Hi there and my name is Donna J. Jodhan
I have been an entrepreneur since 2000 and I am pleased to share the following tips with you.
Have any feedback? Then write to me at donnajodhan@gmail.com
10 tips for a cruise planning business
1. Know Your Niche
Decide if you’ll specialize in:
•
Luxury cruises
•
Family cruises
•
River cruises
•
Themed cruises (e.g., music, wellness, singles)
This helps tailor your services and marketing.
2. Partner with Cruise Lines
Establish relationships with major cruise lines. Become a certified seller with companies like:
•
Royal Caribbean
•
Carnival
•
Norwegian
They often provide training, marketing tools, and commission structures.
3. Use a CRM and Booking System
Invest in tools that help track clients, preferences, and follow-ups. Look into:
•
TravelJoy
•
ClientBase
•
Travefy
4. Build an Informative Website
Your website should offer:
•
Cruise search engine or quote request forms
•
Testimonials and reviews
•
Planning guides and cruise tips
Make it easy for clients to request help or book consultations.
5. Offer Value-Added Services
Set yourself apart by including:
•
Shore excursion planning
•
Pre- and post-cruise hotel bookings
•
Travel insurance assistance
•
Visa guidance (if needed)
6. Leverage Social Media
Share cruise deals, port highlights, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes content. Focus on:
•
Instagram (visual appeal)
•
Facebook (groups and ads)
•
TikTok or YouTube for cruise vlogs
7. Collect and Display Reviews
After each successful trip, ask clients for reviews. Use them on:
•
Google Business Profile
•
Facebook page
•
Your website
8. Attend Industry Events
Go to travel expos and cruise industry events like:
•
CruiseWorld
•
CLIA events (Cruise Lines International Association)
Networking builds credibility and keeps you updated on trends.
9. Create a Referral Program
Encourage past clients to refer friends in exchange for:
•
Future discounts
•
Gift cards
•
Cruise swag
10. Stay Educated
Keep up with:
•
CLIA certifications
•
Cruise line training programs
•
Travel regulations and COVID updates
Being a true expert will win client trust and repeat business.