clients, close sales, and build a sustainable business in one of travel’s most dynamic sectors.

As the cruise market continues to expand, CLIA-certified agents are perfectly positioned to ride the wave of opportunity. If you’re ready to take your cruise business to the next level, start your CLIA journey today. With the right training, connections, and expertise, you’ll not only stand out—you’ll lead the way in the world of cruise travel.