Holland America Line Refreshes Travel Agent Training Program

Holland America Line introduced new courses to its training program, designed to help travel advisors grow their cruise business and maximize commission-earning potential.

Four interactive core courses were added to the Holland America Line Academy, which include the Holland America Line Difference, Destinations and Itinerary Planning, Selling Groups, and Secrets of Sales Success.

After completing all four core courses, agents will automatically be entered into monthly drawings through September 2018 for a chance to win prizes, including a grand prize of a seven-day cruise on board ms Nieuw Statendam – part of the cruise line’s pinnacle-class ships. Each month, one winner will receive a swag bag including a cloth duffle bag, logo insulated water bottle, baseball cap, and a notebook and pen. The winner for the grand prize will be selected on Sept. 26.

Graduates of the program will also receive $50 onboard spending money, 10 credits for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), eight continuing education credits for the Travel Institute or ACTA, and a luggage tag and pin.

Agents interested in strengthening their niche can take one of four specialist courses available: Alaska and the Yukon, Grand Voyages, Mediterranean, and Panama Canal. Holland America will also be launching a brand new Specialist Course on Northern Europe next month. After finishing the 20-minute sessions, specialists will receive three CLIA credits, a certificate, and marketing e-tools.

Previous Holland America Line Academy graduates are required to take the new core courses to maintain their status.

Since launching 15 years ago, Holland America Line Academy has seen 19,000 travel advisor graduates.