Agents can now boost their Alaska knowledge, and sales, with the new Princess Cruises Alaska Expert certification from Princess Academy. An added feature for the extensive online training program, this four-course unit offers agents in-depth information on Princess cruisetours and the best way to plan a client’s Alaska vacation. By completing the program, agents are also eligible for a number of special Alaska features, including bonus commission coupons and a chance to win an Alaska cruisetour.
“This is our first specialty expert program within Princess Academy and we designed it as a comprehensive way for agents to really hone their knowledge of this spectacular cruisetour destination with more in-depth information than our regular Alaska course,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice-president of sales, marketing and customer service. “We’re often surprised more agents don’t sell these lucrative programs, and those who complete this program will have detailed background that can give them a competitive advantage when selling these great vacation options.”
Agents become a Princess Alaska Expert after completing the following four courses:
!!! Voyage of the Glaciers – A detailed look at this itinerary, which is a staple of every Princess cruisetour. The course offers information about the route, which features the state’s most popular ports, plus Glacier Bay National Park. Agents will learn about shore excursions, Princess’ variety of onboard programs just for Alaska, and other features that make this itinerary the best cruise choice for seeing the state’s highlights.
!!! Alaska Cruisetours 101 – A day-by-day examination of one of the line’s most popular cruisetour itineraries (number BB4) to give agents an in-depth understanding of this type of vacation. Agents will learn about the Denali National Park region, Princess’ wilderness lodge experience, dining choices, land excursions and other ways passengers can spend their time at the lodges.
!!! Specialty Alaska Cruisetours – This course details two Princess cruisetours to off-the-beaten-path areas of Alaska not typically visited by other cruise lines. Agents will learn about itineraries to the Kenai and Copper River areas, with specifics about Princess’ wilderness lodges in these regions and the unique features found in each location.
!!! Selling Tips for Alaska – Agents can learn from Princess’ 40 years of operation in Alaska with tips and strategies to leverage the line’s expertise in the region to grow their business in the profitable cruisetour market.
Upon completion of the program, agents earn a certificate of completion, a Princess Alaska Expert Sales Kit, opportunity for incremental co-op money to promote Alaska, two Bonus Commission Coupons worth $50 each and the opportunity to win one of three Alaska cruisetour vacations. (http://www.onesourcecruises.com)