CRUISE PLANNERS LAUNCHES INDUSTRY’S FIRST VIRTUAL EDUCATION PLATFORM

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. – November 18, 2009 – During today’s opening ceremony of the Cruise Planners/American Express annual convention, company executives unveiled the ir upgraded Cruise Planners University (CPU) educational program, which now integrates Cruise Lines Intern ational Association (CLIA) and select cruise line and tour company universities with Cruise Planners’ core training modules.  Graduating agents will be Certified Cruise Planner Experts (CCPE), the new platinum standard in travel agent accreditation.

"Higher learning leads to higher earning," said Terri Burke, senior vice president of relationship marketing for Cruise Planners. "This new program gives our agents access to an unmatched curriculum that will put the m at the forefront of the industry as top sales achievers.  We’re in a competitive industry, so we’re ensuring our agents have the tools necessary to grow the ir home-based business by providing the m with a one-stop shop where the y can obtain the certifications vital to becoming top earners."    

In its new virtual form, CPU is now a robust two-year program with more than 40 courses per training level and mandated testing where agents can earn the majority ofthe industry’s accreditations. It’s the first of its kind in the industry. Unique highlights ofthe university include a student union with motivating peer-to-peer games, CPU yearbook with seminars at sea, campus blog and a CPU Facebook group, just to name a few. 

"At Cruise Planners we pride ourselves on having the highest percentage of CLIA accredited agents in our franchise category," continued Burke. "We knew we needed to raise the bar and create a career learning path for all of our agents that will set us apart as the most highly-trained in the industry, which was the genesis of the virtual CPU concept."

Mirrored after user-friendly social networking sites such as Facebook, the online program manages courses taken, videos watched and testing scores so agents havethe convenience of continuing the ir education at the ir own pace.  While CPU is all about access to earning industry accreditations, the main objective for the program is for agents to graduate as a CCPE, the highest certification currently attainable. 

"The CCPE certification will be a strong indicator to consumers that the y can book through Cruise Planners with extreme confidence," said Joel M. Wilder, Cruise Planners advisory board member and master cruise counselor.  "This program will give the industry a jolt that attracts new talent with the cutting-edge technology, impressive training practices and accreditation that equals high-yielding producers.

About Cruise Planners/American Express 
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Representative, is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 700 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur Magazine for the past five years, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing the m with innovating marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.  Headquartered in Coral Springs , Fla. , Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include Royal Caribbean International Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2008); Regent Seven Seas Top Producer (2009); and American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 – 2009).