Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- Earning the Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC) credential through the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) requires a combination of mandatory coursework, elective credits, personal cruise experience, and documented stateroom bookings.
- Dream Vacations is the first franchise to have its initial training program accredited by CLIA, allowing new Franchise Owners to earn 40 elective credits and one ship inspection credit, fulfilling more than half of the CLIA certification requirements.
- As a CLIA Premier Agency Member, Dream Vacations provides further support to Franchise Owners by offering four complimentary CLIA courses to accelerate their progress toward professional industry designations.
Becoming a Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC) allows travel agency owners to embark on their professional journey in cruise sales. Offered by the Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, this prestigious credential is a mark of industry knowledge and expertise, requiring comprehensive coursework and key experiences.
There are many CLIA certification requirements on the path to earning the credential, but attaining it often helps to increase sales, making it a smart investment for those owning a travel agency business.
Courses and Credits
Dream Vacations Franchise Owners may be wondering what the CCC process involves. First, the person seeking certification must be a CLIA Individual Agent Member and maintain active membership from the date of enrollment in the credential program throughout the 18 months allowed to complete requirements. Dream Vacations can help Franchise Owners understand this process.
Next, enrollees must take 11 mandatory courses, either in person or online, and pass the quiz for each. Class topics range from Cruising 101 to World Geography, Best Practices for Travel Agent Success, Power Selling 101 and Delivering Great Customer Service. Thirty elective credits must also be received for any combination of the following:
- Attend CLIA’s Cruise360 Conference (40 credits)
- Full attendance at a CLIA Live Learning or Virtual Learning Event (30 credits each)
- CLIA Industry Partner Training offered by Global Cruise Line Members, Hotels and Destinations (credits vary)
To earn the designation of Certified Cruise Counsellor, a few other experiences are also required such as taking a personal cruise of two or more nights on a ship that’s a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member. CCC candidates must also have five stateroom bookings through a current CLIA Travel Agency Member on a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member and take part in a live ship inspection or a virtual one provided by CLIA.
Certified Cruise Counsellor is the starting point when it comes to certification for travel business owners, who use this credential to establish credibility, increase sales and gain access to specialized tools for careers in the travel industry.
After attaining the CCC level, business owners may wish to advance to the Accredited, Master, Elite or other levels, which have additional requirements including higher documented booking volumes.
Franchise Training and Support
Announced during the 2025 Dream Vacations National Conference in November of that year, the Dream Vacations franchise training program now counts as CCC elective credits that apply toward this requirement. Thanks to the dedication of the award-winning Dream Vacations training team, Dream Vacations is the first CLIA Premier Agency Member to have its initial training accredited. This means that new Franchise Owners – all of whom will experience this rigorous (yet engaging) initial training course – will earn 40 elective credits and one ship inspection credit, fulfilling more than half of the CLIA certification requirements.
“We’ve redefined what professional travel education looks like,” said the Vice President of Training and Events for Dream Vacations, Charity Santiago. “From day one, you gain CLIA elective credits, real-world experience, and structured learning that blends foundational business skills with travel expertise. This isn’t just orientation – it’s a launchpad for building a profitable travel business with recognized industry credentials and a competitive edge.”
An unprecedented honor, CLIA’s approval emphasizes the unique quality and depth of the Dream Vacations initial training curriculum. In this program, new Franchise Owners are guided through travel industry fundamentals, business setup, sales mastery and use of the company’s proprietary booking tools. This is just one of the reasons that Dream Vacations is considered the best travel agency franchise to own. In addition to comprehensive training and support, the business model is low-cost, turnkey and can be run from home.
How to Start a Cruise Travel Agency
Those looking to grow their business gain a significant advantage by becoming a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner. Since the company is a CLIA Premier Agency Member, Franchise Owners not only receive elective credits for initial training, but also receive four complimentary CLIA courses, helping to even further accelerate their progress on the path to fulfilling CLIA certification requirements.
If you love to travel, want to work from home, and are seeking a second revenue stream and support from a recognized travel company, take the next steps to begin your journey on the path to becoming a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner!
FAQs
What are the primary requirements to become a Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC)?
To earn this credential, individuals must maintain an active CLIA Individual Agent Membership and complete 11 mandatory courses. Additionally, candidates must accrue 30 elective credits, complete five stateroom bookings, go on a personal cruise of at least two nights, and conduct a ship inspection.
How does Dream Vacations training help fulfill CLIA certification?
Dream Vacations is the first franchise to have its initial training accredited, meaning new Franchise Owners earn 40 elective credits and one ship inspection credit upon completion. This fulfills more than half of the total CLIA certification requirements from the start of their business journey.
Are there any additional benefits for Dream Vacations Franchise Owners?
Yes. Because Dream Vacations is a CLIA Premier Agency Member, Franchise Owners receive four complimentary CLIA courses to further accelerate their professional development. The franchise model also offers a low-cost, turnkey business that can be operated entirely from home.
