How long does it take to become a cruise consultant?

There are two different types of 'cruise consultants'. One deals with booking customers on their vacation (aka: Travel Agent) and the other is onboard the cruise ships dealing with future cruises and 'port talks' about the various ports of call, history, sight-seeing and of course... shopping! To become a travel agent, you must first become licensed and have a valid IATA card issued. This is your key to getting the commissions that end up being your bread and butter! Next, you'll want to pair up with someone who's already familiar with the cruise industry, the various companies and ships so you can better educate your customers on them. If you live in a port city, you may also consider connecting with regional managers for the cruise companies to get tours oboard the vessels as they come through so you can become extremely familiar with the product. You should expect to take several months to learn the product very well before you can go independent. As far as onboard cruise consultants, these positions are generally easy to land if you speak perfect English and have a passion for providing Excellent customer service. From the future cruise booking end, you'll find a captive audience of cruisers that can't wait to book their next cruise vacation right onboard during their current cruise. Because they won't be able to beat the deal they're offered onboard, it's a very easy sell. As far as the port & shopping guide aspect of this position, it's very easy if you get out there and explore the ports of call and develop relationships with the various vendors in each. Learn the 'hidden treasures' of each port, learn how to bargain shop, where the best quality food and merchandise is - and be prepared to reccommend them to the guests onboard. This position is extremely easy to catch on, and the right kind of person can make thousand of dollars in commissions for their work.