Niche Cruise Adds Online Training Program

The Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance has introduced an online training program to allow home based travel agents to become Certified Niche Cruise Specialists in the comfort of their home office.

"Although we offer in-person training sessions throughout the United States several times a year, we realize is it not always convenient for agents to attend these sessions," said NCMA Executive Director Lawrence Dessler. "We felt that adding an online training component would allow us to reach a larger number of agents who would like to specialize in this lucrative and fast- growing segment of the cruise industry.

"To become a Certified Niche Cruise Specialist, agents need to create a Niche Cruise Academy account by going to www.nichecruise.com and clicking through on the online training icon. Once an agent has created an account, they can register and select the Certified Niche Cruise Specialist Course. After successful completion of the course and certification examination, the agent has become a Certified Niche Cruise Specialist.

With the designation, agents receive a diploma and a variety of benefits that entitle them to higher commission on selected NCMA cruises as well as a highlighted listing on the NCMA website. To remain a Certified Niche Cruise Specialist, agents must take and pass at least one Niche Cruise Academy online course every two years.

In the initial certification course, agents learn about each of the 13 NMCA cruise members. The course consists of an introductory chapter, a chapter on why agents should concentrate on niche cruises, chapters on each individual cruise line, an evaluation and conclusion chapter and a certification exam.

The 13 NCMA lines have banded together to educate home based travel agents on the value of concentrating on the sale of specialty cruise products. The alliance provides educational programs, seminar content and trade show exposure for its members and this industry segment.

In addition, its website, www.nichecruise.com, has been redesigned to allow consumers in the U.S. and Canada to locate certified Niche Cruise Specialist travel agents by zip code, postal code or city.

NCMA member lines include American Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen Cruises, Galapagos Explorer II (Canodros), Imperial River Cruises, Louis Cruise Lines, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, Orion Expedition Cruises, Pandaw Cruises, Peter Deilmann Cruises, RiverBarge Excursion Lines, Star Clippers and Voyages of Discovery. All lines except Pandaw Cruises, which is the newest member of NCMA, are included in the online training program. Pandaw will be added shortly.

For more information, call 425-867-0399 or visit www.nichecruise.com.